1. Set up utilities (2 weeks before)
- Electricity, water and trash: inside Austin city limits, start service with City of Austin Utilities (Austin Energy, Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery on one bill).
- Outside the city: many suburbs use a co-op such as Pedernales Electric Cooperative, or let you choose a retail electricity plan. Ask the landlord or seller who serves the address.
- Natural gas: most of Austin is served by Texas Gas Service. Not every home has gas, so check first.
- Internet: check which providers serve the exact address before you book an install date. Popular installs fill up at month-end.
2. Get a Texas driver license (within 90 days)
New residents with a valid out-of-state license have 90 days to switch to a Texas license at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver license office. Book an appointment online; walk-in slots are limited.
- Bring proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security number and two proofs of Texas residency.
- If you own a car, bring proof of Texas vehicle registration and insurance. Many people register the car first for this reason.
3. Register your vehicle (within 30 days)
New residents generally have 30 days to register a vehicle in Texas through their county tax assessor-collector (Travis, Williamson or Hays).
- Get Texas auto insurance first.
- Travis and Williamson counties require an emissions inspection. Check the Texas DMV site for the current inspection rules and which counties they apply to.
- Bring your title or registration, proof of insurance, inspection report if required, and ID.
4. Register to vote
Register with your county voter registrar. Travis, Williamson and Hays counties each run their own. Texas requires registration 30 days before an election. You can also update your voter address when you apply for your Texas license.
5. File a homestead exemption (homeowners)
If you buy a home and live in it, file a residence homestead exemption with your county appraisal district (Travis Central Appraisal District, Williamson Central Appraisal District or Hays Central Appraisal District). It lowers the taxable value of your home and caps how much that value can rise each year. Filing is free; ignore mailers offering to file it for a fee.
6. Mail, schools and the rest
- Forward your mail with USPS, then update your address with banks, insurance, employers and subscriptions.
- Enroll children with the school district that serves your address. District lines often don't match city limits.
- Find a new doctor, dentist and vet, and transfer prescriptions.
- Pets: the City of Austin requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated for rabies and licensed or microchipped. Check your city's rules if you live outside Austin.
- Learn your trash, recycling and compost pickup day. Austin uses separate carts.
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This guide is published by Advantage Moving, a family-owned Austin mover since 2001. Free, no-pressure quotes for local moves across Austin and Hays County.