Drivers License

When relocating to Texas you must obtain a Texas drivers license within 30 days of establishing your Texas residency. To find out where the nearest Department of Public Safety (DPS) is located call (214)-861-2100 or visit www.txdps.state.tx.us . To obtain a Texas driver’s license you must:

• Provide two forms of identification, a certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid out-of-state driver’s license and a social security card would be the best options
• Pass a vision test
• Pass a written examination
• Pass a driving skill test
• Provide proof of Texas vehicle registration and insurance
• Pay any required fees
  • $24 fee for a class C license
  • $60 fee for a commercial license
  • $5 learners permit fee

If you are relocating with a family that has teenagers who will want to start driving soon the minimum driving age for a learners permit is 15 years old. At 16 years of age a License may be granted upon completion of a certified driver’s education course.

Registration

Vehicle registration must be completed for each vehicle you own within 30 days of establishing a residency in Texas. In Texas the registration of a motor vehicle must be done at the County records building. For more information and locations in Dallas call (214)-653-7811 or visit www.dallascounty.org. For more information and locations in Fort Worth call (817)-884-1100 or visit www.Tarrantcounty.com.  To register you Vehicle you will:

• The Title (The lender information will suffice if the title is being held by a lender)
• A sales or tax use Affidavit
• A current Texas drivers license
• Vehicle Identification Certificate, Form VI-30-A( this form indicates that your vehicle has passed a safety inspection)
• Current odometer reading
• Pay all applicable title and registration fees (fees must be paid in cash)
  • Registration fee for license plates is determined by vehicle
    • Passenger vehicle—by the manufacturer’s model and year
    • Truck—determined by the gross weight of the truck
  • Title application fee ($35)
  • New-resident fee ($90)

A safety inspection is required for all Texas automobiles every 12 months. Inspections can be done at a dealership or a certified service center. You must display the inspection sticker in the lower left hand corner of your windshield.

Insurance

Prior to your move to Texas contact your insurance agent to find out your options. Ask your agent if your preferred insurance company is available in Texas and ask if they can recommend an agent to contact that is knowledgeable about Texas insurance coverage’s and regulations, this way you can be sure to have no gaps in coverage while in transit or upon arrival. Ask your Insurance agent for up to date copies of your current policies including any drivers training certificates to receive any additional discounts. In Texas, Drivers must carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person, up to $50,000 for each accident, and up to $25,000 for property damage, to meet state requirements. The fines for non-compliance can be between $175 and $350 for first time offenders, and can be as high as $1000 for repeat offenders.  Request a current copy of your motor vehicle report on you and your family members, this way you can verify that the information is correct and can report any erroneous information to the motor vehicle department for correction.  Keep in mind that safety features such as Airbags, antilock brakes, front and rear sensors, and an alarm system can potentially reduce your insurance premiums.