Moving to Raleigh: utilities, schools, trash, permits, taxes

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is an index for new residents: it links to our full guides and adds the start-service steps they do not cover. Every phone number and link comes from the provider or agency named.

Welcome to Raleigh. The city handles water, sewer and trash; Wake County handles property taxes, elections and restaurant inspections; the state handles driver’s licenses and car tags. Power, gas and internet come from private companies. Here is who to contact, in the order most people need them.

First calls

• Water, sewer, trash and recycling: City of Raleigh, 919-996-3245; start or transfer service at customercare@raleighnc.gov
• Electricity: Duke Energy Progress (start, stop or move) or Wake Electric
• Natural gas: Enbridge Gas North Carolina, 1-877-776-2427
• Driver’s license and tags: N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, within 60 days
• Schools: Wake County Public School System, 919-431-7400

1. Water, sewer and trash

The City of Raleigh runs water and sewer through Raleigh Water and trash collection through Solid Waste Services, and both bill on the same city utility account. Call customer care at 919-996-3245, which also takes water emergencies after hours, or email customercare@raleighnc.gov to start or transfer an account, according to the city’s water and recycling pages. Solid waste fees are $28.50 a month. Pickup days, carts and bulky pickup: our trash and recycling guide.

2. Electricity

The city lists two power companies for Raleigh addresses: Duke Energy Progress and Wake Electric Membership Corporation, a cooperative. Ask the seller or landlord which one serves the home, then start service with that company: Duke’s start, stop or move page, or Wake Electric. Outage numbers: our power outages guide.

3. Natural gas

Enbridge Gas North Carolina took over the state’s former PSNC gas utility, previously Dominion Energy, in 2024. Start, stop or transfer service at enbridgegas.com or by calling 1-877-776-2427; the company says online start requests are temporarily unavailable for new customers.

4. Internet, cable and phone

The City of Raleigh lists these providers on its emergency contacts page; check each company’s own site for service at your address:

5. Driver’s license, title and tags

Within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina, if you plan to drive, you must get a North Carolina driver’s license and title and register your vehicles with the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, according to its new residents page.

• License first: bring your out-of-state license, a document proving identity and date of birth, your Social Security card or another proof, proof of legal presence and proof of N.C. liability insurance. For a REAL ID, bring two proofs of residency. Without a valid out-of-state license you retake the written and road tests.
• Then title and register: with the MVR-1 title application and, for vehicles under 10 years old, the MVR-180 odometer disclosure. The DMV says to register when you take a job here or when your old state’s reciprocity period ends, usually 30 days.
• Find an office: the DMV’s office locator.

Vehicles are also taxed as property in Wake County, and Raleigh adds a $30 city vehicle fee; see our property taxes guide.

6. Property taxes and relief

Your Wake County bill covers the county and the city: $0.9091 per $100 of value for 2026. New values take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Homeowners 65 and older, totally and permanently disabled owners and disabled veterans can apply for relief by June 1. Details: our property taxes guide.

7. Schools, voting and permits

• Schools: every address has a base school in the Wake County Public School System; see our schools guide. Magnet and year-round applications run Oct. 15 to Jan. 21.
• Voting: register with the Wake County Board of Elections; see our voting guide.
• Remodeling or adding a fence or deck: our permits guide.

8. Pets

The city’s Animal Control unit, part of the Raleigh Police Department, requires pets to be vaccinated against rabies. We found no separate City of Raleigh pet license. Off-leash dog parks are in our parks guide.

What this means for you

• Day one: call 919-996-3245 for water and trash, and the power company for electricity.
• Within 60 days: driver’s license, then title and tags.
• Before June 1: apply for property tax relief if you qualify.

Also useful: who to call at City Hall and getting around Raleigh.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up water and trash service in Raleigh?

Raleigh Water and Solid Waste Services share one customer line, 919-996-3245. To start or transfer a utility account, email customercare@raleighnc.gov; trash, recycling and yard waste fees go on the same bill.

Who provides electricity in Raleigh?

Duke Energy Progress or Wake Electric Membership Corporation, depending on your address. Start service with whichever company serves the home.

How long do I have to get a North Carolina driver’s license after moving?

Within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence, if you plan to drive, you must get a North Carolina driver’s license and title and register your vehicles, the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles says.

Is there a homestead exemption in Raleigh?

Wake County offers state tax relief programs for homeowners 65 and older, totally and permanently disabled owners and disabled veterans. Applications are due June 1.

Do I need to register my pet in Raleigh?

The city’s animal control pages require dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. We found no separate City of Raleigh pet license requirement.