Howdy, and welcome to Texas! 🤠 Whether you are landing in Austin, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Round Rock, New Braunfels, or San Antonio, there is a short list of things every new Texan needs to take care of: utilities, your vehicle, your driver license, and voter registration. Elite Star Movers is a family owned and operated moving company in Buda, TX, and we help people settle into Central Texas every week. This guide covers the basics in plain language and links to the official state pages for the details. Serving People & Protecting Furniture, Peace by Piece.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and deadlines can change, so always check the official pages linked below. Last reviewed: November 10, 2026.
Know Your County
Central Texas is a patchwork of cities and counties, and your county decides where you register your vehicle and which local offices you use. A quick guide to the areas we serve most:
- Travis County: Austin, plus areas like West Lake Hills, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Manor, and Pflugerville. (Parts of Austin also reach into Williamson and Hays counties.)
- Hays County: Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs.
- Williamson County: Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto, Taylor, and Liberty Hill.
- Bexar County: San Antonio and surrounding communities.
- Comal County: New Braunfels and Canyon Lake.
Not sure which county your new address is in? Check your lease, closing papers, or your county appraisal district’s website.
Utilities: Set Them Up Before You Arrive
Start utilities a few days before move day so the lights and water are on when the crew arrives.
Electricity
Texas is different from most states. Depending on your address, your electricity may come from:
- A city-owned utility. For example, Austin Energy serves the City of Austin, and CPS Energy serves San Antonio.
- An electric cooperative, common in suburban and rural areas.
- A retail electric provider you choose, in parts of Texas that are open to competition.
In city-owned and co-op areas, you usually do not choose a provider; you sign up with the utility that serves your address. Your landlord, builder, realtor, or HOA can tell you which applies. The Public Utility Commission of Texas explains how this works: PUC: Municipal and Co-op Utilities FAQ.
Water, wastewater, and trash
These usually come from your city, a local water district, or your HOA. Ask your landlord or HOA who to call.
Internet
Book your internet installation early. In newer neighborhoods, appointment times can fill up.
Your Vehicle: Register Within 30 Days
According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, new residents have 30 days after moving to Texas to register their vehicle. The basic order:
- Get Texas auto insurance that meets the state’s minimums.
- Get an emissions inspection, if your county requires one. Travis and Williamson counties are emissions counties, and as of November 1, 2026, Bexar County (San Antonio) also requires a passing emissions inspection for most gasoline vehicles 2 through 24 years old before registration. Hays and Comal counties are not on the state’s emissions list as of this writing. Texas ended the annual safety inspection for most non-commercial vehicles on January 1, 2025.
- Register at your county tax assessor-collector’s office. Bring proof of insurance, your out-of-state title or registration, ID, and the state’s Application for Texas Title and/or Registration (Form 130-U).
Official sources:
- TxDMV: New to Texas
- TxDMV: Find your county tax office
- Texas DPS: Bexar County emissions inspections
Your Driver License: Within 90 Days
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, you can drive on a valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state for up to 90 days after moving to Texas. To get your Texas driver license:
- Register your vehicles first. DPS asks new residents surrendering an out-of-state license for proof of Texas vehicle registration for each vehicle they own.
- Make an appointment. Texas driver license offices work by appointment, and openings can fill up in busy areas, so book as soon as you can.
- Bring your documents: proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Texas residency, your Social Security number, and proof of insurance.
- Surrender your old license. Adults with a valid license from another U.S. state usually do not need to retake the knowledge or driving tests.
Official sources:
- Texas DPS: Moving to Texas, a guide to driver licenses and IDs
- Texas DPS: Driver license appointments
Voter Registration
Voter registration in Texas is handled by county. To vote in an election, you must be registered by the 30th day before Election Day. New Texans can start an application through the Texas Secretary of State’s VoteTexas site, and voters who move within Texas can update their address online through Texas.gov. Your county voter registrar can answer questions about your status.
Official source:
Moving in the Texas Heat
Central Texas summers are long and hot, and late spring and early fall can be hot too. A few things that help on move day:
- Start early. Morning moves are cooler for everyone.
- Hydrate. Keep water and sports drinks in a cooler for your family.
- Get the A/C running at the new home before the crew arrives.
- Protect heat-sensitive items. Candles, vinyl records, wine, medications, and some electronics do better riding with you in an air-conditioned car.
- Watch the kids and pets. Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
The National Weather Service has more on staying safe in the heat: NWS: Heat safety. Want to plan around the weather? Our guide to timing a move in Central Texas can help.
Your First Few Weeks: A Quick Checklist
- Utilities on before move day
- Change of address filed with the U.S. Postal Service
- Texas auto insurance in place
- Emissions inspection (if your county requires it)
- Vehicle registered within 30 days
- Driver license appointment booked; license within 90 days
- Voter registration submitted
- Kids enrolled in school (contact the district early)
- New vet and doctors lined up
For the move itself, use our 8-week moving checklist and moving day prep guide.
Getting Here: How We Help
Coming from out of state? Our moving to Austin from out of state page and our long distance moving service cover moves into Central Texas. Already in Texas? Our local moving crews work across Austin, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Round Rock, New Braunfels, and San Antonio. Hector Jr leads our crews, and our foreman and crew handle your move from the first box to the last piece placed. We can also pack for you with our packing services and help you settle in with home organizing services.
Moving to Central Texas FAQs
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Texas?
TxDMV says new residents have 30 days to register their vehicle. Check the TxDMV New to Texas page for the current steps.
How long can I drive on my out-of-state license?
Texas DPS says up to 90 days after moving to Texas, with a valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state.
Do I need a vehicle inspection in Texas?
Most non-commercial vehicles no longer need a safety inspection. If you live in an emissions county, such as Travis, Williamson, or (as of November 1, 2026) Bexar, you need a passing emissions inspection before you register.
Can I choose my electric company in Austin or San Antonio?
Generally no. Austin and San Antonio are served by city-owned utilities. Some other parts of Texas let you choose a retail electric provider. Ask your landlord, builder, or HOA which applies to your address.
Welcome Home to Central Texas
We would be honored to be the first family you meet here. We Can Handle It.
Get Your Free Quote or call (512) 358-7827 (toll-free (855) 358-7827).