New North Carolina Residents
North Carolina New Resident Checklist: What to Do After Moving
Just moved to North Carolina? Here is a complete, organized checklist of everything you need to do in your first 60 days as a new resident, from car insurance and vehicle registration to your driver's license and voter registration.
Before you arrive
What to handle before your North Carolina move-in date
Get North Carolina auto insurance before arrival so you can register your vehicle immediately
If buying a home, get homeowners insurance quotes and have a policy bound by your closing date
Set up utilities (Duke Energy Progress for electric, PSNC for gas, local municipality for water) to take effect on move-in day
Set up internet service through Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, Ting Fiber, or your preferred provider
File a change of address with USPS at usps.com
Notify your employer, bank, and financial institutions of your new address
Within 30 days
What to do in your first 30 days in North Carolina
Register your vehicle at the NC DMV within 30 days of establishing residency (bring proof of NC insurance, title, and MVR-1 form)
Register your children in their new Wake County or local school district
Update your address with the Social Security Administration if needed
Update your credit cards, insurance accounts, and subscription services with your new address
Locate your nearest urgent care and primary care provider
Get your NC Medicaid or health insurance updated to reflect your new state if applicable
Within 60 days
What to do in your first 60 days in North Carolina
Get your North Carolina driver's license within 60 days (exchange at any NC DMV; no test required if current license is valid)
Register to vote in North Carolina at ncsbe.gov or vote.gov
Update your vehicle title if your name or lienholder information needs to change
Review your homeowners or renters insurance to confirm coverage is adequate for your new home
Update your estate planning documents (will, power of attorney) with your new NC address and confirm they comply with NC law
If you have a concealed carry permit, look into NC reciprocity and the process for an NC permit if needed
Need NC insurance fast?
IronHaven Insurance is based in Wake Forest and helps new North Carolina residents get home and auto insurance set up quickly. Cooper shops 25+ carriers and can typically issue your NC auto policy the same day. Call (919) 249-8448.
Related guides for new North Carolina residents
New North Carolina resident questions answered
New North Carolina residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency. You need North Carolina auto insurance before you can complete the registration. New residents transferring a vehicle from another state do not need a safety inspection for the initial registration. Starting in year two, an annual safety inspection is required before renewal.
New NC residents must obtain a North Carolina driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency. You can exchange your valid out-of-state license for an NC license without retaking the written or driving test if your license is current. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of NC residency (two documents), and your Social Security number.
Yes. You need a North Carolina-compliant auto insurance policy to register your vehicle in the state. NC requires minimum coverage of $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident bodily injury liability and $25,000 property damage, plus uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits. IronHaven Insurance can issue a new NC policy the same day you call. Reach us at (919) 249-8448.
Yes. You can register to vote or update your registration online at vote.gov or through the North Carolina State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov. You can also register in person at your county Board of Elections office. North Carolina allows same-day registration at certain voting sites during early voting.
If you are renting, you will need a new North Carolina renters insurance policy. If you are purchasing a home, you need a North Carolina homeowners policy in place before your closing date. Your out-of-state policy does not cover a North Carolina home. IronHaven Insurance shops 25+ carriers for the best NC rate. Call (919) 249-8448.
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