Picture this: You just moved to Lexington, KY and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and eat Missy's Pies all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Lexingtonian 101, our guide to all the things you need to know as a new Lexington resident.

You can be the owner of one of these highly sought-after stickers. | Photo courtesy of @paulmhooper

The essentials

Voter registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
With REAL ID enforcement in full swing, there has never been a better time to renew your drivers license or state ID. New residents in need of a Kentucky driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming your residential address. Pro tip: Refer to this list of acceptable documents.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is the only agency that issues licenses, REAL IDs, CDLs, permits, and ID cards. Appointments are available at KYTC offices or online, and renewals require a quick vision screening.

To title and register your car in Kentucky, bring proof of Kentucky insurance, ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID), and a VIN/Odometer Verification form to the Fayette County Clerk. For out-of-state vehicles, also bring a completed TC 96-182 form and your signed-over title (or registration/bill of sale if no title), with notarized signatures. Pro tip: Make sure your insurance is issued in Kentucky to avoid delays.

Healthcare
Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Reach out to the professionals at Baptist Health Lexington, UK HealthCare, or Lexington Clinic, to name a few. Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.

Kind of like this, but without the walls. | Photo provided by Lexington Public Library

Educational needs

School registration
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with Fayette County Public Schools. Here, you’ll find your school zone (based on your home address), a list of registration and immunization requirements, and the student entry form. With your required documents in hand, you’ll then make an appointment at your student’s zoned school to complete the registration process.

For information on LEX's private and parochial schools, check out LEX Fun 4 Kids list.

Library card registration
If you think libraries are only for renting the occasional book, think again. Register for a library card at your nearest Lexington Public Library branch, or apply for a temporary card (valid for 30 days) online, to take advantage of:

Genealogy services
Makerspaces
Events
eBooks, music, and movies
Online databases
Private meeting spaces for groups
Books-by-mail
State park passes

To get your card, you’ll need proof of identity and proof of address. Lexingtonians of any age can apply for a free card to be used at any LPL branch.

What we want to convey is, it's not that complicated. | Photo via the City of Lexington

Home necessities

Recycling
Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in LEX, from where to place your bin, to pickup times and accepted materials, check out our guide.

Utilities
Moving is exciting, but no one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with Kentucky Utilities Electric by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account. Pro tip: You can complete a free virtual energy audit to learn how you can save money and energy every month.

Internet providers
No connectivity issues here. Check out some of the internet providers in the 859:

T-Mobile Fiber | Internet service starting at $55 per month for five years
Spectrum | Internet service starting at $30 per month for 12 months
Windstream | Internet service starting at $24.99 per month

Charlie Brown's is known for its cozy late night vibes, and it's hot peper cheese bites. | Photo by LEXtoday

The ultimate LEX initiation

Having a state driver’s license and an 859 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Lexingtonian until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in LEX.

Betting (and maybe losing money) at Keeneland
Attending any UK sports games
Snacking on hot pepper cheese from Charlie Brown's
Nailing the chaos that New Circle Road can be

Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in LEX? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.