Picture this: You just moved to San Antonio and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and drink margaritas all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Bookmark these San Antonian 101 tips, our guide to all things San Antonio citizenship.

The San Antonio River Walk is a bustling place with many restaurants and bars. | Photo by f11photo/Getty Images via Canva

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
New residents in need of a Texas driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming their residential address.

To register a car in Texas, bring proof of state car insurance, proof of identity (in the form of a driver’s license, passport, or ID card),and a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification form to any Bexar County tax office (such as the Tax Collector's office at 233 N. Pecos La Trinidad).

Initial registrations may be subject to a $50.75 fee.

Appointments can be made online to obtain a state driver’s license. Vehicle registration is conducted on a walk-in basis.

Health care
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 the Gonzaba Medical Group, University Health System, or Centro Med, to name a few. Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.

The Gonzaba Medical Group office in Hillcrest. | Photo by Gonzaba Medical Group

Educational needs

School registration
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with one of Bexar County's many school districts, like San Antonio ISD. You can find your school zone (based on your home address), a list of registration and immunization requirements, and the student entry form here. 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 San Antonio's private schools, check out Fun 4 Alamo 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 San Antonio branch, or apply for an eCard (valid for 90 days) online, to take advantage of:

Genealogy services
Events
eBooks, eAudio, and eMagazines
Movies and music
Online databases

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

The Big Enchilada, Central Library, the OSS Building — what do you call it? | Photo by @timothymcvainlives

Home necessities

Recycling
Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in San Antonio, 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 CPS Energy 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 to save money and energy every month.

Internet providers
No connectivity issues here. Check out some of the internet providers in the 210:

Spectrum | Starting at $30 per month
AT&T Internet | Fiber internet starting at $55 per month
Google Fiber | Fiber internet starting at $70 per month
Viasat | Starting at $49.99 per month

"The Last Parade" mural. | Photo by the City of San Antonio

The ultimate San Antonian initiation

Having a Texas driver’s license and a 210 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a San Antonian until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in Alamo City.

Fiesta
The biggest party of the year, with a cause. With its rich history dating back to the 19th century — like the Battle of Flowers Parade — San Antonians take to the streets yelling "show us your shoes" with homemade hats, colorful outfits, and Fiesta Medals. You don't want to miss the parades, foodie festivals, and more. Pro tip: Try a chicken on a stick.

Coffee shops
San Antonio is home to a plethora of coffee shops and trucks. They're great places to learn about the city's culture, meet new friends, work remotely, and check out a pop-up market or two.

Historic Pearl
Smack dab in the middle of San Antonio is the site of the former Pearl Brewery turned mixed-use space. Here, you can find weekend farmers markets, free workout classes, and plenty of bars and restaurants — including Southerleigh, Best Quality Daughter, and High Street Wine.

Don't forget to check out the small businesses that are full of San Antonio pride, like Feliz Modern, Twig Bookshop, and Dos Carolinas.

Check out all of the Fiesta royalty during the Battle of Flowers parade. | Photo courtesy of Battle of Flowers Association, Javier Fernandez, and Jon Alonzo.

Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in the 210? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.