Effective September 1, 2011, in order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide the appraisal district with a copy of either your Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card.
The address on your drivers license or state ID, MUST match the physical address of the residence for which your are applying. This address must also be the same as the address on your vehicle registration. Attach a copy of your vehicle registration receipt to your homestead application. The ADDRESS MUST BE THE SAME on all of your documents, your license or state ID, your vehicle registration and the homestead application. Also note that the application form asks for the authorized signature(s) of qualified owner(s) so the husband and wife both purchased the home it is a good idea both sign the application in the event that there is a divorce or death, the remaining spouse can still maintain the exemption.
Listed below is important information to help you get an updated vehicle registration and/or and updated or new driver’s license or Texas-issued personal ID Card. Other useful links and information to get the proper homestead forms and information for filing are also listed.
HARRIS COUNTY
http://www.hcad.org/pdf/forms/11-13.pdf
http://www.tax.co.harris.tx.us/
FT. BEND COUNTY
https://actweb.acttax.com/act_webdev/fbc/images/homestead.pdf
http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getsitepage.asp?sitepage=5767
To Obtain a Vehicle Registration Receipt
In order to change the address on your vehicle registration and obtain a Duplicate Vehicle Registration Receipt to attach to your homestead exemption application, please contact the County Office in which you live by phone or mail. You will need to complete and submit Form MV-440, Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information, which may be obtained at any county office location, by mail or the cad websites. There is typically a small fee for the Vehicle Registration Receipt.
If You Don’t Own a Vehicle
Please complete the Non-Ownership of Motor Vehicle Affidavit on your homestead exemption application. This must be sworn statement signed before a Notary Public. You also need to attach a copy of your homestead exemption application of utility bill for the homestead property showing the bill is in your name and the utility address matches the physical address of the homestead property.
Texas Driver’s License
If you have a current Texas Driver’s License and you move to a new location in Texas you have 30 days to change the address on your driver’s license. The simplest way to do this is online. Go to www.txdps.state.tx.us and follow the instructions changing your address. You will need to have a valid credit card for paying the $10.00 fee, and you will need access to a printer so that you can print out your temporary receipt. Otherwise, call or go in person to one of the Texas DPS locations.
For a new Texas driver’s license (first time license or moving to Texas from out of state) go in person to a DPS location. You will need to complete an application, provide proof of identity (proof of Social Security, birth certificate, or an out of state driver’s license), provide proof of vehicle registration, consent to be photographed, fingerprinted, and provide a signature. You will need to pass a vision examination. First time applicants need to schedule a time for taking the driving test and pass both the driving and written test. Out of state applicants should apply within 90 days after entry into the state and need to be prepared to surrender their valid out of state driver’s license upon application.
If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate in the Katy Area, please feel free to contact me at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com
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This is valuable information for anyone moving into a new residence in Texas. Especially helpful for those who are relocating from another state where the rules may be different.
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