U.S. relocation checklist for Korean expats: from departure to going home

Everything here was checked on official sources (state agencies, cities, utilities, school districts); each item shows its source and the date we checked it. Rules change — confirm with the agency before you apply.

Before you leave

Bring your valid Korean driver license

Texas

Texas has license reciprocity with South Korea. With a valid, unexpired Korean license, the Texas knowledge and skills exams may be waived. Check your license's expiration date before you leave. See the Texas guide for the conditions.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) (checked 2026-10-20)

Learn the U.S. tax residency tests

Non-U.S. citizens are generally nonresidents for U.S. tax purposes unless they meet one of two tests for the calendar year: - Green card test - Substantial presence test: at least 31 days in the U.S. this year, and at least 183 days over three years counting all days this year, 1/3 of last year's days and 1/6 of the days the year before.

Confirm your own situation with a tax professional.

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (checked 2026-10-20) · Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (checked 2026-10-20)

First week

Check and print your I-94

CBP now collects arrival and departure records electronically, so paper I-94s are no longer needed. Use "Get Most Recent I-94" on CBP's I-94 website or app to see and print your I-94 number and Admit Until Date. You will need it for other applications.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) (checked 2026-10-20)

Apply for a Social Security Number

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues SSNs. Foreign nationals should apply if permitted. - Form: SS-5 - You need evidence of identity, age, and lawful alien status. - Call 800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. The service is free.

Family members who cannot get an SSN may need an ITIN for tax filing (see "First month").

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (checked 2026-10-20)

Get auto insurance before you drive

Texas

The Texas legal minimum is 30/60/25 ($30,000 per injured person, $60,000 per accident for injuries, $25,000 property damage). You also need proof of insurance to register a vehicle and apply for a license.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) (checked 2026-10-20)

Set up utilities

Electric and water providers differ by city — see the Austin and Taylor guides. A utility bill can later serve as proof of residency for your driver license.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) (checked 2026-10-20)

Within the first month

Register an out-of-state vehicle within 30 days

Texas

Register within 30 days of moving, at your county tax assessor-collector office. Travis and Williamson counties require an emissions inspection first.

Source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) (checked 2026-10-20)

Get your Texas driver license (within 90 days)

Texas

• New residents must get a Texas license within 90 days of moving.
• One of your two residency documents must show you have lived in Texas at least 30 days.
• DPS offices work by appointment. Book early.

Source: Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) (checked 2026-10-20) · Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) (checked 2026-10-20) · Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) (checked 2026-10-20)

Enroll your children in school

Each school district (ISD) has its own online system and document list. See the Austin and Taylor pages.

Source: Austin Independent School District (checked 2026-10-20) · Taylor Independent School District (checked 2026-10-20)

ITIN for family members without an SSN

An ITIN is for people who need a tax ID number but cannot get an SSN. Spouses and dependents can apply if they can be claimed for an allowable tax benefit or file their own return. - Form: W-7 - Include your tax return in the ITIN application package; do not file it separately. - Apply by mail or in person. - An ITIN does not authorize work.

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (checked 2026-10-20)

Before you leave the U.S.

Departing alien clearance (sailing permit)

Most foreign nationals leaving the U.S. long-term or permanently need a sailing permit (Certificate of Compliance) showing U.S. tax obligations are settled. The IRS exempt list covers diplomats, certain students and trainees (F, J and others) and some short-term visitors. Check the IRS page to see whether you are exempt.

• Forms: Form 2063 (short form) or Form 1040-C
• Apply at least 2 weeks before departure, but not earlier than 30 days before your planned departure date.
• Appointment required: 844-545-5640

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (checked 2026-10-20)

Arrival and departure years may be dual-status

If your tax status changes from nonresident to resident (or back) within one year, you are dual-status — usually in the year you arrive or leave. You file a dual-status return as described in IRS Publication 519.

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (checked 2026-10-20) · Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (checked 2026-10-20)

USPS change of address

• Online requests have a $1.25 identity verification fee. You can also file PS Form 3575 at a Post Office.
• Standard mail forwarding lasts 12 months.
• If you are moving outside the U.S., you must go to a Post Office to verify your identity before you leave.

Source: United States Postal Service (USPS) (checked 2026-10-20)

Stop your utilities

Austin example

Schedule your electric, water and gas stop dates. In Austin, City of Austin Utilities (512-494-9400) handles start, stop and transfer. Deposits are refunded with interest when conditions are met.

Source: City of Austin Utilities (checked 2026-10-20) · City of Austin Utilities (checked 2026-10-20)

Related guides

• Alabama insurance & driver license guide
• Arizona insurance & driver license guide
• California insurance & driver license guide
• Georgia insurance & driver license guide
• Michigan insurance & driver license guide
• New Jersey insurance & driver license guide
• New York insurance & driver license guide
• Texas insurance & driver license guide
• Washington State insurance & driver license guide
• Savannah relocation guide
• Clarksville relocation guide
• Austin relocation guide
• Taylor relocation guide
• Send a tip or correction — we check it against the official source first

General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. For prices and quotes, ask a licensed professional.

Last checked: 2026-10-20

Cite this article as: JOBnaru™ — https://jobnaru.com/en/news/expat-relocation-checklist