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Dallas

Texas, United States

Arriving, settling in and working in Dallas: what official sources say, in the order you’ll need it. Every point links to the page it came from.

Plan my move to DallasRead the guide ↓
Photo: CR / Unsplash
Guide sections12
Sourced facts62
Last verified1 Nov 2026
Areas with rent9

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Dallas at a glance

The basics about Dallas, plus official sources for time, weather and living costs.

  • The city uses Central Time. In 2026, daylight saving time runs from 8 March to 1 November; clocks change at 2 a.m.
    nist.gov ↗
  • For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the National Weather Service forecast office for Fort Worth/Dallas.
    weather.gov ↗
  • Zumper's rent data for Dallas lists an average of $1,301 a month for a 1-bedroom and $1,845 for a 2-bedroom (page updated 31 October 2026).
    zumper.com ↗
  • In nearby Plano, Zumper lists $1,348 for a 1-bedroom and $1,945 for a 2-bedroom (31 October 2026).
    zumper.com ↗
External links
Zumper Dallas rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Laws and customs

Texas rules that often surprise newcomers.

  • The Texas state sales tax is 6.25%. Local bodies can add up to 2%, for a maximum combined rate of 8.25%.
    comptroller.texas.gov ↗
  • Texas allows only low-THC cannabis, by prescription through the Compassionate Use Program, bought from a licensed dispensing organisation.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
  • Texas law bans smoking even prescribed low-THC cannabis.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
  • To drive, you need at least $30,000 of liability cover per injured person, $60,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.
    txdmv.gov ↗
Show 2 more
  • In Dallas you can call 311 in hundreds of languages, or request City services online or through the 311 app.
    dallascityhall.com ↗
  • For mental health or suicide crisis support, call 988 or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. It is free, confidential and open 24/7.
    988lifeline.org ↗
External links
Sales tax FAQs (Texas Comptroller) ↗988 Lifeline ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Dallas

Getting from DFW into the city, and your first admin steps.

  • DART's Orange Line runs from DFW Airport Terminal A station through Irving and downtown Dallas to Plano.
    dfwairport.com ↗
  • The DART Silver Line serves DFW Terminal B station and runs to Plano via Coppell, Carrollton, Addison and Richardson, without going through downtown Dallas. TEXRail runs from Terminal B to downtown Fort Worth.
    dfwairport.com ↗
  • Pay with the GoPass app, at ticket vending machines (there are none at DFW Terminal B station) or by tapping a contactless card or device. Each rider needs their own payment.
    dart.org ↗
  • If you are not a US citizen, you must report each change of address to USCIS within 10 days of moving. A US Postal Service change of address does not update USCIS. A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors are exempt.
    uscis.gov ↗
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  • If your Social Security number was not requested with your visa or green card application, the SSA suggests waiting 10 days after arrival before you apply, so your documents can be verified.
    ssa.gov ↗
External links
DART to airports ↗Public transit (DFW Airport) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Getting around

DART trains, buses and passes.

  • If you ride only DART, buy a Local Pass as a Day Pass or 3-Hour Pass. It covers DART Rail, the Silver Line, buses, GoLink, the Dallas Streetcar and the TRE between EBJ Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport.
    dart.org ↗
  • Always be ready to show your GoPass app, GoPass Tap card or ticket: a valid fare is needed on all DART buses and trains.
    dart.org ↗
  • Ticket vending machines take cash, credit and debit cards, and Apple Pay, Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet. They accept coins and $1–$20 bills, but not pennies.
    dart.org ↗
  • Riders who qualify for reduced fares can get a Discount GoPass Tap card for 50% off.
    dart.org ↗
Show 1 more
External links
DART fares ↗DART to airports ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and housing

Deposits and renting rules in Texas.

