The First 90 Days After Moving to the Texas Hill Country: A Practical Checklist for New Residents

Moving to the Texas Hill Country from another state -- whether from California, the Northeast, or anywhere in between -- involves a specific set of administrative tasks that have deadlines, fees, and potential penalties attached to them. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the county appraisal district, and the various utility providers do not offer grace periods for new residents who are still unpacking. Here is what to do, in what order, and by when.

First week: immediate priorities

The first seven days after arriving establish your legal presence in Texas and start several 30- and 90-day clocks. These items should be initiated within days of moving in, not weeks.

Update your address with the USPS. This is the foundational step because every agency on this list will mail something to your Texas address. Go to usps.com and submit a change-of-address request. It costs $1.10 to verify your identity online. Do this on day one.

Notify your auto insurance company. Texas requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/25 -- $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage [1]. Your current insurer can update your policy with Texas coverage and issue the proof-of-insurance card you will need for vehicle registration. Texas auto insurance rates are roughly 30 to 50 percent lower than California rates on average, but rates vary by ZIP code, driving history, and coverage levels. Get the updated card before you attempt any DMV office visits.

Obtain a Texas vehicle inspection. Texas requires an annual safety and emissions inspection before you can register a vehicle [1]. Take your out-of-state vehicle to any licensed inspection station -- most oil change and tire shops perform them. The inspection costs $7 to $25 depending on the county, and it checks brakes, lights, tires, windshield, horn, and emissions. In Kendall County (Boerne), the inspection is safety only, no emissions test. In Bexar County (San Antonio), an emissions test is required. The inspection station will provide a passing certificate linked to your vehicle's VIN, which the DMV system can access electronically when you register.

First 30 days: vehicle and identity

Texas law requires new residents to register their vehicles and obtain a Texas driver license within 30 days of establishing residency [1][2]. The 30-day clock starts from the date you move into your Texas residence, not from the date you close on a home or start a lease.

Vehicle registration. Take your vehicle inspection certificate, proof of Texas auto insurance, and your current out-of-state title or registration to the county tax assessor-collector's office. In Kendall County, the office is at 201 E San Antonio Street, Suite 104, Boerne. In Bexar County, multiple locations are available across San Antonio. The registration fee varies by vehicle weight and county, typically $50 to $90 for a standard passenger vehicle. Be prepared to surrender your out-of-state plates if the office requires it -- some counties allow new residents to keep their previous plates as souvenirs, but the vehicle must display Texas plates within 30 days [1].

Texas driver license. Schedule an appointment at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Walk-in availability is limited; most offices within 60 miles of Boerne book appointments 2 to 6 weeks out. The nearest DPS office to Boerne is at 190 Hill Country Drive, Kerrville (approximately 30 minutes). San Antonio DPS locations include 6502 S New Braunfels Avenue and 12041 I-10 West. Bring proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), proof of Texas vehicle registration, your Social Security card, and two documents proving Texas residency (utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or voter registration card). The written knowledge test and vision screening are required for all new applicants. The license fee is $33 [2].

One important note: you must register your vehicle before you can obtain a Texas driver license. The DPS will ask for your Texas registration document at the license appointment. Do these in the correct order or you will make a trip for nothing.

Days 30 to 60: financial and legal setup

Once your identity documents and vehicle are handled, shift focus to the administrative infrastructure that affects your finances and property.

Voter registration. Texas requires voter registration at least 30 days before any election to vote [3]. You can register at the same time you apply for a Texas driver license (the DPS form includes a voter registration option) or submit a paper application directly to the Kendall County Voter Registrar at 201 E San Antonio Street, Boerne, or the Bexar County Elections Department at 1103 S Frio Street, San Antonio. Your Texas driver license is not required to register -- you can register with a valid out-of-state ID and a Texas address.

