New Resident
Checklist
Just moved to Carrollton? Here's everything to take care of in your first few weeks, in order.
Turn on your utilities
Set up electricity, water, gas, and trash for your new place.
Get internet set up
See which internet providers report service in town (FCC data), then check your exact address.
Update your driver license
New Texas residents have 90 days to transfer an out-of-state license at a DPS office.
Register your vehicle
Register within 30 days at the Dallas County tax assessor-collector. Dallas County is one of 17 Texas emissions counties, so you’ll need a passing emissions inspection and proof of insurance first (non-commercial vehicles no longer need a safety inspection as of January 1, 2025).
Forward your mail
File a change of address with USPS so nothing gets missed.
Sort out schools
See the schools near town, confirm which district and campus serve your address, and look up their TEA ratings.
Understand property taxes
Learn how your tax bill stacks up and file your homestead exemption to lower it.
Get to know your new town
Find the local favorites, parks, venues, and weekend plans.
Statewide steps link to official Texas resources (DPS, TxDMV, VoteTexas.gov, USPS). Local guides are built from verified Carrollton-area data.
East Texas guides — an easy drive from Carrollton
Weekend trips, lakes, festivals and small-town food east of the metroplex.
Best Day Trips from Tyler and East Texas
Drive-time guide to day trips from Tyler: state parks, small towns, museums, and lakes within about 30 minutes, an hour, and up to three hours.
Read Guide →Best Lakes in East Texas
A fact-checked guide to 17 East Texas lakes, from Lake Fork's trophy bass and Caddo Lake to Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Lake Tawakoni. Sizes, species, access and rules come from TPWD.
Read Guide →East Texas State Parks Guide
Twelve East Texas state parks from TPWD: Tyler, Caddo Lake, Atlanta, Lake Bob Sandlin, Tawakoni, Purtis Creek, Cooper, Martin Dies Jr. and more. Camping, cabins and passes.
Read Guide →East Texas Festivals and Annual Events
Season-by-season guide to East Texas festivals and events — Canton's First Monday Trade Days, the Texas Rose Festival, the Yamboree, Wonderland of Lights and more, checked against each host's own site.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
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