New to Memphis? One MLGW account covers power, gas and water (901-544-6549); trash comes on the same bill. Tags, schools, taxes and a 30-day license rule.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts come from Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s home page and request service page, the City of Memphis Solid Waste and Treasury pages, the Tennessee Department of Safety’s new residents page, the Shelby County Clerk and Trustee, and the providers named. This page links our other guides instead of repeating them.

Moving to Memphis means one big utility account: Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) supplies electricity, natural gas and water, and the city’s solid waste and sewer fees are billed on the same MLGW bill. Start service online or call 901-544-6549. Then transfer your driver’s license within 30 days, register your car with the Shelby County Clerk, find your school zone and register to vote. For city services, call 311 at 901-636-6500.

Who to call

  • MLGW (start, stop or transfer power, gas and water): 901-544-6549; start service form
  • City services and trash: Memphis 311, 901-636-6500
  • Shelby County Clerk (car tags and titles): 901-222-3000, 150 Washington Ave.
  • Memphis-Shelby County Schools: 901-416-5300
  • Shelby County Election Commission: 901-222-1200

1. Power, gas and water: MLGW

MLGW’s request service page has three online forms: start service at your new home, stop service at your old one, or transfer service if you are moving within the MLGW area. Billing questions go to 901-544-6549. For outages and gas emergencies, see our power outages guide.

2. Trash and recycling

City garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk pickup come with the solid waste fee on your MLGW bill. Look up your collection day by address on the city’s Solid Waste page or in the Memphis Curbside Collection app. Full details, including drop-off centers and holiday changes, are in our trash and recycling guide.

3. Internet

Providers that publish service pages for Memphis addresses; check your exact address on each:

4. Driver’s license and car tags

  • License: new residents with an out-of-state license must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency, at a full-service Driver Services Center, with a vision screening. Drivers from some states must also bring a recent motor vehicle record; the Department of Safety page lists them.
  • Tags and titles: the Shelby County Clerk handles vehicle registration and plates. The main office is at 150 Washington Ave., and the clerk has branch offices around the county; call 901-222-3000 first to check which documents to bring.

5. Schools

Memphis-Shelby County Schools serves the city. Find your zoned school with the district’s School Zone Locator and bring two approved proofs of residence when you enroll. See our schools guide.

6. Taxes

Memphis homeowners get two property tax bills: Shelby County (Trustee, due by the end of February) and the City of Memphis (Treasury, delinquent after Aug. 31). Seniors, disabled owners and disabled veterans can apply for tax relief and the tax freeze with both offices. See our property tax guide.

7. Voting, permits and city contacts

  • Register to vote at your new address online through GoVoteTN; see voting.
  • Fences, additions and renovations need permits from the city-county Division of Planning and Development; see building permits and zoning.
  • Your council members: every address has a district member and three super district members; see who to call at City Hall.
  • Getting around: roads, MATA buses and the airport are in our getting around guide.

8. Pets

Lost, found or stray animals and adoptions go to Memphis Animal Services, 2350 Appling City Cove, 901-636-1416. Its site does not list a separate pet license; call to confirm what the city requires for your animal.

What this means for you

  • Day one: start MLGW service online or at 901-544-6549; trash is on the same bill.
  • Within 30 days: Tennessee driver’s license.
  • Then: tags, school zone, voter registration and your 311 account.

More guides: population, home prices and parks and trails.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up utilities in Memphis?

Memphis Light, Gas and Water provides electricity, natural gas and water. Request service on MLGW’s online start service form or call 901-544-6549. City sewer and solid waste fees are billed on the same MLGW bill.

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

The Tennessee Department of Safety says new residents must get a Tennessee license within 30 days of establishing residency, at a full-service Driver Services Center.

Where do I register my car in Memphis?

With the Shelby County Clerk, whose main office is at 150 Washington Ave., Memphis, 901-222-3000. Call first to make sure you bring the right documents.

What property tax breaks can new Memphis homeowners get?

Shelby County and the City of Memphis each offer a tax freeze and tax relief for qualifying seniors, disabled owners and disabled veterans; call the Trustee at 901-222-0200 and City Treasury at 901-522-1111.

Which internet providers serve Memphis?

Xfinity (Comcast) and AT&T both publish Memphis service pages where you can check your address.