Requirements to become a Texas Resident? (San Antonio, Laredo: car registration, homes, purchase)

[greenrph]

Does anyone know what are the requirements to become a Texas resident? I know each state is different and didn't know what Texas requires.

Thanks!

[Steel Man]

Usually you become a Texas resident for two reasons; to vote in state and local elections, and for applying to colleges in Texas (resident vs non-resident tuition). Here is an example of one colleges' requirement (you have to meet 4 out of the 8):

Purchase a residence in Texas and claim it as a homestead;
Register to vote in Texas;
Register an automobile in Texas;
Maintain a Texas driver's license;
Maintain checking, savings or safety deposit box in Texas;
Have a will or other legal documents on file in Texas that indicate residence in Texas;
Have membership in professional organizations or other state organizations; and/or
Establish a business in Texas.

Here is a link concerning voter registration requirements:

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml

[texasdreamin]

As an additional question...does Texas have what they call "Jury Duty". Here, once you become a resident, you have a duty to serve on a jury, if they need you. So, once per year, you get called to standby for a certain week, in case the court needs you for any particular day. I absolutely hate it. It can really mess up plans.

[musicman107]

Yep, but not necessarily once per year.
I've gone for several years (here in Texas) w/o any jury duty call whatsoever.
But then, I was called for once in '05, and once again in '06...unpredictable, but you'll bound to be called sooner or later...
One of above was for a local municipal court; the other was for a Federal District court....out of the approx. 300 in prosp. jury pool for the district case, lucky me, i was one of the chosen 12.....got lined up in hallway, receiving our directions to proceed to courtroom, when clerk came down to tell us "Y'all can go home now, they just reached an out of court settlement."
So, I got to collect my $5 jury duty summons 'payment' and go home after taking more than half a day.

Originally Posted by texasdreamin

As an additional question...does Texas have what they call "Jury Duty". Here, once you become a resident, you have a duty to serve on a jury, if they need you. So, once per year, you get called to standby for a certain week, in case the court needs you for any particular day. I absolutely hate it. It can really mess up plans.

[Steel Man]

Bexar County (San Antonio) has been using two pool sources, voter registration (the original pool source) and Texas Driver License holders. I've been called twice in 16 years. Some people have been more, some less. There is also Federal (U.S.) jury duty. They will usually send you a questionnaire if they are considering you. I filled one out several years ago but have never been called.

[nlburgess]

To become a Texas resident you have to live in TX for 90 days and have a Texas Drivers license. You have 90 days to change all of your info...car registration, DL, etc..to Texas. Hope that this helps.

[Trainwreck20]

For residency for colleges/universities, I think there is a longer residency requirement...maybe a year? I am not sure, so make sure you check, if that is what is important to you. It all has to do with in-state vs. out of state tuition. For voting, etc., it is all very quick. Register and change your address, etc. (as listed above) and you are ready to go.

[nmnative505]

I agree with Trainwreck...I applied to the local university here in Laredo and was concerned with the resident vs. non-resident tuition and called to clarify what makes you a resident. They said you had to live here a year before they would consider you a resident. There is even a residency form you have to fill out with your application that states how long you've lived here, where you work and how long and if you own property or registered a vehicle in Texas. As for my vehicle, the DMV told us we had 90 days to change the registration and license plates so I did that as well as got my Texas drivers license right away.

[TGM]

Originally Posted by nlburgess

To become a Texas resident you have to live in TX for 90 days and have a Texas Drivers license. You have 90 days to change all of your info...car registration, DL, etc..to Texas. Hope that this helps.

I don't want to disagree with anyone, but I have to point out that Texas only gives you 30 days to obtain your Texas drivers license & vehicle registration.

Trust me, I'm a cop.
TGM

[pioneer8]

Um... What happens if you get to Texas and procrastinate big time on changing your driver's license? We're going tomorrow- I promise. (Really, what happens?)Thanks.