New to Charlotte? Start water through 311, power with Duke Energy and gas with Piedmont Natural Gas, and get an N.C. driver's license and plates within 60 days.
Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page links our other Charlotte guides and each utility’s own start-service page. It lists no prices; fees are on each provider’s site.
A checklist for a new Charlotte address. Most city services run through CharMeck 311 (dial 311 in Mecklenburg County or 704-336-7600). The county handles property taxes, building permits, parks and elections.
First calls
- Water and sewer: Charlotte Water, 311 or 704-336-7600, ask for “water move in”
- Power: Duke Energy start service
- Natural gas: Piedmont Natural Gas start service, 800-752-7504
- Smell gas? Leave, then call Piedmont at 800-752-7504 or 911
Utilities
| Service | Provider | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Water and sewer | Charlotte Water (city) | Call 311 or 704-336-7600, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, or visit 600 E. Fourth St., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Details |
| Electricity | Duke Energy | Start, stop or move service online; Duke also has a provider check |
| Natural gas | Piedmont Natural Gas | Start or reconnect service; customer service 800-752-7504, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays |
| Trash and recycling | City Solid Waste Services | Carts come with city service; see our trash and recycling guide |
For water, Charlotte Water asks for a Social Security number (or a business EIN, not an ITIN) and photo ID, and aims to turn service on within 24 to 48 hours. A charge applies for new service. Charlotte Water has also declared Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions; see its drought page.
The city’s Strategic Energy Action Plan (PDF) says Charlotte relies on Duke Energy for electricity and Piedmont Natural Gas, a Duke Energy subsidiary, for natural gas. Outages: see our power outages guide.
Internet
Providers that publish service in Charlotte on their own sites; check availability at your exact address with each:
- AT&T: home internet in Charlotte
- gFiber (Google Fiber): Charlotte service, with an apartment lookup
- Spectrum: internet service in Charlotte
Driver’s license, title and plates
North Carolina’s rules for new residents, from the NCDMV’s moving page:
- Within 60 days of making North Carolina your permanent home, if you drive, get a North Carolina driver’s license and title and register your vehicles.
- License first. Visit an NCDMV driver license office with your out-of-state license (or a document proving identity and date of birth), proof of legal presence and proof of liability insurance from a company licensed in North Carolina. With a valid out-of-state license, the written and road tests may be waived. A REAL ID needs two proofs of residency.
- Then plates. Register your vehicle when you take a job here or when the reciprocity period with your old state ends, usually 30 days, whichever comes first. Take your title (or lender’s registration card), the MVR-1 title application, an MVR-180 odometer statement for vehicles under 10 years old and North Carolina insurance to a license plate agency. Out-of-state insurance is not accepted.
- Inspection: not needed to register the first time, but required before you renew.
Find offices with the NCDMV’s office locator. Vehicle property taxes are billed with registration; see our property taxes guide.
Property taxes and tax relief
Mecklenburg County bills property taxes once a year, due Sept. 1 and payable without interest to Jan. 5. Homeowners 65 or older, or totally and permanently disabled, with income up to $38,800 can apply for the elderly or disabled exclusion with Form AV-9 by June 1. Details and the 2026 rates are in our property taxes guide.
Schools
Charlotte is in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Find your zoned school in the county GeoPortal and enroll through Student Placement, 980-343-5335. Enrollment for 2027-28 opens Oct. 19. See our schools guide.
Pets
Dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months and older in Charlotte must be licensed every year, and you need a current rabies certificate to buy the license, according to the city’s pet license page. Buy online, by mail or at the Animal Care and Control shelter, 8315 Byrum Drive.
Voting
Register at your new address with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections, 704-336-2133. For the Nov. 3 election you can still register and vote the same day at an early voting site through Oct. 31. See our voting guide.
Also worth bookmarking
- Who to call at City Hall: council members by district and 311
- Building permits and zoning: before you add a deck or fence
- Getting around Charlotte: CATS buses, the LYNX light rail and the airport
- Parks and trails: greenways, nature centers and dog parks
What this means for you
- Call Charlotte Water a few days before you move in; service takes up to 48 hours.
- Put the 60-day license and title deadline on your calendar the day you arrive.
- License your pet, and register to vote at your new address.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start water service in Charlotte?
Call 311 or 704-336-7600 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays and ask for water move in. Charlotte Water aims to turn water on within 24 to 48 hours.
Who provides electricity and gas in Charlotte?
The city’s energy plan says Charlotte relies on Duke Energy for electricity and Piedmont Natural Gas for natural gas. Both have online start-service pages.
How long do I have to get a North Carolina driver’s license after moving?
Within 60 days of establishing permanent residence, if you drive, you must get a North Carolina driver’s license and title and register your vehicles, NCDMV says. The license comes first.
Do I need to license my pet in Charlotte?
Yes. Dogs, cats and ferrets 4 months and older in Charlotte must be licensed every year, with a current rabies certificate, according to the city’s Animal Care and Control.
What school will my child attend in Charlotte?
Charlotte is served by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Look up your zoned school in the county GeoPortal, and call Student Placement at 980-343-5335 to enroll.
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