The Commonwealth of Massachusetts welcomes new residents to enjoy all the state has to offer. To help make your move to the Bay State as smooth as possible, this three-part blog series provides instructions for changing your license, tips for settling in, and other useful information.

This section will outline buying or renting a home, moving from a foreign country, what to do on moving day, moving with pets, and changing your address.

Buying or Renting a Home in Massachusetts

If you are renting a home or an apartment, the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation (OCABR) emphasizes the importance of knowing your tenant rights and responsibilities, such as:

• Protection from unlawful discrimination
• Rental agreements for leases and tenancy-at-will
• Rent withholding and deductions for repairs
• Lease termination, eviction, and moving out

If you will be buying a home in Massachusetts, make sure you consider all the steps you will need to take, whether or not you’re a first-time home buyer.

Moving From a Foreign Country

According to the U.S. Department of State (DOS), most citizens of foreign countries must obtain a U.S. visa when moving to the United States. There are different types of visitor visas and immigrant visas.

The DOS provides a complete directory of visa categories and a Visa Wizard to help foreign citizens determine whether or not they will need a visa.

Moving Day

Follow these tips to ease your move on the big day:

• Choose a Reputable Mover — The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) recommends selecting a reputable mover. Make sure that any in-state moving company you use is properly licensed with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). Follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines to protect yourself from moving fraud.
• Observe Parking Restrictions — Research parking restrictions before moving to find out where you are allowed to unload vehicles. Contact your city or town for information on obtaining a moving permit, or talk to your landlord or property owner.

Moving with Pets

Be aware of any regulations that may affect moving with a pet, and keep these guidelines in mind as you plan your move:

• Contact your town or city for information on local protocols, such as pet licensing. Dog licenses are required by state law.
• Observe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) restrictions when moving pets to the United States from a different country.
• Make sure your pet is comfortable during the move, and that you use the right size kennel or crate.
• Ensure your pet’s vaccines are up to date. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies in Massachusetts.
• Dogs should have secure identification tags or a microchip installed — contact a local veterinarian’s office for more information.

Changing Your Address

You may need to file a change of address with federal agencies depending on your needs. Newcomers can file a change of address form online through the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to have mail forwarded to their new home.

Once Massachusetts residency has been established, new residents are required to have a Massachusetts driver’s license to operate a vehicle. There is no grace period. If you do not drive, a Massachusetts ID can serve as proof of residency and identity.

Whether you’re moving from another state or country, planning your move will help make your relocation easier. Read on to Part 2:  Driver’s Licenses and Motor Vehicle Registration to learn how to convert your license and register your car. Check out Part 3: Settling In for more information on moving to the Bay State. Welcome to Massachusetts!

Share your tips on moving to Massachusetts by commenting below or tweeting us @MassGov.

Tags: change of address, establishing residency, living in massachusetts, moving, moving day, moving to massachusetts, moving with pets, parking restrictions, pets, planning your move, visas