Moving to Texas

Congratulations and welcome to the Lone Star State. Texans are friendly people. In fact, our name comes from the Caddo Indian word tejas, which means friend. We are very proud of our state – and you will be, too. There’s an old saying among naturalized Texans, “I wasn’t born in Texas, but at least I got here as fast as I could.”

Texas’ size is matched only by its diversity – people of different cultures coexist and several different industries flourish. You’ll also find a variety of food, music, languages, entertainment, employment opportunities, professional sports, and outdoor activities.

The Texas Department of Information Resources has put together TexasOnline.com, a nationally recognized, award-winning portal for the citizens of Texas. You’ll find links to Web sites for counties, cities, chambers of commerce, schools, and libraries. You will also find answers to questions about state laws, state government, required business licenses, taxes, and much more.

As a new Texas resident, you have 30 days to register your vehicle and get your Texas driver’s license. Before you register your vehicle, though, it must pass the state inspection process. In order, here are the three steps to follow. Read more

Learning these will get you well on your way to becoming a Texan. Read more

Texas is one of seven states that does not tax individual wage income. The state's constitution restricts passage of a personal income tax, but certain businesses are subject to a gross-receipts tax.

There are a variety of other taxes that the State of Texas collects. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts offers a complete list of all taxes.

If you’ve moved to Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Tyler, or Austin, chances are you’ve already noticed the system of toll roads. Visit TexasTollways.com for maps, links, payment options, and other information.

Climate

Due to its large size, Texas has several different climate regions. Whether you like hot, cool, snow, rain, sunshine or some combination of all of them, Texas has you covered.

History of Texas

Texas has a rich and storied history ... complete with European exploration and fascinating ethnic settlement patterns, multiple annexations, and several wars – including one for national sovereignty. In fact, you may find it strange, but Texas History is actually a required course for young Texans in our public schools. For a brief overview and timelines, visit the Texas Almanac online.

By the numbers

Ever wondered just how big Texas is? These statistics will give you an idea. Read more

Homestead exemption

There is no fee to file a property-tax homestead exemption, so don’t be misled by solicitations on official-looking stationery offering to file your homestead exemption for you for a fee. Even some people who have lived in Texas their entire lives confuse these letters as a form from a state agency requiring a mandatory fee. Don’t fall for it. The process is simple and costs nothing; download the application, fill out the form, and send it in to your appraisal district.

While at the driver’s license office, you can register to vote – or you can pick up a voter-registration application from the county voter registrar’s office, a library, post office, or from the secretary of state’s Web site. The application must be received 30 days before an election to vote in that election.

Geography

The geography of the state is highly varied. From the pine forests in the eastern part of the state through the Hill Country of Central Texas to the Pecos Mountains out west, from the undulating coastal lowlands to the high plains of the panhandle region – there’s a wide variety of topography and vegetation.

Texas also has three of the nation’s top 10 metro areas in population – Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Antonio. There are also several mid-sized cities, monstrous ranches, and hundreds of small towns.