The great state of Texas is one of the best places to live in the whole United States, so if you have moved here and you love it so much you want to become a full time resident of the state, we wouldn’t blame you!
Moreover, there are plenty of reasons to become a Texan resident, being a Texan resident, you will be able to vote in our state, get a Texas driver’s license or identification, and if you are considering going to study at Texas universities then this can also be helpful.
Although, of course, there are a few hoops you have to jump through and boxes you have to tick to become a Texas resident. Follow our simple guide to becoming a Texas resident to find out what you need to do!
Steps To Becoming A Texas Resident
Maybe if you haven’t yet moved to our state, or even our great country, there are a few steps you have to consider before residency can be established. Namely, you have to live in Texas, and be a citizen of the United States.
Becoming A United States Citizen
There are a few ways to establish citizenship in the United States, which are the first steps to becoming a Texas resident.
Those who are born within the United States Bordes immediately qualify as a citizen of the United States. Also, if you have parents who are US citizens, they may also be able to make you a citizen even if you were born in another country.
However, the most likely path to take, if you are not privy to either of these requirements, is to engage in ‘Naturalization’. Naturalization requires you to live in the US for at least 5 years in order to pass requirements as a foreigner.
After this period of Naturalization, you must pass a Naturalization test which includes questions about US history, culture, as well as language skills. Annoyingly, this can actually depend on how many residents in the US currently have green cards thanks to Naturalization.
In other words, there is a limit on how many non-US residents can gain citizenship. It goes without saying you must first have US citizenship before becoming a Texas state resident.
Establishing Residency In Texas
It also goes without saying that you must first live in Texas and have a permanent house or rent a property in order to be considered for residency. You will have to live at this residency for at least a year before you can be considered a resident.
This doesn’t include vacations, or the fact you haven’t technically lived on the property, you simply have to own a home in the State for at least a year in order to be considered. Moreover, the property has to be listed in your name to contribute.
For instance, to gain fee discounts as a Texas resident you will have to prove you have lived in Texas for at least one year prior to enrollment.
However, you actually need to have a Driver’s License or State Identification Card within 90 days of moving to the property. All you need for an ID card is to prove you live in the state. A driver’s license obviously requires you to pass the requirements of a driving test.
Moreover, to vote you will require a Texas ID number or Texas Driver’s license number to register to vote in the state.
Establishing Residency For Legal Purposes
One reason someone may want to establish residency in Texas is for tax purposes. There is no income tax in the state of Texas which often draws people here.
In order to qualify for this, you have to first be a resident of the state and secondly you must be able to produce documents which show your state residency as well as your proof you own or rent the property you claim to live on.
In order to qualify for this one of the divorcees must have lived in the state for at least six months.
The Final Say
There you go, establishing residency in Texas can be pretty easy. One of the main things to consider is owning or renting a property within the state or at least having proof you have lived in the state for at least a year prior to application.
You should always consider what you are going to bring to the state, this can be one of the largest things your officer will consider when looking at your application.
If you make yourself seem like a contributor to the state and show evidence of you being part of the community then they may be more favorable to your application.
There are many benefits of moving to Texas such as in-state tuition, tax rules being different, different law proceedings to other states, easier to get permits for firearms and hunting and many more.
Texas is a great state and is the fifth fastest-growing state in the US. Many people choose to come here because of the taxes and approach to civil rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have To Have Residency Before Being Considered A Resident Of The State?
You have to live in the state in some capacity for at least 12 months and be able to prove this.
Do I Have To Stay In The State For The Entire Period?
No, you don’t technically have to be there, vacation is totally fine too. You just have to have a property in your name for 12 months.
Do I Need A Driver’s License To Have State Residency?
Not at all, you will receive a State ID card soon after you take up residency, all you have to do is run out the time constraints on your application to be considered.
Hi, my name is Robert Miller, and I have lived in Texas all my life. I am proud of my state, and decided to set up this site to share its beauty with others. Through Texans United, I will be talking readers through everything they need to know about Texas. From the best places to eat, and sites to visit, to its history and useful information.
