Free Guide · Moving to Texas
Moving to Texas
from out of state?
Here's what surprises people.
Vehicle registration, driver's license timelines, school enrollment, the Homestead Exemption, utilities setup, and the Texas-specific things nobody mentions until you're already dealing with them.
Quick Answer
Moving to Texas from out of state involves logistics most people don't think about until they're in the middle of them — vehicle registration deadlines, driver's license requirements, school enrollment documents, and the Homestead Exemption, a property tax reduction that new homeowners frequently miss because nobody told them it exists or that there's a deadline to apply. This free guide covers the practical, logistical side of moving to Texas. Written by San Antonio REALTOR® Tiffany Reed.
Texas laws and deadlines are subject to change — verify current requirements at txdmv.gov, dps.texas.gov, and Texas Comptroller. Last reviewed: May 2026.
Key Takeaways
What Texas requires
as soon as you arrive.
- Texas requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency — a Texas vehicle inspection is required first. (Source: TxDMV.gov)
- Texas requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency. (Source: Texas DPS)
- Texas voters approved Proposition 13 in November 2025, raising the school district homestead exemption to $140,000 — new homeowners must file with the county appraisal district by April 30 of the year following purchase. (Source: Texas Comptroller)
- Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are higher than the national average — verify the effective rate for your specific property through the county appraisal district. (Source: Texas Comptroller)
- CPS Energy provides electricity and natural gas for most of San Antonio — service can be established online at cpsenergy.com before your move-in date. (Source: CPS Energy)
- SAWS (San Antonio Water System) handles water and sewer for San Antonio — establish service at saws.org before or immediately after move-in. (Source: SAWS)
- Texas appraisal districts reassess property values annually — homeowners have the right to protest their appraisal through the county Appraisal Review Board if they believe the value is too high. (Source: Texas Comptroller)
About This Guide
Texas is different.
In ways you won't expect.
Moving to Texas involves a set of logistics that most people don't think about until they're in the middle of them — vehicle registration, driver's license, the Homestead Exemption deadline. This guide covers all of it before you need it.
For help with the real estate side of your move, the San Antonio Relocation Guide covers neighborhoods and the buying process. Reach out any time with questions.
What's Inside
The essentials,
in one place.
- Vehicle registration in Texas — the timeline, what documents you need, and what happens if you miss the deadline
- Texas driver's license — when you need to get one and what the process looks like from an out-of-state license
- School enrollment requirements — what documents Texas schools require and how the enrollment process works by district
- The Homestead Exemption — what it is, how much it saves you on property taxes, and the deadline to apply after closing
- Utilities setup in San Antonio — CPS Energy, SAWS, and the providers you need before or right after you arrive
- Texas-specific surprises — from property tax rates to HOA rules to the things about Texas that take some getting used to
Ready for the full guide?
Send Me the Free Guide →Common Questions
What out-of-state movers ask
before they arrive.
How long do I have to register my vehicle in Texas?
Texas requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You'll need to pass a Texas vehicle inspection first, then take the inspection certificate along with your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and payment to a county tax assessor-collector office. Missing the deadline can result in fines. The guide covers the full process step by step. (Source: TxDMV.gov)
When do I need to get a Texas driver's license?
Texas requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency. You'll need your out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency, your Social Security card or number, and proof of citizenship or legal presence. Texas DPS offices can have significant wait times — the guide covers how to use the online appointment system to minimize your wait. (Source: Texas DPS)
What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply?
The Texas Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence for property tax purposes. Following the passage of Proposition 13 by Texas voters in November 2025, the standard exemption reduces your taxable value by $140,000 for school district taxes — which can save several hundred to over a thousand dollars per year depending on your school district's tax rate. You must apply through your county appraisal district by April 30 of the year following your purchase. Many new homeowners miss this deadline because nobody told them it existed. The guide includes the application process for Bexar County. (Source: Texas Comptroller)
How do I set up utilities in San Antonio?
CPS Energy handles electricity and natural gas for most of San Antonio — you can set up service online at cpsenergy.com before your move-in date. SAWS (San Antonio Water System) handles water and sewer at saws.org. Internet providers vary by neighborhood — AT&T Fiber and Spectrum are the primary options in most areas. The guide includes setup timelines and contact information for each provider.
What are property taxes like in San Antonio?
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are higher than the national average. The effective rate varies by property and by which taxing entities apply — verify the rate for any specific property through the county appraisal district before you buy. The Homestead Exemption reduces your taxable value and your tax bill. Texas appraisal districts reassess property values annually, and you have the right to protest your appraisal through the county Appraisal Review Board if you believe the value is too high. The guide covers the protest process and annual deadlines. (Source: Texas Comptroller)
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Tiffany Reed, REALTOR® | MRP | License #786707 | Real Broker LLC | (919) 800-9870 | tiffany@tiffanyreedtx.com | tiffanyreedtx.com