Summary: Digital nomadism is now fully mainstream in the U.S. (about one in ten workers). Residency rules are tightening in small ways while remaining favorable in key states, and mail compliance requirements for commercial mail receiving agencies (CMRAs) continue to formalize. This report highlights what changed, what stayed the same, and what matters for managing your mail, address, and residency in 2025.
Key Numbers at a Glance
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18.1 million Americans identified as digital nomads in 2024—up nearly 5% year-over-year and more than 140% since 2019.
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46% of nomads report household income of $75,000+; 79% are satisfied with their earnings.
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Depending on how they are counted, 45–66+ countries now offer digital nomad visa programs.
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Nine U.S. states—including South Dakota—have no wage income tax as of 2025.
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Paper bill payments are down to about 13% of households (from 33% in 2014), while demand for digital scanning continues to rise.
Trend 1: Nomading is Maturing
The surge in nomads after the pandemic has stabilized into steady growth. Stays are longer, averaging about six weeks, with less constant moving around. This “slowmad” lifestyle means travelers are optimizing for productivity, social ties, and compliance. For nomads, this makes planning mail cycles—weekly or monthly—more predictable.
What this means for you: Align your mail scans and forwards with the times of year when you handle major paperwork like license renewals, banking compliance, or visa documents.
Trend 2: Residency & Domicile—South Dakota Still Stands Out
As of 2025, nine states have no personal income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Each has nuances, but South Dakota remains one of the most tax-friendly and nomad-friendly.
Why nomads choose South Dakota:
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No state income tax.
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Streamlined driver licensing for full-time travelers using a PMB (personal mailbox), with only a one-night stay receipt and a residency affidavit required.
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Clear vehicle titling rules, with a $100 non-resident fee if you lack a South Dakota driver’s license or physical address. Low 4% Vehicle sales tax
Practical tip: Always keep your PMB current, collect a one-night stay receipt when you’re in the state, and plan renewals when you pass through.
Trend 3: Mail Compliance is Stricter in 2025
The USPS continues to tighten requirements for CMRAs:
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Every mailbox holder must complete PS Form 1583 and provide two forms of ID.
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IDs and forms must be uploaded into the USPS Customer Registration Database, with providers certifying records quarterly.
For nomads: Expect requests for updated IDs. Accounts may be paused if documents expire, so build this into your travel admin.
Trend 4: Digital Nomad Visas Keep Growing
In 2025, different trackers cite between 45 and 66+ countries offering digital nomad visa pathways. Definitions vary, since some programs are temporary, pilot-based, or not widely publicized.
Tip: Always confirm details directly with the destination country’s embassy or immigration site before applying. Sync your mail scans with visa paperwork cycles so you can easily assemble clean, dated PDFs for applications.
Trend 5: Mail Volume Shifts—Scanning on the Rise
Although U.S. households still receive billions of mail pieces each year, paper bill pay continues to decline. Digital scanning is becoming the preferred option, letting nomads shred what they don’t need and forward only the essentials.
2025 Residency & Mail Checklist for U.S. Nomads
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Choose your domicile intentionally. Consider not just income tax but also sales, property, and other taxes.
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Set up a compliant CMRA mailbox with Form 1583 and two valid IDs.
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If using South Dakota, keep your one-night stay receipt and residency affidavit handy; budget for the $100 non-resident fee if you lack an SD ID.
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Batch mail scans around major admin cycles (licenses, visas, banking).
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Stay up-to-date on visa requirements in your target countries.
FAQs
Does a PMB address alone establish South Dakota residency?
No. You’ll also need a one-night stay receipt and a residency affidavit for licensing, plus specific documents for vehicle titling.
Can I use a PMB as a physical address for South Dakota vehicle registration?
Not by itself. If you don’t have an SD ID or physical address, you’ll pay a $100 non-resident administrative fee.Your Social Security Card may also be required.
What paperwork does my mailbox provider need from me?
A completed USPS Form 1583 plus two valid IDs.
How many countries offer digital nomad visas in 2025?
Depending on how they’re counted, between 45 and 66+ countries.
Ready to Simplify Your Address and Residency?
At Your Best Address, we provide compliant digital mailboxes, South Dakota residency guidance, and concierge-level support—so you can work and live anywhere without losing control of your mail or paperwork.Trusted by over 3000+ Rv’ers, digital nomads, expats, traveling professionals, and remote business owners across the globe.
Start your digital mailbox today or connect with our team about South Dakota residency and vehicle registration.