Question about new driver's license/car/insurance for Houston newbie (car registration, insurance)

[swopoe]

This isn't for me as my family has lived in the Houston area for almost 10 years, but this one has me stumped. My parents moved to the area earlier this month, and before they moved (from out of state) they sold their two cars. So now they are down here with just their out of state driver's licenses. I just finished doing research online for how they can get Texas driver's licenses. They also are interested in purchasing a new (to them) car and getting insurance for it as well. What is the order in which they should approach these three things- driver's licenses, car, and insurance? When my husband and I moved down here, we had one of our cars shipped, and we drove one, so we just had our car insurance transferred to a local agent at State Farm and then got our new driver's licenses.

The reason I am stumped is that it seems easier for them to have a car first before getting new licenses, or they will have to make an affirmed statement that they don't own vehicles. Then, when you purchase a new car, the car dealer wants to see your current insurance policy (we just purchased a new car in July, and this is what I remember). But, you can't really get insurance until you have a car to insure.

Anyway, I am probably overthinking this, but what would you do first?

By the way, my parents are loving the area and are very happy to be down here. But they will be happier when they have a car of their own, I am sure!

Thanks in advance!

[Htown2013]

Your parents have 90 days to apply for Texas licenses after moving to the state to reside. There's no need to get the license before the car, unless they plan to be without a car for the 90 days.

They should contact an insurance agent for the specifics. I don't recall having to show a dealer proof of current insurance, but maybe times have changed.

Oh, when they apply for the Texas license, they will need two forms of residency (address and names). I believe car insurance and car registration both will work for the residency documents.

[trbstang]

Pick out a car to buy, then contact your selected insurance company/agent to get the insurance started and they can fax/email the proof of insurance to the dealer if needed prior to them signing the paperwork. They can get the license plate and registration in their new address which they will receive from the dealer in a week or so. Then they can get their driver's license changed since they have proof of residency & insurance coverage.

Good luck!