If you're new to the San Antonio area, here are some things you should know:
Auto and Driver's Licenses: Permanent residents of Texas must obtain a Texas driver's license and Texas license plates within 30 days of arrival. For more information on registering your vehicle, contact the Bexar County Tax Office Motor Vehicle Registration Department, 223 N. Pecos, San Antonio, Texas 78207, 210-335-2251. For information on driver's licenses, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety, with offices at 1258 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78201-6644, 210-737-1911; 6502 South New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX 78223-3099, 210-531-2241; or 1803 South General McMullen, San Antonio, TX 78226-1127, 210-436-6611.
Auto Insurance: Effective April 1, 2008, Texas requires drivers to carry insurance coverage in the minimum amount of: $25,000 of coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage is required for any licensed motor vehicle. Current proof of financial responsibility is required (usually auto insurance) to obtain or renew a driver's license, register a car, and upon issuance of a vehicle inspection sticker.
Auto Inspection: Annual auto inspections are required and must be completed before registering the auto in Texas or obtaining a Texas license plate. More information is available from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Registering to Vote: You may register to vote as soon as you arrive in San Antonio either by going to the Bexar County Elections Department, 203 W. Nueva, or by calling them at 210-335-VOTE and asking that a registration form be mailed to you. You may vote in any election 30 days after you register.
Pet Licenses: Vaccinations and licenses for dogs and cats are required by the City of San Antonio. If your pet has a current vaccination certificate, bring it to the Animal Control Facility at 4710 State Highway 151, San Antonio, Texas 78227, 210-207-4738. You can also obtain a pet license from a local veterinarian when the pet is vaccinated. The Animal Defense League periodically has "vaccination drives" and pets can receive shots at a reduced rate (210-655-1363). Also note that San Antonio has a "leash law," so your pet must be either on a leash or in a fenced yard.
Vaccinations: Texas has immunization requirements for students. More information is available from the Metropolican Health District at 210-207-8894.
Low Water Crossings: Low water crossings are marked by a larger ruler-like device sticking out of the ground. Drivers are urged, especially in sudden and violent thunderstorms during spring and fall, to heed these warnings. Because of the intensity of these storms, many areas and roads flood quickly. Cars often stall in these low water crossings, and people have been swept to their deaths by swift currents. Also, drivers not heeding low water crossing baracades can be ticketed and fined, and a driver needing rescue after driving past a low water crossing baracade will be billed for the cost of the emergency rescue.
Religious Organizations: For information on churches, contact the San Antonio Community of Churches at 210-733-9159, or refer to the telephone numbers of Denominational Executive Offices below:
- Christian (Disciples of Christ) - 210-822-4345
- Church of God (Spanish) - 210-733-9503
- Episcopal - 210-824-5387
- Jewish Federation - 210-302-3960
- Latter Day Saints - 210-615-8292
- Lutheran - 210-684-0068
- Nazarene - 210-342-7406
- Presbyterian (USA) - 210-826-3296
- Roman Catholic - 210-734-2620
- Southern Baptist - 210-525-9954
- United Methodist - 210-408-4500
- United Church of Christ - 210-459-7607
The Chamber also maintains a list of local churches with information provided by each organization. Click here to go to that page.
The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce