Moving to a new city means a long list of small tasks, and in Midland a few of them run on deadlines. This checklist walks through utilities, driver license, vehicle registration, property tax basics and a few local services, with a link to the official source for each.
Rules and fees change, so each section names where the information came from. Check the linked page before you act.
Set Up Utilities First
Utilities are the tasks to schedule before move-in day, since several of them can be started online. For the full rundown, see our guide to setting up utilities in Midland.
Electricity. Midland is in the Oncor delivery area, and Texas runs a deregulated electricity market. Oncor’s moving-in page describes the steps: confirm your service address and its ESI ID, choose a retail electric provider and plan, then give the provider your ESI ID so it can submit a move-in order. Oncor maintains the poles and wires, while the retail provider handles your plan and billing. The Public Utility Commission’s Power to Choose site lists retail plans by ZIP code, and the PUC explains how to compare them on its electric plan page.
Water, sewer and trash. The City of Midland bills these three services together. Its City Utility Billing page says you can apply for a water, sewer or garbage account online and should have valid government-issued photo ID, with a lease or other documents possibly required. The page does not publish deposit rules, so ask the billing office about deposits when you apply.
Natural gas. The Railroad Commission of Texas lists Atmos Energy, West Texas Division, as the gas utility serving Midland in its Natural Gas Service to Texas Cities table. Atmos Energy has an online start service form that walks through address, account and activation date.
Internet and TV. AT&T has a Midland page that lists AT&T Fiber, Internet Air and Access from AT&T. Other providers vary by address, so use each provider’s address check to see what reaches your home.
Trash, Recycling and Bulk Items
The City of Midland’s trash service page describes individual curbside carts and says residential pickup runs either Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday, billed on your water bill. It also lists free furniture and appliance pickup by request and items the service does not accept. Recycling is drop-off rather than curbside, with plastics #1 and #2, paper, cardboard and aluminum accepted. The city has been adding new collection centers on the west and east sides of town, so check Midland’s recycling page for the closest drop-off site. Homes on alleys may share a container with neighbors rather than having their own cart.
Driver License Within 90 Days
The Texas Department of Public Safety says you can drive on a valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days after moving to Texas, then you need a Texas license. Its moving to Texas guide lists a valid license from your previous state, proof of Texas vehicle registration, proof of Texas residency and government-issued ID as items to bring. It also says adults transferring from most U.S. states are exempt from the knowledge and skills exams.
Vehicle Registration, Title and Inspection
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles lists these steps on its new Texans checklist (January 2025):
- Register your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Texas, or penalty fees may apply.
- Get Texas vehicle insurance that meets state requirements.
- Visit your county tax office in person with your title or out-of-state registration, Form 130-U, photo ID, proof of insurance and fees.
- Check Midland County Tax Office availability before you travel, since the page asks you to confirm office availability.
Inspections. TxDMV says non-commercial vehicles no longer need a safety inspection as of January 1, 2025. A fee collected at registration replaced it: a TxDMV notice lists a $7.50 Inspection Program Replacement Fee at renewal and $16.75 for a new registration, covering two years. Emissions inspections apply only in 17 counties, and TxDMV’s registration page does not list Midland County among them.
Homestead Exemption
If you buy a home in Midland and live in it, you can apply for a residence homestead exemption. The Texas Comptroller’s property tax exemptions page says applications are filed with the appraisal district in the county where the property sits, the general deadline is before May 1, and school districts provide a $140,000 residence homestead exemption. The property must be your principal residence, and you cannot claim another residence homestead.
Midland’s appraisal district is the Midland Central Appraisal District. Its exemption filing page says applications use Form 50-114 and lists a copy of your driver license with a matching property address and proof of ownership as required documents.
Schools, Library and Pets
- Public schools: Midland ISD’s enrollment page covers online enrollment, registration requirements and an attendance zones resource. Greenwood ISD is another public school district in Midland County, and which district serves an address depends on the address. The Texas Education Agency has a school finder page and charter school resources.
- Library card: Midland County Public Libraries issue free cards to residents of Midland County and eight nearby counties. Bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of current address, and apply in person.
- Pets: The City of Midland’s pet help page covers microchipping and other Animal Services resources.
Your First Month in Midland
- Before move-in: start electricity, water and gas, and schedule internet.
- Week one: update your mailing address and set up trash and recycling.
- Within 30 days: register your vehicle at the county tax office.
- Within 90 days: get your Texas driver license.
- Once you have a Midland address: register to vote. Texas requires registration at least 30 days before an election, and you can start through the Texas Secretary of State.
- By the spring deadline: file your homestead exemption if you own your home.
- Whenever it fits: get a library card, enroll students and explore. Our Living in Midland hub collects the rest, and Moving to Midland, Texas, Cost of Living in Midland, Texas and Parks in Midland, Texas are good next reads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides electricity in Midland?
Oncor delivers electricity in Midland, and you choose a retail electric provider and plan. The Public Utility Commission’s Power to Choose site lists plans by ZIP code.
How long do I have to register my vehicle after moving to Texas?
TxDMV says to register within 30 days of moving to Texas, or penalty fees may apply. You register in person at your county tax office.
Do I still need a vehicle safety inspection in Midland?
TxDMV says non-commercial vehicles no longer need a safety inspection as of January 1, 2025. An inspection program replacement fee is collected at registration instead.
How long do I have to get a Texas driver license?
The Texas Department of Public Safety says you can drive on a valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
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