How Long Does It Take to Become a Texas Resident?
Texas residency for tuition purposes is 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment, and Texas residency for driver license purposes is 30 days. The driver license requirement can be waived when an individual surrenders a valid, unexpired driver license from another state.
Certain non-resident and foreign students may qualify to pay in-state tuition if they meet one of the exceptions to the residency rule. The primary exception is a student or student’s spouse being in the military and stationed in Texas. Other exceptions include students who work as part-time teachers related to their degree, students who are part-time teachers at a Texas public school or students who are a New Mexico or Louisiana resident and reside in a county or parish bordering Texas.
