New state. New beginnings. We've got you.
From getting your Texas driver's license to finding help when life gets complicated, here's your go-to guide to the services, programs and resources that make life in Texas a little easier.
All the useful stuff.
None of the guesswork.
Moving comes with a lot of little tasks. So does owning a home, raising a family and keeping up with everyday life.
Consider this your shortcut to the Texas agencies, public services and practical resources worth bookmarking.
Start with the essentials.
Just moved? Welcome. Here are some of the first things to put on your to-do list.
New residents generally have 30 days to register their vehicles in Texas. Check whether your county requires emissions testing. Get started ↗
New residents generally have 90 days to obtain a Texas driver's license. Gather your required documents and book a DPS appointment. See requirements ↗
Update your mailing address with banks, employers, insurers and other important service providers.
Arrange electricity, water, internet, trash collection and any other services your new home needs.
Need to get something done?
These are the official Texas websites you'll probably want to save somewhere handy.
Texas.gov
Find state agencies, government services and official information for Texas residents.
VISIT TEXAS.GOV ↗Texas DPS
Apply for, renew or replace a driver's license or state ID.
DRIVER SERVICES ↗Texas DMV
Register vehicles, renew registration, transfer titles and find your county tax office.
VEHICLE SERVICES ↗VoteTexas
Find eligibility requirements, registration information, deadlines and polling resources.
VOTER INFORMATION ↗A quick tip for avoiding scams.
When applying for a license, paying a government fee or accessing public benefits, start with the official agency website. Be cautious about third-party sites charging unnecessary processing fees.
Home sweet Texas.
Buying a house, signing a lease or settling into your first Texas neighborhood? A few resources can make life easier.
Know your exemptions.
Eligible homeowners may qualify for residence homestead exemptions that reduce the taxable value of their primary residence.
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ↗Understand your insurance.
Explore consumer guidance on home, renters and flood insurance through the Texas Department of Insurance.
INSURANCE RESOURCES ↗Compare your options.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to choose your electricity provider. Compare plans and contract terms carefully.
POWER TO CHOOSE ↗Find your city or county.
Water, trash collection, permits and other services are often managed locally. Check your city or county's official website.
FIND TEXAS SERVICES ↗New homeowner? Don't miss this.
If your home is your primary residence, check whether you qualify for a homestead exemption. Apply through your county appraisal district, not a company charging to file the application for you.
Life happens.
Help is out there.
Whether you're looking for food assistance, healthcare, housing resources or help after an emergency, knowing where to start matters.
Call 2-1-1 Texas
A free resource connecting Texans with information about local assistance programs, including food, housing, utilities and other community services.
FIND HELP THROUGH 2-1-1 ↗Your Texas Benefits
Check eligibility and apply for programs such as SNAP, Medicaid and other qualifying public benefits.
EXPLORE BENEFITS ↗Texas Workforce Commission
Find employment resources, workforce services and information about unemployment benefits.
WORKFORCE RESOURCES ↗Texas Health & Human Services
Explore state health and human services programs for individuals and families.
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES ↗Getting everyone settled.
New schools, new routines and a whole new neighborhood. These resources can help you find your footing.
Texas Education Agency
Find school district information, public school resources and education guidance for families.
EDUCATION RESOURCES ↗Texas Higher Education
Explore higher education resources, college planning and information about financial aid.
HIGHER EDUCATION ↗Find childcare resources.
Explore childcare assistance and information about licensed childcare providers.
FAMILY SERVICES ↗Get outside together.
Discover Texas state parks, family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
EXPLORE STATE PARKS →A little preparation goes a long way.
Texas weather can bring hurricanes, hail, tornadoes, flooding and extreme heat. Keep these resources handy before you need them.
Texas Ready
Find preparedness advice, emergency planning resources and information about evacuation.
GET PREPARED ↗DriveTexas
Check road closures, construction and driving conditions before traveling during severe weather.
CHECK THE ROADS ↗National Weather Service
Follow official forecasts, warnings and alerts for your local area.
WEATHER ALERTS ↗FEMA Assistance
Following a qualifying disaster, check whether federal assistance is available for your area.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE ↗Need emergency assistance?
Call 911 for an immediate emergency. For non-emergency community assistance, contact 2-1-1 Texas. You can also ask your local emergency management office about available services.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
New address? New car? First home? A lot can change when you move to Texas. Your insurance needs can change too.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare available options for your home, car, rental and other coverage needs.
Just moved to Texas?
Review your auto insurance and make sure your coverage reflects your new address and vehicle information.
Buying or renting a home?
Explore homeowners or renters insurance and consider whether you need separate flood coverage.
Already settled in?
Major life changes, home improvements and new vehicles are all good reasons to review your existing policies.
New chapter.
Let's talk coverage.
Moving to Texas? Buying your first home? Just want to make sure your insurance still fits your life? Let Charley take a look.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →