Picture this: You just moved to Louisville and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and sip bourbon all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Louisvillian 101, our guide to all things Derby City.

The essentials

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

Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
New residents in need of a Kentucky driver’s license — which you must obtain within 30 days of establishing residency — will need to provide proof of legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming your residential address, valid out-of-state license, and proof of any name or gender change.

To register your car in the state of Kentucky, you’ll need to bring your original title and odometer statement or an Application for Registration form, photo ID, a Sheriff's Inspection ($5 fee), and proof of Kentucky car insurance to a Jefferson County Clerk office.

You can make an appointment at a Louisville Motor Vehicle Branch to obtain a Kentucky driver’s license. Registration for your vehicle is conducted on a walk-in basis.

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, Norton Healthcare, or UofL Health, to name a few. Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.

Educational needs

School registration
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with Jefferson County Public Schools. Here, you’ll find the list of schools available to students based on their interests and needs.

For information on Louisville's private schools, check out this 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 Louisville Free Public Library branch or apply online to take advantage of:

Genealogy services
Events
eBooks, music, and movies
Online databases
Private meeting spaces for groups
Printing, scanning, and faxing
Tax help

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

Home necessities

Utilities
Moving is exciting, but no one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with Louisville Gas & Electric by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account.

While you're at it, go ahead and create an account with the Louisville Water Company. If you're renting a property, check with your landlord to see if your water is included.

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

AT&T | Fiber internet starting at $55 per month
Spectrum | Internet service starting at $49.99 per month
T-Mobile Home Internet | Internet service starting at $50 per month

Recycling
Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in Derby City, from where to place your bin to pickup times and accepted materials, Metro's Public Works has laid it out.

Pro tip: Download the Recycle Coach app to get updates sent to your phone.

The ultimate Louisvillian initiation

Having a State driver’s license and a 502 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Louisvillian until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in Derby City.

Eat a Modjeska
This Louisville-invented candy is best eaten at Muth's Candies in NuLu.

Visit the flagship Olmsted Parks
Derby City is home to one of only four completed park systems designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr.

Learn Kentucky's sports rivalries
The feud between the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky is only the beginning.

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