Moving to Madison: a practical checklist

Start your utilities first

Set these up before you move in. Your first utility bill also doubles as proof of address for the DMV and for a parking permit, so it pays to start early.

• Electricity and gas: Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) supplies electricity in Madison and nearby communities including Middleton, Fitchburg, Monona, McFarland and Cross Plains, and natural gas across Dane County. Start service on MGE's website or by phone at 608-252-7000.
• Water: Madison Water Utility starts service by phone at (608) 266-4641, weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you're buying a home, the title company usually handles the transfer. If you rent, check your lease to see whether you're responsible for the municipal services bill.

Outside the city of Madison, providers can differ, so check with your town or village if you're not sure who serves your address.

Get your Wisconsin driver's license within 60 days

Once Wisconsin is your home, you have 60 days to get a Wisconsin driver's license (30 days for a commercial license). You count as a resident if your main home is here, you pay income tax here, or you're registered to vote here.

You'll apply in person, turn in your out-of-state license and take a vision test; a written or road test may be required. If you want a REAL ID, bring original documents (photocopies aren't accepted): proof of identity and date of birth such as a certified birth certificate, proof of legal presence, any name changes, your Social Security number, and two proofs of Wisconsin residency, such as a utility bill, paystub, bank statement or lease.

Madison has two DMV service centers: Madison East on Bartillon Drive, which has Saturday hours, and Madison Southwest at 2344 South Park Street. Book an appointment online to skip the wait.

Title and register your car

Wisconsin requires you to title and register your vehicle once you become a resident; the state doesn't give a separate grace period. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at a DMV or a third-party agent. You'll need the original title from your old state.

Budget for local wheel taxes on top of the state registration fee: the City of Madison and Dane County each add $40 a year.

Find your trash and recycling day

The City of Madison Streets Division collects trash every week in the tan cart and recycling every other week in the green cart. Enter your address in the city's collection schedule lookup to see your next pickup dates and print a calendar for the year. The city's "Recyclopedia" tells you where everything else goes.

Big items like furniture need a work order with Streets before pickup. Our trash and recycling guide covers the details.

Check whether you need a parking permit

Some Madison neighborhoods, mostly near campus and downtown, have time-limited street parking to keep commuters from filling the curbs. Residents there can buy a residential parking permit for $42 a year (September 1 to August 31) that lets them park past the posted limit in their permit area. It doesn't guarantee a spot.

Check your address on the city's eligibility map first, then apply online, by mail or in person at the Parking Office, 215 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. You'll need proof of residence, such as a current lease. Winter brings its own parking rules; see our winter parking guide.

License your dog or cat

Every dog and cat 5 months or older in the City of Madison needs a license, renewed each calendar year. Bring proof of a current rabies vaccination. It's $25 for a spayed or neutered pet and $36 otherwise, with a late fee from April 1. Apply online or by mail through the City Treasurer.

Get a library card

Your first Madison Public Library card is free. Bring a photo ID and proof of your current address to any branch, or apply online. The card also works at libraries across the South Central Library System.

Find help for the move itself

Most campus-area leases turn over on August 15, which makes mid-August the busiest time to book movers. Whenever you're moving, get written estimates and ask what can change the final price. Once you're in, our directory has cleaning services, handymen and real estate agents across the Madison area.