How to Become a Texas Resident

When you live in a certain state for more than a usual period, you are most likely to start liking the place.

Similarly, if you live in Texas and are searching for an answer to how to become a Texas resident, this article would surely prove an asset to your queries.

Texas Resident Definition

First, you must reside in Texas for at least a year before you start the registration process. Or you must create a domicile before registration.

These two criteria are mandated to become a resident in Texas.

How long does it take to establish residency in Texas?

A duration of 12 consecutive months is required to receive a residency in Texas. However, an applicant must be above 18 of his age.

1. Establishing Residency in Texas

Moving to Texas, updating your records, and living there for at least a year can easily help you establish a residency in the state. 

You must live in the state for 12 successive months as per Texas Residency Laws.

If you are over 18 years independent and come under citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States and work in Texas, you are qualified to become a Texas resident. 

The best way to declare residency in Texas is by disclosing a couple of acknowledgments (documents) – Texas Voter Registration Card, Proof of Motor Vehicle Registration, Applicant’s Insurance Policy, etc.

Having legal documents supporting your residency in Texas helps you establish your residency.

If the applicant doesn’t have two of the above documents, he can take the help of the Texas Residency Affidavit.

Moreover, you can have multiple residencies, so it doesn’t matter if you have already established a residency. Conversely, you can only have one domicile. 

2. Texas residency requirements

Note that your name must be mentioned on the documents, like your ID, Driving License, etc., to get your residency easily.

You cannot get qualified for Texas residency unless you have a Texas driver’s license, passport, or Texas ID.

To become a Texas citizen in the first place, you have to become a United States citizen.

It can be done if you are born in the USA or within the USA border, were birth to US parents abroad, or married to a US citizen.

The best part is that you will see a 183-day rule to establish your residency in this state like the other states of the USA.

This rule is almost similar to How to Become a legal resident of New York.

3. Apply for a Texas Driver’s License

You must prove you live in Texas before applying for a driving license. If you buy or rent a house in the state showing your mailing address, it helps you prove so.

In Texas, you will get a driving license only if you live there for at least 30 days as a resident before you apply for the same.

Well, a non-resident can also apply for a Texas driver’s license as per guidelines stated in residency laws.

But, one has to prove that they have lived in Texas and present certain documents to support their stay.

However, if you see the average price to build a house in Texas, it is likely quite challenging.

So, getting a property on rent and applying for a driving license is also a good option for him.

And it is compulsory to live 30 days to get a new driving license from the state authorities whether you are an existing resident or a non-resident.

As proof of residency, you can submit a deed, mortgage, or rental documents to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

How to apply for a Texas driver’s license?

Out of many, The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) needs only two documents to prove you are living in Texas. These documents are:

–      Identity proof (Primary) – U.S. Passport

–      Identity proof (Secondary) – Original Birth Certificate

–      Parent or Guardian permission in written form if you are under 16.

–      Social Security Number

–      Residency Proof – Utility Bills, etc.

In case you already have another state or country’s driving license and are willing to switch, you have to apply for it within or less than 30 days of your arrival.

You just have to submit the old license and get a new one.

4. Establishing state residency for tax purposes

Proving your residency for tax purposes depends on various factors, such as the number of days you lived in Texas, your owned property in Texas, the reason behind your move, and your intention to become a permanent resident.

However, most people often ask, is Texas safe for tax policies? So, yes, the most common reason behind the move to Texas is its no income tax return policy.

Another popular reason is its divorce policy. On top of that, an applicant gets voting rights.

You can also take steps to prove your residency, such as registering to vote, getting a driver’s license or ID, creating a bank account, etc.

Texas residency requirements for tax purposes

If you want to become a Texas resident for tax purposes, consider residing in Texas for one year and get a domicile that proves your intention of becoming a permanent resident of Texas.

5. Establishing domicile in Texas

You must fill out an address card to change your domicile to this state, along with other necessary steps.

According to the rules of Texas Residency Law, Domicile is considered a place to get a permanent house.

Or we can consider it a place where your loved ones can send creative letters, invitation cards, etc.

In certain states, once you get a domicile, you can declare it in certain ways.

Showing lawful Motor Vehicle Registration or Title in Texas or other legal documents is required to declare your domicile in Texas.

Note that although becoming a resident in this state is easy, it doesn’t have a provision for a part-year resident like Ohio Part-Year Residents.

These people come intending to stay in the state for a particular period of a year.

Texas domicile requirements

Having an individual’s name on the following documents can easily showcase the domicile of anyone in Texas.

–      Legal Voter Registration Card

–      Legal Motor Vehicle Registration or Title

–      Service Card

–      Residential or Utility Bill

–      Mortgage Statement, etc.

Reference: https://shorturl.at/ACFIL

Texas in-state tuition requirements

Here are the in-state tuition requirements in Texas.

–     An applicant must live in Texas for 36 months before he graduates from high school.

–      An applicant must live in Texas for at least 12 months before he gets enrolled in his 12th standard.

6. Texas residency proof

This proof of Texas Residency legally allows you to live a smooth life in Texas state.

However, despite the US Passport, you can showcase various documents, such as Voter ID, Utility Bills, Current Deed, Monthly Mortgage Statement, etc., as proof of residency.

However, the process of how to become a Texas resident military is quite different.

They show their legal residence by their driver’s license, voter registration, etc. Also, they must accept duty in Texas for a year or 12 months.

Acceptable proof of residency documents in Texas

These documents are:

• Voter Registration ID
• Medical Health Card
• Automobile Insurance
• Homeowners Insurance
• Payment Check

7. Benefits of being a Texas resident

Below are the spectacular benefits of being a resident of Texas state in the US.

• The state doesn’t take income tax from its residents
• Multiple job opportunities are waiting there for youngsters
• Mind-blowing landscapes and a good environment
• Easy to get your car
• Housing and utility bills are extremely affordable
• The cost of living is low
• Strong economy

How to Become a Texas Resident FAQs

Conclusion

Keeping all aside and searching for how to become a Texas resident while relocating from one state to Texas is a headache. But what if we say this is going to be easy for you?

This article states that you will need only 12 months or 183 days to establish your Texas residency after going through deep research.

However, if you want to know more, you can dig deep and understand the entire process from this article.