  • Zumper's Uptown page lists an average of $2,047 a month for a 1-bedroom and $3,251 for a 2-bedroom (1 November 2026).
    zumper.com ↗
  • A Texas landlord must refund your security deposit on or before the 30th day after you move out (Property Code §92.103).
    guides.sll.texas.gov ↗
  • The landlord does not have to refund the deposit or list deductions until you give a written forwarding address. You keep the right to a refund even if you don't.
    guides.sll.texas.gov ↗
  • Deductions for repairs must be itemised in writing, and the landlord cannot keep money for normal wear and tear.
    guides.sll.texas.gov ↗
Show 2 more
  • Outside public or subsidised housing, Texas law sets no limit on how much a landlord can charge as a security deposit.
    texaslawhelp.org ↗
  • If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, you can sue for three times the amount withheld; claims under $20,000 can go to justice court.
    guides.sll.texas.gov ↗
External links
Security deposit refunds (Texas State Law Library) ↗Zumper Dallas rent data ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Schools

Enrolling children in Dallas ISD schools.

  • Registration for the 2026-27 school year is open online. Use Dallas ISD's Find Your School tool, gather your documents, then register.
    dallasisd.org ↗
  • For a child new to the district, bring a birth certificate (or adoption record, hospital birth record, baptism record or passport) and proof of address such as a utility bill or lease.
    dallasisd.org ↗
  • You also need the child's immunisation record, validated by a doctor or public health staff, and a photo ID for the parent or guardian. A Social Security card is optional.
    dallasisd.org ↗
  • Enrolment questions: (972) 925-5560. Pre-K enrolment: (214) 932-7735.
    dallasisd.org ↗
External links
Enroll (Dallas ISD) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Healthcare

Health insurance and low-cost care in Dallas.

  • Texans buy individual health plans on HealthCare.gov during open enrollment or a special enrollment period, and may qualify for tax credits. The Texas Department of Insurance help line is 800-252-3439.
    tdi.texas.gov ↗
  • Open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs from 1 November 2026 to 15 January 2027. Enrol by 15 December for coverage starting 1 January.
    healthcare.gov ↗
  • Moving counts as a life change that can let you enrol outside open enrollment.
    healthcare.gov ↗
  • Parkland is Dallas County's public health system and has served the county since 1894. Main number: (214) 590-8000.
    parklandhealth.org ↗
Show 2 more
  • You may qualify for Parkland Financial Assistance based on income and household size. Apply online or with a financial counselor; call 214-590-8831 (weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Translation is offered in 166 languages.
    parklandhealth.org ↗
  • For help with state benefits or the Your Texas Benefits website, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
    yourtexasbenefits.com ↗
External links
HealthCare.gov dates ↗Parkland financial support ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Banking and ID

Social Security numbers, tax IDs and bank accounts.

  • Noncitizens can usually get a Social Security number only if DHS has authorised them to work. Applying is free; you start online and then visit a Social Security office within 45 days with original documents.
    ssa.gov ↗
  • If you are not eligible for a Social Security number but need a US tax number, apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7.
    irs.gov ↗
  • To open a bank account you usually need photo ID (some banks accept a foreign passport or consular ID), proof of address and an SSN or ITIN. Without an SSN or ITIN you may only be able to open a no-interest account.
    files.consumerfinance.gov ↗
  • Bank deposits are insured by the FDIC up to at least $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, at each insured bank.
    fdic.gov ↗
Show 1 more
  • Ask a bank in advance whether it accepts your foreign passport or consular ID, and check minimum balance, ATM and overdraft fees.
    files.consumerfinance.gov ↗
External links
SSN for noncitizens (SSA) ↗Opening an account (CFPB) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Driving and cars

Licences, registration and insurance.

  • You can drive on a valid licence from another US state, US territory, Canadian province or qualifying country for up to 90 days after moving to Texas.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
  • With a licence from another US state, US territory or Canada, you surrender it and don't need to take the knowledge or skills test.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
  • Texas has licence reciprocity with France, Germany, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan, so tests can be waived for valid licences from those countries. Licences not in English or Spanish must be translated.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
  • Register your vehicles with the Texas DMV before you apply for a Texas licence.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
Show 3 more
  • Register your vehicle within 30 days of moving, at your county tax assessor-collector office. In listed emissions counties you must pass an emissions test first.
    txdmv.gov ↗
  • Driver licence offices serve customers by appointment only; same-day slots may be available at some offices. A licence is valid for up to eight years.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
  • You cannot hold a Texas driver licence and a Texas ID card at the same time.
    dps.texas.gov ↗
External links
Moving to Texas (DPS) ↗New to Texas (TxDMV) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Where people live in Dallas

Average rent a month from official or market surveys, as of 1 Nov 2026. Asking rents for new listings are often higher.

