A resource for home buyers relocating to Dallas, Richardson, and Plano
You found the perfect house. The closing documents are signed. The moving truck is finally empty.
Now you have to actually live here.
Moving from California, New York, or the Midwest means adjusting to new local systems — Texas handles basic services a little differently than other states, and it can be overwhelming to figure it all out on your own.
My job doesn’t end at the closing table. Here’s the checklist to work through during your first 30 days in North Texas.
1. Navigate Deregulated Electricity
This is the number one point of confusion for out-of-state buyers.
In many states, you simply call the local utility company to turn on your power. In most of Texas, electricity is deregulated — meaning you have to shop for a provider. The company that delivers your power (usually Oncor in the Dallas area) is different from the company that bills you.
What to do:
Go to PowerToChoose.org, the official state website. Enter your new zip code. Compare plans based on your estimated usage, and pay close attention to contract lengths and cancellation fees. Choose a provider and set your start date — do this at least a week before you move in.
2. Set Up Local City Utilities
While electricity is deregulated, water, sewer, and trash services are not — these are managed directly by your local municipality. Buy a house in Richardson, and you’ll pay the City of Richardson. Buy in Plano, and you’ll pay the City of Plano.
What to do:
Visit your specific city government website. Look for the “Utility Billing” or “Water and Trash” section. Fill out the online application for new residential service. You’ll often need a copy of your driver license and your closing disclosure to prove you own the home.
3. The Two-Step Vehicle Registration
Getting Texas license plates is a strict two-step process — you can’t just walk into a DMV with your out-of-state title.
What to do:
Step 1: Get an inspection. Take your car to any official Texas vehicle inspection station — many local mechanic shops and oil change centers offer this. Keep the printed vehicle inspection report.
Step 2: Register the vehicle. Take the inspection report, proof of insurance, and your vehicle title to your local county tax office. In Richardson or Plano, this is usually the Collin County or Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector.
Note: You have 30 days after moving to Texas to register your vehicle — don’t wait until the last minute.
4. Update Your Driver License
Once your car is registered, you have up to 90 days to get your Texas driver license. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) handles driver licenses, and appointments book up quickly.
What to do:
Go to the Texas DPS website immediately after closing on your house. Schedule an appointment for a new Texas license — you may need to book several weeks out. Gather your documents: proof of identity, your social security card, and two documents proving your new Texas residency (like a new utility bill and your closing paperwork).
5. Build Your Local Vendor Network
Houses require maintenance. When a pipe leaks or the AC stops blowing cold air, you don’t want to be frantically searching online for a reliable contractor — you need a trusted network already in place.
What to do:
Schedule an HVAC tune-up. Texas summers are brutal on air conditioning units, so have a professional service the unit before June. Find a lawn service. Grass grows quickly here — decide whether you’re mowing it yourself or hiring a local crew. Reach out! Years of local relationships mean a trusted plumber, roofer, or electrician recommendation is just a call away.
