Confirm the home and services first. Then handle address changes, applicable Indiana credentials and vehicle registration, care and school transitions, and everyday local resources. Indiana BMV generally gives qualifying new residents 60 days for the driver’s license transition; read its rules for your situation.
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Start with the essentials
Check water, sewer, power, gas where applicable, and internet. Details ↗
Locate shutoffs, breaker panel, alarms, and emergency exits. Details ↗
Confirm bins, recycling, bulky items, and building-specific rules. Details ↗
Paperwork and continuity
Qualifying out-of-state drivers generally have 60 days; verify your situation. Details ↗
Use the official packet and confirm which documents you need. Details ↗
Employer, accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and official records. Details ↗
Check plan coverage and the specific provider and facility. Details ↗
Confirm assignment, registration, availability, and transport. Details ↗
Make it feel like home
Check card eligibility, your practical branch, and the calendar. Details ↗
Check current access and the connection from your home. Details ↗
A regular class, volunteer shift, or local event can be a useful start. Details ↗
Keep this useful.
Save a copy for this browser, or create a link anyone can open. Budget, commute destination and moving date are excluded from saved, shared and emailed copies.
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Put official deadlines on your calendar
Indiana BMV publishes instructions for new residents and a document packet. Check the requirements for your credential type and vehicle ownership before visiting a branch. The 60-day guidance for qualifying drivers should not be confused with rules for a newly purchased vehicle or a different credential.
Official sources: Indiana BMV — new Indiana residents · Indiana BMV — vehicle registrations
Make the address change reach the right places
Update the organizations that send you important records: your employer, financial institutions, insurance providers, benefits administrators, and other services you use. Use official channels and check that the change applies to both mailing and service addresses when relevant.
Confirm voter registration information through Indiana’s official election resources if applicable. A postal change alone does not complete every government or account update.
Choose your first familiar places
Visit the library website, find a practical park or trail entrance, and choose an activity you can attend again. You do not need a full social calendar in the first week. A few places that fit your life will do more for settling in than a long list of attractions.
Official sources: Allen County Public Library · Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation · Fort Wayne Trails
Save these.
Time zone: State of Indiana. For county offices visit Allen County; for visitor information use Visit Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne Police Department
For emergencies, call 911. The Police Desk handles non-emergency requests.
City of Fort Wayne · 1 E. Main Street, Suite 108, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-427-1222
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08Fort Wayne 311
Use 311 for city service questions and requests. The full phone number also works outside Allen County.
311 / 260-427-8311
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control
Animal control officer assistance: 260-427-1244. After 8 p.m., weekends and holidays, use 260-449-3000.
Dogs and cats living within city limits must be registered by five months of age. The official page links registration and current requirements.
City of Fort Wayne · 3020 Hillegas Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
260-427-1244
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08Allen County emergency preparedness
Learn the local warning system and review the county travel advisory system. If outdoor emergency sirens sound, the county directs residents to seek shelter and check local media for information.
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08National Weather Service Northern Indiana
Check the local forecast, radar, watches, warnings and hazardous weather outlook. The office's site links current Fort Wayne climate reports and weather alert guidance.
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08Fort Wayne City Utilities
Start or stop water and sewer service through Customer Support or the linked online service form. Schedule ahead; service turn-ons depend on appointments. English, Spanish and Burmese-speaking representatives are available.
Confirm provider at your address · 200 E. Berry Street, Suite 130, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-427-1234
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08Indiana Michigan Power
Report emergencies and safety hazards using its 24-hour number. Its contact page links outage reporting, the outage map and service requests for a move.
800-311-4634
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08NIPSCO gas emergencies
For suspected gas leaks or other gas emergencies, NIPSCO says to go outside and call 911, then its emergency number.
800-634-3524
Check the official source →Verified 2026-09-08Sources & verification
- Indiana BMV — new Indiana residents ↗Current credential instructions; qualifying out-of-state drivers generally have 60 days after moving. Checked September 8, 2026.
- Indiana BMV — vehicle registrations ↗Existing owned vehicles must generally be registered within 60 days of becoming an Indiana resident; check applicable exceptions. Checked September 8, 2026.
- Allen County Public Library ↗Branch, event, and library-card information. Checked September 8, 2026.
- Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation ↗Official park information, programs, and registration. Checked September 8, 2026.
- Fort Wayne Trails ↗Use current maps and notices to check trail connections and closures. Checked September 8, 2026.