The Moving to Texas Documents Guide

Texas paperwork. Handled.

Driver's license. Vehicle registration. Proof of residency. Insurance. A move comes with plenty of paperwork. Here's what to keep nearby so you're not digging through Box #37 looking for your birth certificate.

↓ Build your Texas folder
↳

First things first: make a Texas folder.

Physical folder. Digital folder. Both, if you're feeling ambitious. The important part is keeping the documents you'll need during your first few weeks in Texas somewhere you can actually find them.

01
Start here

Your identity documents.

These are the documents you really don't want buried in the moving truck. Keep your core identification documents with you during the move.

□ Current driver's license or ID Keep with you
□ Passport If applicable
□ Birth certificate Original / certified when required
□ Social Security documentation Keep secure
□ Name-change documents If applicable
□ Immigration / lawful-presence documents If applicable
Charley says: Your birth certificate belongs in the car with you, not somewhere underneath a lamp and twelve kitchen boxes.
02

The Texas driver's license pile.

Texas DPS asks applicants for documentation covering identity, Texas residency, citizenship or lawful presence, and a Social Security number. New residents who own vehicles may also need evidence of Texas vehicle registration and insurance.

□ Proof of identity
□ Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence
□ Social Security number
□ Texas residency documents
□ Texas vehicle registration, when required
□ Proof of insurance for vehicles you own
2
The number to remember

Two proofs of Texas residency.

Texas DPS generally requires two printed documents showing your name and Texas residential address. Printed electronic statements can qualify.

Depending on your situation, acceptable documents can include things like a lease, mortgage document, utility bill, insurance policy, financial statement or certain government correspondence.

Easy move: Start getting important accounts switched to your Texas address as soon as you move.
03
Bringing a car?

Make a vehicle pile too.

New Texas residents generally need to register their vehicles within 30 days of moving. Keep the paperwork for every vehicle together.

□ Current vehicle title or ownership document Important
□ Out-of-state registration Bring it
□ Proof of insurance Required
□ Application for Texas Title and/or Registration Form 130-U
□ Acceptable personal identification Check current rules
One more thing: Some Texas counties require an emissions inspection before registration, so check the rules for the county you're moving to.
Important

Please don't put this in the moving truck.

If replacing it would ruin your week, keep it with you. Your essentials folder should travel the same way your wallet does.

→ Passports
→ Birth certificates
→ Social Security documents
→ Vehicle title + registration
→ Insurance documents
→ Lease or closing paperwork
04
Home sweet Texas

Keep your housing documents handy.

Your new address is going to show up everywhere. Keep documents establishing where you live easily accessible while you're changing accounts and establishing Texas residency.

□ Lease agreement Renters
□ Deed or mortgage documents Homeowners
□ Utility statements Useful proof
□ Homeowners or renters insurance Useful proof
05
Bought a home?

Start a homestead file.

If your Texas home is your principal residence, you may qualify for a residence homestead exemption. The application is filed with the appraisal district for the county where the property is located.

□ Residence Homestead Exemption Application Form 50-114
□ Property information Keep handy
□ Required identification Check application
□ Any supporting documents for additional exemptions If applicable
06
Our favorite folder

Your insurance documents.

Moving can change your address, vehicles, commute, home and coverage needs all at once. Keep your existing policies handy while you're getting settled.

□ Auto insurance policy Review it
□ Homeowners or renters policy Review it
□ Umbrella policy If applicable
□ Current insurance cards Keep accessible
New address, new review. A move is a good excuse to make sure your coverage still matches the life you're actually living.
Before the boxes leave

The Texas folder checklist.

Put these together before moving day and future-you will be extremely grateful.

□ Driver's license / identification
□ Passport / birth certificate
□ Social Security documentation
□ Two useful proofs of Texas residency
□ Vehicle title + registration
□ Auto insurance documents
□ Lease, deed or mortgage documents
□ Homeowners / renters policy
□ Applicable name-change documents
And while you've got the insurance folder open...

New Texas address. Let's check the coverage.

Tell Hey Charley where you're moving. We'll help you look at your insurance options and make sure your coverage makes sense for your new Texas life.

LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →