If you are moving to Texas, residents must transfer various registrations to the state, including driver’s licenses and car ownership. Applications for benefits, health cards, and other registrations will require proof of residency in Texas which can be provided by a variety of documents.
We have assembled a list of documents that can be used to demonstrate proof of residency in Texas. While you may not have all of these documents readily available, review the list to determine which ones can be obtained. You may have a limited time window to establish proof of residency or transfer registrations, e.g., driver’s license or car registration.
The following documents can be used to establish your residency in Texas:
- Mortgage documents: Including deeds, statements, rental or lease agreements
- Texas voter registration card – valid or expired
- Texas motor vehicle title or registration –unexpired
- Texas boat title or registration –unexpired
- Texas unexpired concealed handgun license (CHL) or license to carry (LTC
- Utility bills must be within the last 90 days and include electric, gas, water, cable, internet, lawn services, or mobile telephone
- Selective service cards
- Homeowners or renter’s insurance statements or policy
- Auto insurance documents
- Texas school report cards or transcripts for the latest school year
- Tax forms from employers, government, or financial companies, including W-2. 1099 or 1098 tax forms
- Bank statements, including checking accounts, credit cards, or investment accounts
- Statements from the city, state, or federal government agencies within 90 days of your application
- Current auto statement showing payments
- Documents issued by veterans or US military administration
- Texas department of criminal justice documents indicating recent parole or release
- Health or medical cards
- Paycheck or payment stubs within 90 days
- Texas juvenile department letter indicating residency
NOTE: All documents must show your full name and your current residence address and must be within 90 days for all statements.
- There are situations when residency requirements are waived. These include:
- Homeless youth as defined by 42 USC Section 1143a
- Department of family protective services for foster individuals under the age of 21
- Minors in a Department of family protective services conservatorship
- People currently incarcerated in Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities
- Military personnel on active duty, as well as their spouses and dependents, can provide an address outside of Texas
- Judges and spouses of judges
- Attorney general of Texas administered address confidentiality program participants
Agencies in various locations in the state may require several documents to prove your physical residency and your domicile. Check with the agency to confirm which documents are required and are accepted by the agency. For example, you may have to show that you have established a domicile in Texas and that you have a physical residence in Texas for at least 90 days and, in some cases, as long as twelve months.
FAQs
The following are several of the frequently asked questions many readers have regarding proof of residency in Texas
Declaring residency in Texas begins with moving to the state and either purchasing a home or renting a home with the corresponding documents to support your transaction, i.e., mortgage or lease documents. Collect any other documents that are mentioned in this post that you may have and use these documents to establish residency. Check with the agency you are dealing with to determine exactly what they need for you to establish residency.
At the time of writing, Texas does not have a state income tax; however, you still must apply for residency in Texas within 90 days of moving to the state. This post lists the types of documents that can be used to demonstrate residency. Buying a home with a corresponding deed and mortgage or leasing a home with a rental agreement or lease document is recognized by most agencies. Note: your full name and your address in the state of Texas must be shown on the documents.
You may also have to file taxes in your original state as well as in Texas if you move in the middle of the year. Establish your permanent address as quickly as possible to avoid any confusion.
If you are new to the state, living with a friend, or living with your parents, you may find it more difficult to provide proof of residency. Many of the documents mentioned in this post may not be available to you, for example, utility bills. You can use bank statements, court letters, government documents, tax documents, lease or rental agreements, or school registration to prove residency.
Review the detailed list in this article and determine which will be easiest to provide or obtain. Note: your full name and place of residence must be shown on whatever document is used to establish proof of residency.
A Texas driver’s license is generally not used for proof of residency. You must apply for a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of moving to the state. If you have a driver’s license from another state or Canada, the existing license can be surrendered and a Texas driver’s license issued to you without taking a driver’s test. You will be required to prove residency in Texas and provide one or more of the following:
ᐅ Proof of identity (e.g., state driver’s license)
ᐅ Residency documents – utility bills, lease, mortgage documents, etc.
ᐅ Citizenship
ᐅ Social security number
ᐅ Texas vehicle registration
ᐅ Car insurance for vehicles that you own
Key Points
Anyone moving to the state of Texas must apply for residency status and transfer driver’s licenses and car ownership, and apply for any benefits they may be eligible for. They will need to show proof of residency using one or more of the documents listed in this post. Most people will either purchase a home or rent a home and can use the mortgage documents, title deed, or lease agreement to demonstrate residency.
The documents used must always show your full name and the address where you reside.
Each agency may have specific requirements for residency. Check with the agency’s list of acceptable documents to assess which documents you have available to provide.
Readers should note that it is illegal to register a vehicle in a different state from the one you live in to take advantage of lower insurance rates. Whenever moving to Texas or another state, always transfer vehicle registration, driver’s license, and insurance coverage to the state you are moving to.
