Informational content only. Not legal, tax, financial or investment advice. Always verify with a licensed professional in Puerto Rico. Data comes from each firm's public website and may change.
Texas was U-Haul's top growth state for 2025, and Houston and Collin County added more residents than almost any other U.S. county. Texas also has no state personal income tax.
1. Vehicle registration: 30 days
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) gives new residents 30 days after moving to register their vehicle. Get Texas liability insurance first, then register at your county tax assessor-collector (Harris, Dallas or Collin).
2. Driver license
Licenses in Texas come from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), not TxDMV. Check the DPS "Moving to Texas" page for the current deadline and documents, and book an appointment early; offices in the big metros fill up.
3. Shipping a car and household goods
There is no direct car route from San Juan to Texas on the main carriers; cars usually land in Florida (Jacksonville) and continue by truck. Some companies quote the full Puerto Rico–Texas trip. See our movers and car shipping list.
4. Schools
Houston ISD, Dallas ISD and Collin County districts such as Plano and Frisco ISD enroll by address. Bring proof of residence, birth certificate, immunizations and transcripts from Puerto Rico.
5. Voting and taxes
Register at VoteTexas.gov once you live in your Texas county. With no state income tax, your first year mainly involves the IRS and Puerto Rico's Hacienda; a bilingual CPA can split the year correctly.