Homestead exemption filing. If you purchased a home in Texas, the homestead exemption is one of the most valuable tax benefits available. It reduces the taxable value of your home for school district taxes by $140,000 (as of 2025 legislation) [4]. File the application with the Kendall County Appraisal District (or the relevant county for your property) on Form 50-114. The deadline is April 30 of the tax year you are claiming, but you should file as soon as possible after closing. Late filings are accepted up to two years after the deadline, but the exemption is not retroactive for tax years more than two years past [4].

For veterans who qualify for the disabled veteran exemption (100% disability rating), file Form 50-135 separately. The two exemptions stack, but they require separate applications with separate forms filed with the same county appraisal district.

Update banking and billing addresses. Your mortgage servicer, bank, credit card companies, and investment accounts all need your new Texas address. Do this methodically and keep records of confirmation numbers. A missed billing statement sent to your old address can result in late fees, credit report issues, or even a property tax delinquency notice you never received.

Days 60 to 90: utilities, healthcare, and community integration

These are the tasks that make daily life functional. They are not time-sensitive the way vehicle registration is, but completing them early prevents small frustrations from compounding.

Set up utilities. Depending on where your property is located, the utility providers vary. In Boerne city limits, water and wastewater service is provided by the City of Boerne Utilities Department at 1478 S Main Street [5]. Contact them at (830) 249-9511 to transfer or establish service, ideally two weeks before your move-in date. Outside city limits, water comes from a private well (which you own) or a water supply corporation. For electricity, Bandera Electric Cooperative serves most of Kendall County and much of the greater Boerne area [6]. CPS Energy serves San Antonio. For natural gas, CPS Energy handles San Antonio; CenterPoint Energy serves portions of the Hill Country. For internet, check availability at your specific address through Spectrum, GVTC Communications, or Starlink -- availability varies by exact location often within the same neighborhood.

Healthcare provider transition. Transfer medical records to new providers, update your health insurance address, and identify primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies in your area. The wait times for new patient appointments in the Boerne area typically range from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the provider and specialty. Schedule appointments early rather than waiting until you need one. Methodist Healthcare and Baptist Health System operate major hospitals in San Antonio; Peterson Health operates the hospital in Kerrville. Urgent care clinics are available in Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch for non-emergency needs.

Locate your county appraisal district office. The county appraisal district handles your property tax exemptions, protest filings, and property value questions. In Kendall County, the office is at 222 E San Antonio Street, Suite 100, Boerne. In Bexar County, the Bexar Appraisal District is at 411 N Frio Street, San Antonio. In Comal County, the office is at 124 North Walnut Avenue, New Braunfels. Knowing where this office is and how to file online will save you time every year when tax season arrives.

Understand your property tax protest window. Texas property owners have the right to protest their appraised value annually. The protest deadline is May 15 or within 30 days of receiving your appraisal notice, whichever is later [4]. For a first-year buyer, the appraisal notice will typically arrive in April or May following your purchase. If the appraised value exceeds what you believe the property is worth based on comparable sales, you can file a protest with the Appraisal Review Board (ARB) at no cost. Roughly 15 to 20 percent of Texas property owners file protests each year, and successful protests reduce taxable values by 5 to 15 percent on average. This is not a niche strategy -- it is a standard part of Texas homeownership.

Explore your new community. The Hill Country's local attractions are part of why you moved here. Boerne's historic Main Street district, the Cibolo Creek Trail system, the Guadalupe River State Park, and the numerous local wineries and breweries offer ways to meet neighbors and understand the area. The Hill Country dining guide and wineries page are good starting points. The community guides cover specific neighborhoods in more detail.

Cost summary: what the first 90 days costs a new resident

Common mistakes new residents make

After working with dozens of out-of-state buyers settling into the Hill Country, here are the mistakes I see most often:

Registering the vehicle and getting the driver license in the wrong order. You need the Texas vehicle registration before you can get a Texas driver license. The DPS will turn you away without it. Register first, then schedule the DPS appointment.

