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

New to Atlanta? Water is the city's, power is Georgia Power, gas is a marketer you pick, trash is billed on your tax bill. License and tag within 30 days.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. This page is an index for new residents. Each item links to the provider’s or agency’s own page; for detail, follow the links to our other guides. No prices are listed; check each provider for current rates.

Welcome to Atlanta. Most of the city is in Fulton County, with a part in DeKalb County, and much of what a new resident needs depends on which. City services run through ATL311, dial 311 or 404-546-0311. Here is what to set up, and who to call.

Your first calls

Water and sewer: City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, start service online

Electricity: Georgia Power, start service; outages 888-891-0938

Natural gas: a certified marketer you choose; gas leaks to Atlanta Gas Light, 877-427-4321

Trash and recycling: City of Atlanta Department of Public Works, through ATL311

Everything else at the city: ATL311, 404-546-0311

Utilities

Water and sewer. The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management supplies water and sewer service and bills for it. Start, stop or move service on its customer service page, which also has a bill calculator and a bill payment assistance program.

Electricity. Georgia Power is the electric utility for most of Atlanta. Start service through the company’s service request page. Outage reporting and maps are on our power outages page.

Natural gas. Georgia’s gas market is deregulated. Atlanta Gas Light owns and maintains the pipes but does not sell gas; to start service, you sign up with a certified marketer. The Georgia Public Service Commission keeps the list of certified marketers and explains natural gas competition in Georgia. Gas emergencies still go to Atlanta Gas Light, 877-427-4321, or 911.

Trash and recycling. The city collects weekly and bills the fee on your property tax bill. New owners must apply in their own name with a settlement statement or warranty deed. Details: our trash and recycling guide.

Internet

Check which providers serve your exact address on the FCC’s National Broadband Map. Providers that publish Atlanta service pages include AT&T Internet in Atlanta and Xfinity in Atlanta; sign up through the provider.

Driver’s license and car

License: apply for a Georgia license within 30 days of becoming a resident, says the Department of Driver Services.
Tag and title: register your vehicle within 30 days of moving, says the Department of Revenue. In Fulton County, the Tax Commissioner’s Motor Vehicle Division handles titles and tags, with offices including the Government Center downtown, open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and renewal kiosks in several Atlanta Kroger stores.

Property taxes and the homestead exemption

If you buy a home and live in it, file for the homestead exemption with the Fulton County Board of Assessors. You must own and live in the home on Jan. 1, and the deadline is April 1 for that year’s taxes. Atlanta residents get a basic exemption on county, city and city school taxes. Rates, due dates and appeals: our property taxes guide.

Pets

Fulton County’s animal ordinance requires all pet owners in the county to license their dogs and cats, online through PetData, by mail or in person at Fulton County Animal Services, 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd. NW, the county says. A three-year rabies vaccination is required. Questions: 404-613-0358.

Our guides for new residents

Schools: Atlanta Public Schools, the zone locator and the 2026-27 calendar
Voting: registration, early voting and polling places
Building permits and zoning: before you renovate
Who to call at City Hall: council members and city contacts
Getting around: MARTA, the airport and parking
Neighborhoods and home prices

What this means for you

In your first 30 days: Georgia license, then tag and title.
Set up water with the city, power with Georgia Power and gas with a marketer you choose.
Buying? File the homestead exemption by April 1.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start water service in Atlanta?

Through the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management’s Start Service page at atlantawatershed.org. Questions go to ATL311, 404-546-0311.

Who provides natural gas in Atlanta?

Atlanta Gas Light owns the pipes but does not sell gas. You start service with a certified natural gas marketer from the Georgia Public Service Commission’s list.

How long do I have to get a Georgia driver’s license after moving to Atlanta?

Thirty days. The Georgia Department of Driver Services says new residents must apply within 30 days, and the Department of Revenue says vehicles must be registered within 30 days of moving.

How do I start trash service in Atlanta?

New property owners apply to the Department of Public Works with a settlement statement or warranty deed; the fee is billed with property taxes. Start through ATL311 or at 55 Trinity Ave. SW, Suite 4700.