Uptown

Dallas
1 bedroom$2,047
2 bedroom$3,251
SinglesCouplesNightlifeNear the centre
Source: Uptown rent prices — Zumper ↗

Downtown Dallas

Dallas
1 bedroom$1,774
2 bedroom$2,285
SinglesGood transitNear the centre
Source: Downtown Dallas rent prices — Zumper ↗

Deep Ellum

Dallas
1 bedroom$1,415
2 bedroom$2,700
SinglesNightlife
Source: Deep Ellum rent prices — Zumper ↗

Lower Greenville

Dallas
1 bedroom$1,650
2 bedroom$2,780
SinglesCouplesNightlife
Source: Lower Greenville rent prices — Zumper ↗

Lake Highlands

Dallas
1 bedroom$1,015
2 bedroom$1,320
FamiliesLower rentQuiet
Source: Lake Highlands rent prices — Zumper ↗

Lake Cliff

Dallas
1 bedroom$1,159
2 bedroom$1,625
Lower rentCouples
Source: Lake Cliff rent prices — Zumper ↗

Plano

Separate city
1 bedroom$1,348
2 bedroom$1,945
FamiliesQuietGood transit
Source: Plano, TX rent prices — Zumper ↗

Richardson

Separate city
1 bedroom$1,447
2 bedroom$1,769
StudentsFamiliesGood transit
Source: Richardson, TX rent prices — Zumper ↗

Irving

Separate city
1 bedroom$1,281
2 bedroom$1,650
Lower rentGood transit
Source: Irving, TX rent prices — Zumper ↗

Zumper's average asking rent per month for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom homes listed on Zumper, from each neighbourhood or city page's rent table (pages updated 30 Sep to 1 Nov 2026). Asking rents for new listings..

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Pay, leave and rights at work.

  • Texas uses the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. With restrictions, employers can count tips and the value of meals and lodging towards it.
    twc.texas.gov ↗
  • If you aren't paid, file a wage claim with the Texas Workforce Commission within 180 days of the date wages were due, or call 800-628-5115.
    twc.texas.gov ↗
  • You can instead sue in civil court within two years to recover unpaid wages plus an equal amount in damages.
    twc.texas.gov ↗
  • Under federal law, non-exempt employees must get at least time and a half for hours over 40 in a workweek.
    dol.gov ↗
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  • The federal FMLA gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year. You generally need 12 months and 1,250 hours with an employer that has 50 staff within 75 miles. Wage and Hour Division: 1-866-487-9243.
    dol.gov ↗
External links
Texas Minimum Wage Law (TWC) ↗FMLA (US DOL) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Universities

Universities and help for international students.

  • The University of Texas at Dallas has more than 30,000 students across seven schools.
    utdallas.edu ↗
  • UT Dallas is at 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas.
    utdallas.edu ↗
  • The DART Silver Line, which reaches DFW Terminal B, serves Richardson.
    dfwairport.com ↗
  • International students must be accepted by an SEVP-certified school before applying for a student visa. The SEVP Response Center is on 703-603-3400, weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
    studyinthestates.dhs.gov ↗
External links
Study in the States (DHS) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

Communities and support

Where to get free help and connect with others.

  • Dallas Public Library, with Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, runs free GED and ESL classes at six library locations. You must be 17 or over and show ID and proof of authorisation to work in the US.
    dallaslibrary.org ↗
  • Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas offers free GED preparation and ESL classes; call 214-290-1000.
    dallaslibrary.org ↗
  • The Dallas ISD International Welcome Center offers free ESL; call 972-925-3134.
    dallaslibrary.org ↗
  • Other free ESL providers listed by the library include the Wilkinson Center (972-895-3280) and Buckner Family Hope Center in Oak Cliff (214-319-3440).
    dallaslibrary.org ↗
Show 1 more
External links
Adult learning (Dallas Public Library) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.
Every point links to its official source.✓ Verified 1 Nov 2026

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