DD 2058: State of Legal Residence Certificate
The JAN 2018 certificate that sets which state withholds income tax from your military pay, with the legal test for changing domicile explained.
Every block on the DD Form 2058
Laid out block for block like the official STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE CERTIFICATE (JAN 2018 edition), with the instruction for each block. Name, rank, and unit prefill from your service profile.
Form details
- 1Name (Last, First, Middle Initial)
- 2DoD ID Number
- 3Legal Residence/Domicile (City or county and State)
The one state you've established as your permanent home: physically present there with intent to return, and the old state abandoned. Before certifying, list the steps you've taken (voter registration, license, vehicle registration, property, will).
- 4Signature
By signing, you certify that you've met all requirements for legal residence in the state claimed and understand your former state's tax authorities will be notified.
- 5Current Mailing Address (Include Zip Code)
- 6Date (YYMMDD)
How to fill out the DD Form 2058
Tells DFAS which state is your legal residence (domicile) so the right state income tax (or none) is withheld from your military pay. When: At accession if your domicile differs from your home of record, or when you have legally changed your domicile to a new state.
Step by step
- Read the instructions on the form. Changing domicile takes physical presence in the new state at the same time as the intent to make it your permanent home, and abandoning the old state.
- Take the steps that show intent: register to vote, get a driver's license, title and register your vehicle, buy property if you can, update your will, and notify your old state.
- Enter your name, DoD ID, and the new legal residence (city or county and state).
- Sign the certification, add your current mailing address and the date, and turn it in to finance.
- Check your next LES to confirm the state tax line changed.
What a strong one looks like
- Being stationed in a state doesn't make it your domicile, and PCS orders alone never change it (SCRA).
- Home of record and legal residence are different. HOR drives travel entitlements; domicile drives state tax, voting, and in-state tuition.
- See legal assistance before you certify if you're unsure. A bad claim can cost you in-state tuition or bring a back-tax bill.
Common mistakes
- Claiming a no-income-tax state you've never lived in or taken steps in. States do audit.
- Changing domicile but leaving your voter registration and license in the old state.
- Forgetting that your former state will be notified of this certificate.