Recently, people have been moving to Texas in droves. The low cost of living and the thriving job market make it a great state for a fresh start. If you move to Texas, you need to know how to get a new driver's license and even how to transfer your vehicle's title.
How to Move Your Driver's License to Texas
When you move to Texas, as long as you have an unexpired and valid out-of-state license, you can drive with it for up to 90 days. Before these 90 days are up, you have to visit a Texas driver's license office to apply in person. Your age and what kind of license you currently have determines this process.
Whatever the process, when you go to the driver's license center, bring the following documents with you:
Proof of identity
Proof of residency
Proof of citizenship or lawful presence
Your Social Security number
Proof you registered your vehicles in Texas (if you don't own a car you sign a document confirming this)
Proof of automobile insurance for your vehicles
Adults 18 and Older
The process is relatively easy if you're over 18 and have a valid out-of-state driver's license. All you have to do is surrender your old license in exchange for a new one. You don't even have to take the knowledge test or driving skills exam.
If you're an adult with a learner's permit from another state, you still don't have to take the knowledge exam. You do have to take a course called Impact Texas Drivers and then pass the driving skills test. If you're under 25 years old, you also have to take driver's ed. Take your driver's ed course through Aceable.com and finish in as little as six hours.
Teens Under 18
If you're under 18 and move to Texas, it's a relatively simple process to switch over your license. You don't have to take the knowledge exam if you have a valid license or learner's permit from another state. If you're under 18, Texas requires a skills test even if you already took one in another state.
Learner's Permit with Proof of Driver's Education
If you have proof that you completed your driver's education, are between 16-17 years old, and have an out-of-state learner's permit, you can get a Texas learner's permit. You have to complete the Texas Impact Driver's program, show proof you're enrolled in school, and pass the driving skills exam.
If you are 16-17 years old and have an out-of-state provisional license, you'll receive a Texas provisional license.
Learner's Permit without Proof of Driver's Education
If you never completed a driver's education course, the situation changes. You'll still receive a Texas learner's permit but you have to keep this permit for at least six months or until you turn 18. You then have to finish a driver's ed course (which can be parent-taught) and Texas Impact Driver's program along with the driving skills test before you can get your license.
How to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Texas
Now that you know how to transfer your driver's license, learn how to transfer a title if you decide to buy or sell a vehicle.
Buying a Vehicle
If you buy your vehicle from a dealership, they should handle everything. Just be sure to get a receipt. If you're buying from an individual, take the seller with you to the county tax office to make the process much easier. The seller also needs to provide you with:
The signed vehicle title
Any supporting documents
A vehicle transfer permit (if the sale occurs on a weekend)
It takes at least 20 business days for the title transfer to go through and costs 6.25% of the sale price.
Selling a Vehicle
If you sell a vehicle to an individual, provide them with:
The signed vehicle title, including an odometer reading and the date of sale
A signed copy of the Application for Texas Title
As a seller, you can decide if you want to keep your license plate for future use or transfer them to the buyer.
Gifting a Vehicle
If you decide to gift your vehicle to someone, the process is the same as selling the vehicle, except you need to fill out an Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer in addition to the Application for Texas Title. A $10 gift tax applies to the transfer.
Move to Texas the Correct Way
Now that you know everything you need to do vehicle-wise if you move to Texas, you won't have to worry about any hefty fines. Another way to brush up on the local laws before you start driving is by signing up for an adult driver's ed course on Aceable.com. Our courses are state-approved and provide you with the knowledge you need to drive safely in Texas.