Missing the homestead exemption deadline. The April 30 deadline is fixed. If you close on a home in May, you cannot file for the current tax year -- you must wait until the following year. That is a full year of paying property taxes on the full assessed value without the $140,000 school district exemption. Set a calendar reminder for February 1 of the year after you close, and file before April 30.

Assuming the appraisal district will notify you about deadlines. The county sends appraisal notices by mail to the address on file. If your address has not been updated with the county, the notice goes to the previous owner or an old address -- and you miss the protest window. Confirm your address with the county appraisal district within 30 days of closing.

Waiting too long to schedule a DPS appointment. Boerne-area DPS offices often book 4 to 6 weeks out. Schedule your appointment as soon as you have a Texas address, even if you have not yet registered your vehicle. You can change the appointment date if needed, but the initial slot secures your place in line.

Ignoring the year-two property tax reassessment. Your first-year tax bill is based on the previous owner's assessed value. Your second-year bill jumps to your purchase price. The difference can be 30 to 45 percent. Budget for the year-two number, not the year-one number.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to register my car in Texas after moving?

Texas law requires new residents to register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. The 30-day clock starts when you move into your Texas home. Late registration incurs penalties, and driving with out-of-state plates beyond 30 days can result in a citation [1].

Can I keep my out-of-state driver license and just get a Texas one when I renew?

No. Texas law requires you to obtain a Texas driver license within 90 days of moving to the state. Driving on an out-of-state license beyond 90 days is a misdemeanor that can result in fines and points on your driving record [2]. Your previous state's license becomes invalid for Texas driving once you establish residency here.

Do I need a Texas vehicle inspection before I can register my car?

Yes. A passing safety inspection is required before vehicle registration. The inspection can be performed at any licensed Texas inspection station. In counties that require emissions testing (Bexar County), the emissions test is included in the inspection [1]. The inspection certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

What documents do I need to file the homestead exemption?

You will need Form 50-114 (Application for Residential Homestead Exemption), a copy of your deed or closing document showing ownership, proof of Texas residency (driver license or utility bill), and your Social Security number [4]. File with the county appraisal district where the property is located. The application is free.

Can I register to vote before I get a Texas driver license?

Yes. You can register to vote in Texas without a Texas driver license. The voter registration form requires a valid Texas address and your date of birth. You can use your out-of-state ID for identification purposes. Submit the form to the county voter registrar [3].

What is the penalty for missing the homestead exemption deadline?

If you miss the April 30 deadline, you can file a late application up to two years after the deadline, but the exemption will not apply retroactively to the missed tax year. You will pay full property taxes for that year. If you file within two years, the exemption applies starting the year you file [4]. For a home assessed at $500,000 in Kendall County, missing one year costs approximately $2,600 in additional school district taxes.

Is there a penalty for missing the property tax protest deadline?

Yes. If you miss the protest deadline (May 15 or 30 days after receiving your appraisal notice), you forfeit the right to appeal your property value for that tax year. The next opportunity to protest is the following year. Set a calendar reminder for the day you receive your appraisal notice -- the 30-day window goes quickly.

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Sources

1. Texas DMV, New Resident Guide. Vehicle registration requirements, inspection requirements, and timeline for new Texas residents. txdmv.gov
2. Texas Department of Public Safety, New Texas Resident Driver License. Requirements for transferring an out-of-state driver license, documentation checklist, and appointment scheduling. dps.texas.gov
3. Texas Secretary of State, Voter Registration. Eligibility requirements, registration timeline, and county registrar contact information. sos.state.tx.us
4. Texas Comptroller, Homestead Exemption FAQ. Exemption amounts, application forms, filing deadlines, and late filing procedures for the Texas homestead exemption. comptroller.texas.gov
5. City of Boerne, Utility Billing Department. Water and wastewater service establishment, deposit requirements, and contact information for new Boerne residents. ci.boerne.tx.us
6. Bandera Electric Cooperative, New Service. Electric service establishment for properties in Kendall County and the greater Boerne area. banderaelectric.com

Last updated: August 3, 2026