The Moving to Texas Checklist

Moving to Texas? Start here.

New state. New address. A little paperwork. We put the important stuff in order so you can spend less time figuring out what you're forgetting.

↓ Start the checklist
01

Gather the important stuff.

Before your life disappears into cardboard boxes, put the documents you're going to need somewhere you can actually find them.

Current driver's license
Passport or birth certificate
Social Security documentation
Vehicle title + registration
Proof of insurance
Lease or closing documents
Charley says: Keep this folder with you. Not in the moving truck.
02

Change your address.

Start with your mail, then work your way through everyone else who needs to know where you live.

Mail forwarding
Banks + credit cards
Employer + payroll
Insurance
Doctors + pharmacy
Subscriptions + deliveries
03

Get your Texas driver's license.

Once you've established Texas residency, make your driver's license one of the first pieces of paperwork you tackle.

You'll want documents that establish your identity, Texas residency and other required information ready before your visit.

Proof of identity
Texas residency documents
Social Security number
Required citizenship or lawful-presence documents
Before you go: Check the current Texas DPS requirements before your appointment. One missing piece of paper is a terrible reason to spend another afternoon at DPS.
04

Bring your car along.

Bringing a vehicle from another state? You'll need to complete the applicable Texas vehicle requirements and register it locally. Keep your title, current registration and proof of insurance handy.

Insurance Vehicle requirements County tax office Texas registration
05
Ahem. Our department.

Oh yeah. Insurance.

New ZIP code. New commute. Maybe a new house. Moving can change your insurance needs — and what you pay for coverage.

Hey Charley is independent, so we can help look across multiple insurance carriers instead of trying to fit everyone into the same box.

LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →
06

Bought a house? Look at the coverage.

Texas is a big place, and the risks aren't identical everywhere. Depending on where you've landed, wind, hail, hurricanes, flooding and severe storms can all matter when you're thinking about coverage.

Take a minute to understand your deductibles, what your homeowners policy covers and where you might have gaps.

Worth knowing: Don't assume every kind of storm or water damage is automatically included in a standard homeowners policy.
07

Don't forget the homestead exemption.

If you bought a home that's now your principal residence, look into whether you qualify for a Texas residence homestead exemption.

Confirm eligibility
Find your appraisal district
Gather required documents
Submit your application
08

Turn the lights on.

Electricity works a little differently in parts of Texas. Depending on where you live, you may be able to choose among retail electricity plans.

Either way, get the essentials lined up before move-in day. Especially the air conditioning.

Electricity Water Gas Internet Trash
09

The little stuff.

You've handled the big things. Now clean up all the accounts, records and organizations that still think you live somewhere else.

Voter registration
Employer + payroll
Banks + financial accounts
Doctors + pharmacy
Pet records
Schools
Recurring deliveries
Emergency contacts
The important stuff

Okay. You're a Texan now.

The paperwork is handled. The boxes are mostly unpacked. Time for the unofficial part of moving to Texas.

□ Find your nearest H-E-B.
□ Develop a barbecue opinion.
□ Learn what a frontage road is.
□ Accept that “a short drive” is relative.
□ Figure out your Whataburger order.
□ Say “y'all” without thinking about it.
One last thing

New state. New address. Let's check your insurance.

Tell Hey Charley where you landed. We'll help you look at your options and make sure your coverage makes sense for life in Texas.

GET A TEXAS QUOTE →