Effective September 1, 2011, in order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide HCAD with a copy of either your Texas driver’s license or Texas ID Card.
The address on your driver’s license or state ID card must match the physical address of the residence for which you are applying.
Remember: Your physical street address must match the address on your vehicle registration and both must match the address on your driver’s license or state ID card. All three must have the same address.
Vehicle Registration
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 Harris County Tax Office either by telephone, or in person at the downtown office at 1001 Preston St., Houston TX 77002 (parking fees apply), or at any branch office (free parking), or by mail. The main phone number for the tax office is (713) 368‐2000. The mailing address is: Harris County Tax Office, Attn: Renewal Mail, P. O. Box 4089,
Houston TX 77210‐4089. You will need to complete and submit Form MV‐440, Request for Texas MotorVehicle Information, which may be obtained at any branch location or the downtown office, by mail, or from their website: www.hctax.net. There is a $2.00 fee for the Vehicle Registration Receipt. To find the branch office nearest you, please call the main tax office number listed above, or go to their website and look for Location of Branch Offices. If you pursue this by mail, please allow at least two weeks.
If You don’t Own a Vehicle
Please complete the Non‐Ownership of Motor Vehicle Affidavit on Page 4 of your homestead exemption application. This must be a sworn statement signed before a Notary Public. You also need to attach a copy to your homestead exemption application of a 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 for 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 (see list below). 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. Fees are:
$25.00 for a driver’s license (expiration 6 years)
$16.00 for an ID card (under 60 years of age and expiration of 6 years)
$6.00 for an ID card (over 60 years of age and an indefinite expiration date)
Texas DPS Locations in Harris County
4545 Dacoma 77092 (713) 683‐0541
12220 S. Gessner 77071 (713) 219‐4100
10503 Grant Rd. 77070 (281) 890‐5440
1601 Townhurst 77043 (713) 465‐8462
5420 Decker Dr. (Baytown) 77520 (281) 424‐3669
9206 Winkler 77017 (713) 943‐0725
8825 Tidwell Rd. 77078 (713) 633‐9872
7710 Will Clayton Pkwy. (Humble) 77338 (713) 633‐9872
2731 Red Bluff Rd. (Pasadena) 77503 (713) 473‐3232
15403 Vantage Pkwy E. Ste. 300 77032 (281) 449‐2685
111 Tristar (Webster) 77598 (281) 486‐8242
Texas DPS Statewide Information (512) 424‐2600
Call Bill Edge at 713-240-2949 to see Houston Homes in 24 hours or less.
Source: HCAD.org