How to Establish Residency in Texas for Green Card, Voting, and Tuition: A Comprehensive Guide

United States citizens may move to Texas to establish residency relatively easily, but for non-citizens, the process involves obtaining a Green Card and fulfilling residency requirements. This guide will detail the steps to achieve this, ensuring you can vote in Texas, qualify for in-state tuition, and establish residency through various legal means.

Getting a Green Card in Texas

Non-US citizens should immigrate legally to the United States before resuming residency in Texas. Once here, obtaining a Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) is the first step towards establishing residency.

Establishing Residency for a Driver's License or State ID Card

To become a Texas resident:

Move to Texas and establish a home in any town. Buy or rent property and receive mail at that address. Collect residency documents to prove your home in Texas, which can include: Deed, mortgage, or rental documents Unexpired Texas voter registration card Texas registration or title for a motor vehicle Texas registration or title for a boat License to carry a concealed handgun Current utility bills (electric, water, natural gas, TV, cable, home phone) Selective Service card Medical or health card Current homeowner's or renter's insurance policy or statement Current automobile insurance policy or statement Texas high school, college, or university report card or transcript W-2 or 1099 tax forms Statements from financial institutions Mail from federal, state, county, or city government agencies Automobile payment booklet Paycheck or payment stubs Documents from the U.S. military Documents from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Current Form DS2019, I-20, or other documents from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Complete a driver's license or ID application at a local Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Pass necessary tests (written test and vision exam) if you wish to get a driver's license.

Establishing Residency for Voting

Be a United States citizen, which can be achieved through natural birth, birth abroad to U.S. parents, or naturalization. Become a permanent resident by obtaining a Green Card. Register to vote by picking up an application from a polling place or state office and mailing it 30 days before an election. Show a form of ID with your drivers license or ID number when you vote.

Becoming Eligible for In-State Tuition

For adults, live in Texas for a full year (12 months) consecutively to be considered a Texas resident for tuition purposes. If you are a dependent, prove residency by graduating from a Texas high school or being claimed on your parent's Texas income tax as a dependent. Submit proof of residency to the university's registrar to establish your status before your school year begins.

Establishing Residency for Legal and Tax Purposes

Move to Texas and change your address of record on your drivers license, car registration, voter registration, and mailing addresses immediately. For legal purposes like a divorce, live in Texas for six months and file in a county where you or your spouse have lived for at least 90 days. Calculate your taxes based on where you earned income, noting that Texas has no income tax but high property and sales taxes.

By following these steps, you can establish a strong residency in Texas, ensuring you are eligible for voting, in-state tuition, and various legal and tax incentives.