Relocating to Raleigh > First 30 Days Checklist

Your First 30 to 60 Days in North Carolina: A Newcomer Checklist

You closed on your home. Now comes the paperwork that makes you a North Carolina resident. Bookmark this page and work through it in order. Deadlines and requirements can change, so confirm each step with the official source linked below.

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Before You Arrive

• Set up electric service. Most of the area is served by Duke Energy, and some rural areas by an electric cooperative. Ask us or the seller which provider serves your home.
• Set up water, sewer and trash. These depend on the town. Raleigh Water serves Raleigh and several nearby towns, while Cary, Durham, Apex and other towns run their own. Homes outside town limits may have a private well and septic and a private trash service.
• Set up internet. Providers vary by street. Check availability for your exact address, especially for rural homes.
• Get North Carolina auto insurance lined up. You will need it to register your car here, and NCDMV does not accept out-of-state policies.

Within Your First 30 Days

• Register and title your vehicle. NCDMV says to register when you take a job here or when your previous state's grace period ends, usually 30 days, whichever comes first. You need a North Carolina driver license or ID first. See NCDMV's new resident page.
• Book a DMV appointment early. Driver license offices can be busy, so schedule as soon as you know your move date.
• Update your address with the post office, your bank, your employer and your old state's tax office.
• Enroll students. In Wake County, new students start enrollment at their assigned base school. See checking schools by address.

Within 60 Days

• Get your North Carolina driver license. New residents must get an NC license within 60 days of establishing residence. For a REAL ID, bring two proofs of North Carolina residency.
• Know your vehicle tax. North Carolina charges property tax on registered vehicles, paid together with your annual registration renewal under Tag and Tax Together. A safety or emissions inspection is required before your first renewal.

Voting

• Register to vote. The regular deadline is 25 days before an election, and you must have lived at your address at least 30 days before the election. You can also register in person during early voting. If you get your license through NCDMV, you may be able to register online. See the NC State Board of Elections.

Around the House

• Learn your trash and recycling schedule. Your town's website lists pickup days and yard waste rules.
• Find your property tax account. Look up your parcel on your county's tax website. If you pay through escrow, your lender handles the bill, but check that it was paid.
• Check your HOA. Get the community rules, the dues schedule and who to call for architectural approval before you add a fence, shed or paint color.
• Change the locks and garage codes, and locate your water shutoff, electrical panel and crawlspace or attic access.
• Schedule recurring maintenance, such as HVAC service, pest control and, for rural homes, septic pumping. See our seasonal maintenance checklist.

Getting to Know the Area

Our town guides list parks, greenways, downtowns and local events for each community. Start with the areas we serve and pick your town.

Questions after you move in? Our clients call us long after closing for contractor recommendations and local advice.

Plan My Move With ScottCall 919-740-0379