Central Texas New Resident Checklist: Everything to Do in the First 30 Days

Moving to Central Texas is exciting, but the administrative tasks of establishing yourself in a new state and community can be overwhelming. This checklist covers everything you need to handle in the first 30 days, roughly in order of urgency.

First Week: The Legal Requirements

✅ Texas Driver's License (30 days from move-in)

Texas requires new residents to obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You'll need: current out-of-state license, proof of Texas residency (lease, utility bill, bank statement), Social Security number, and payment. Book your appointment online at dps.texas.gov — walk-ins are available but wait times are often 2-4 hours. The DPS office in Round Rock is at 1601 W Main St.

✅ Vehicle Registration (30 days from move-in)

Texas vehicle registration is handled through the county tax assessor-collector's office. In Williamson County: Tax Assessor-Collector offices in Georgetown, Round Rock, and Cedar Park. You'll need: Texas liability insurance (required before registration), vehicle title, current out-of-state registration, and completed application. Budget $50-150 depending on vehicle type. You'll also need a Texas vehicle inspection ($25-30) at any licensed inspection station — these are everywhere.

✅ Texas Vehicle Insurance

You need Texas-compliant liability insurance before registering your vehicle. Most national carriers simply update your policy for Texas requirements. Minimum coverage in Texas is 30/60/25 (liability). Contact your insurer immediately after moving. Consider adding uninsured motorist coverage — Texas has a notable uninsured driver problem.

First Two Weeks: Utilities and Setup

✅ Electric Provider (Central Texas is deregulated)

Most of Williamson County is served by the deregulated Texas electricity market through ERCOT. You choose your provider. Compare rates at PowerToChoose.org (the state's official comparison tool). Rates change constantly — locking in a fixed-rate plan for 12 months is usually the right call for new residents. Average home in Central Texas uses 1,200-1,800 kWh/month in summer.

✅ Water Service

Water service is set up through your city or Municipal Utility District (MUD). In most new construction suburbs, you're in a MUD — call the number on your closing documents. City limits properties contact the city utility department directly.

✅ Internet Service

AT&T fiber is available throughout most of Williamson County's primary cities. Spectrum cable is the alternative. Google Fiber has expanded into some Round Rock and Cedar Park areas. Check address availability for each — fiber is significantly faster and worth prioritizing if available at your address.

First Month: Healthcare and Schools

✅ Establish Primary Care

Finding a primary care physician takes time — most practices have 4-8 week new patient appointment waits. Call immediately after moving. For urgent needs before you have a PCP, Central Texas has excellent urgent care options in every major city.

✅ Pediatrician (if you have children)

Pediatric practices in Williamson County are busy — Round Rock Pediatrics and Cedar Park Pediatrics are both highly rated and accepting new patients. Call early — same-day sick visit availability requires being established as a patient first.

✅ School Enrollment

Contact your school district immediately for enrollment requirements. Williamson County's major districts: Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, Georgetown ISD, and Hutto ISD. Each has different documentation requirements. Most require proof of residency, immunization records, and previous school records.