Transportation Guide

Houston is a large city, which can result in average commutes upwards of 30 minutes. To best navigate around the city we recommend getting a car -- This will enable you to travel between work and graduate class in a timely fashion.

Below you will find information entailing how to get a car, car insurance, car registration and renewal, driver’s license and navigation.

Table of Contents

Navigation

Student recommended apps that will show you gas prices, traffic, and construction:

• GasBuddy
• Waze Navigation & Live Traffic
• Gas Guru: Cheap Gas Prices
• MapQuest: Navigation & Maps

Tolls

The Houston metropolitan area is highly populated, which may result in very congestive traffic. Thankfully, there are a number of toll roads that help commuters navigate around the city much quicker. Depending on your daily driving route, it may be helpful to consider purchasing an EZ TAG. You can do this through the Harris County Toll Authority. To learn more about Houston’s toll roads, click here.

Maintenance Recommendation

We recommend car maintenance/servicing, before becoming busy with the school year. This will help to ensure that you have all of the correct documents needed to drive around Houston, before the beginning of the school year.

Safety Tips

• Houston Police Department's Personal Safety Guide, pgs. 4,7,9,10 for transportation related-tips
• Houston TranStar Safety Campaigns

Helpful Articles

• A Newcomer's Guide to Driving in Houston

Options include:

• Buying/Leasing a new car
• Buying/Leasing a used car
  • If buying a car from another person and not a dealership visit this link to ensure you have all of the correct documents.

Car Insurance Requirements

Texas requires you to be able to pay for any damages and injuries from a car accident you caused. Most people buy liability car insurance to fulfill this law. If you choose to buy liability insurance to comply with the law, your policy must have the following minimum limits:

• $30,000 for each injured person.
• $60,000 for injuries per incident.
• $25,000 for property damage.

Other Types of Car Insurance

Texas only requires you to have liability insurance, but there are other optional types of car insurance coverage available to help protect you financially, which include:

• Collision – This coverage will help cover damages to your vehicle due to accidents with other cars.
• Comprehensive – This coverage will help with damages to your car due to incidents not involving car collisions. For example, if hail dents your car, you may be covered through comprehensive coverage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured drivers – The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) states that about 20% of current drivers in TX are uninsured. This coverage can help protect you from damages caused by these drivers.
• Towing and labor

Did you know that in Texas you could get a discount on your car insurance just for taking a drug and alcohol awareness course? Learn more about Texas auto insurance laws, rates, and programs. For more information regarding Texas Car Insurance please click here.

How to Register a Vehicle in Texas

• Visit your local Texas tax office.
• Complete an Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U).
• Provide proof of ID, car insurance, vehicle inspection, and ownership.
• Pay the $50.75 vehicle registration fee (standard).
  • Note: Additional fees may apply.

New to Texas?

You have 30 days after establishing residency to have your vehicle inspected and registered. Before visiting your local County Tax Office, make sure that:

• You have proof of auto insurance.
• You get a vehicle safety inspection. Be prepared to show proof of car insurance when arriving at the inspection station.

Now you're ready to register your car. Arrive at your local County Tax Office with:

• Proof of car insurance.
• Proof of your vehicle passing a safety inspection.
• Proof that you own the vehicle (registration or title from previous state).
• A completed Application for Texas Certificate of Title (Form 130-U). Even if you are not titling the vehicle, use this application for registering.
• Payment of registration fees. You may, depending on your situation, be required to pay additional titling or sales tax fees

For more information regarding Texas Car Registration please click here to learn more.

Texas Car Registration Renewal

You must renew your TX registration annually by the last day of the month in which it expires. You should receive a renewal notice from the Texas DMV well before your registration expiration deadline. The renewal notice will include:

• Renewal deadline date.
• Registration renewal fee.
• Emissions and/or safety inspection requirements.
• Contact information for your County Tax Office.

For more information regarding Texas Car Registration Renewal please click here to learn more.

If you do not already have a license, you may get one by providing proof of the following to apply for a driver license:

1. U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence
2. Texas Residency
3. Identity, and
4. Social Security Number
5. Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration* for each vehicle you own. (New Residents who are surrendering an out-of-state driver license only)
6. Proof of Insurance* for each vehicle you own

Additionally, you will need to provide evidence of completion of:

1. Impact Texas Driver (ITD) if you will be taking a driving test for the issuance of your driver license.
2. Driver education, if you are under 25 years of age. (Does not apply to new residents who are 18 years of age or older and surrendering an out-of-state driver license)

Once you have gathered the necessary documents and completed the required courses, you will need to do the following:

1. Complete the driver license application before arriving at your local office. (This form is also available at all driver license offices)
2. Visit your local driver license office. You may be able to get in-line before arriving. Locate the office nearest you.
3. Provide the following documentation to the customer service representative:
   1. Application for the issuance of a driver license.
   2. U.S. Citizenship or, if you are not a U.S. Citizen, evidence of lawful presence
   3. Texas Residency
   4. Identity, and
   5. Social Security Number
4. Pass Vision Exam.
5. Provide your thumbprint.
6. Have your picture taken.
7. Pay the application fee.
8. Take and pass the knowledge and driving tests. You may complete the testing requirements at the DL office or through a Third Party provider. Read about testing in other languages and driving test requirements.

For more information regarding obtaining a Texas Driver’s License please click here to learn more.