Moving to Chicago comes with a short list of things to do in your first few weeks. This page puts them in one place, with links to the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois so you can confirm current rules. Jump to the section you need:
- Address change and utility setup
- City sticker and neighborhood parking zones
- Illinois driver’s license and license plates
- Street cleaning and garbage collection
- Snow removal and winter parking
- Your ward, alderman and voter registration
- Finding your public school
- Dogs and dog friendly areas
- Getting around: CTA, Metra, I-PASS and airports
- Property taxes and the homeowner exemption
- Neighborhood associations and chambers of commerce
Who do I call to set up my address, internet and utilities?
Start these as soon as you have a closing or move-in date. Phone numbers and addresses change, so confirm each before you call.
- U.S. Post Office: change your address at usps.com/move.
- Electric, ComEd: (800) 334-7661, comed.com.
- Gas, Peoples Gas: (866) 556-6001, peoplesgasdelivery.com.
- Water, City of Chicago Utility Billing: see the Utility Billing page at chicago.gov, or dial 311.
- Xfinity, internet and TV: 1255 W. North Ave., (800) 934-6489, xfinity.com.
- RCN / Astound, internet and TV: 2640 W. Bradley Pl., (800) 746-4726, astound.com.
- AT&T Internet and DIRECTV: (855) 293-7676, att.com.
How do I get a Chicago city sticker and a neighborhood parking permit?
If you keep a car in Chicago, you need a city vehicle sticker. The City says to buy and display one within 30 days of becoming a resident. If your street is in a Residential Permit Parking zone, you can add that zone to your sticker, and it works as your neighborhood parking permit. Adding a zone costs $35 a year, prorated to the time left on your sticker.
You will need to show proof of residency: a valid driver’s license or other government photo ID, plus one document with your name and current address. That can be a mortgage or lease, a USPS change of address confirmation, or a recent utility bill. Cell phone bills are not accepted. Look up the zone for any address with the City Clerk zone lookup, because the zone number on your sticker has to match the number on the street signs where you park.
Guests can park with daily permits, which you buy from the City Clerk. The City Clerk also answers common questions in its city sticker FAQ. Fees and rules change, so confirm current details there.
How long do I have to get an Illinois driver’s license and license plates?
New residents can drive on a valid out-of-state license for 90 days after moving to Illinois. New residents have 30 days to apply for an Illinois title and registration after establishing residence, as long as the vehicle is properly registered in another jurisdiction.
To get an Illinois driver’s license, you visit a Secretary of State facility, surrender your out-of-state license, and pass a vision screening, a written exam and possibly a drive exam. You also bring identification that verifies your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, Illinois residency and written signature. Illinois also requires insurance for anyone who drives in the state.
Find a nearby facility and see the current document lists on the Illinois Secretary of State new resident page. Rules change, so confirm before you go.
Where do I find street cleaning and garbage collection schedules?
Street sweeping, garbage collection and other neighborhood services are run by the Department of Streets and Sanitation. You can find your sweeping schedule and collection information on the City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation services page. Your alderman’s office also posts sweeping and parking notices for the ward.
What are the snow removal and winter parking rules in Chicago?
A Winter Overnight Parking Ban applies from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., December 1 through April 1, on about 107 miles of main streets, whether or not it has snowed. Violators can be towed and ticketed. A separate 2-inch snow ban can be turned on for about 500 miles of main streets once two inches of snow have fallen. Main streets and Lake Shore Drive are plowed first, followed by side streets.
Read the full rules on the City of Chicago snow removal page, and call 311 with questions.
How do I find my ward and alderman, and register to vote?
Chicago is divided into 50 wards, and each has an alderman and a ward office. Your ward depends on your exact address. Find yours on the City of Chicago wards page. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners handles election information. You can register to vote at the Illinois online voter registration site. For non-emergency city services, including trash and recycling schedules, dial 311 or visit 311.chicago.gov. Public records requests go through the City of Chicago FOIA page.
How do I find out which public school my address is assigned to?
Chicago Public Schools assigns every address to one elementary school boundary and one high school boundary. Enter the exact address in the CPS School Locator. Do this for every home you are seriously considering, before you write an offer. Magnet and selective programs use applications rather than addresses.
What do I need to know about dogs and dog friendly areas?
Chicago Park District Dog Friendly Areas are fenced off-leash spaces inside certain parks. Each dog needs a permit and a registration tag, which are sold at participating veterinary offices for $5 and cover one calendar year. Owners show proof of a current Chicago dog license or rabies vaccination, a recent exam and current vaccinations. Visitors follow the same process, and there are no day passes. The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control enforces the rules. Read the full details in the city’s dog friendly area FAQ, and check each neighborhood guide for the nearest dog friendly areas.
How do I get around Chicago by CTA, Metra, I-PASS and the airports?
Use the CTA Trip Planner to plan a route between any two addresses. Your trip time depends on the line, the time of day and where you board, so test the route you would actually take.
- CTA for buses and the L.
- Metra for commuter rail.
- Illinois Tollway and I-PASS for tolls.
- O’Hare and Midway airports.
What should new homeowners do about property taxes?
If you buy a home, two Cook County offices matter. The Cook County Assessor handles the Homeowner Exemption and assessment appeals, and the Cook County Treasurer is where you confirm that taxes are paid. Ask me about filing for your Homeowner Exemption and reviewing your assessment.
Which neighborhood associations and chambers of commerce can I join?
Joining a local group is the fastest way to meet neighbors and find out what is happening on your street. These are the groups I point new residents to.
Neighborhood associations
- Lincoln Park
- Gold Coast
- Wicker Park Advisory
- Bucktown
- West Loop
- Southport Corridor
- The 606 / Bloomingdale Trail
Chambers of commerce and business associations
- Lincoln Park
- Lakeview / Lakeview East
- Bucktown and Wicker Park
- Gold Coast
- Magnificent Mile / Streeterville
- Greater River North Business Association
- Logan Square
- West Loop / West Central
- Old Town Merchants and Residents Association
- West Loop / Greektown
- Clybourn Corridor
- Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to buy a Chicago city sticker after I move?
The City of Chicago says to buy and display a city vehicle sticker within 30 days of becoming a resident.
Can I get a neighborhood parking permit with my city sticker?
Yes. If your street is in a Residential Permit Parking zone, you can add the zone to your city sticker. Adding a zone costs $35 a year, prorated to the time left on your sticker.
How long do new residents have to get an Illinois driver’s license and plates?
New residents can drive on a valid out-of-state license for 90 days after moving to Illinois, and have 30 days to apply for an Illinois title and registration. Confirm current rules with the Illinois Secretary of State.
When is the winter overnight parking ban in Chicago?
The Winter Overnight Parking Ban runs from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., December 1 through April 1, on about 107 miles of main streets, whether or not it has snowed.
How do I find my ward and alderman?
Use the City of Chicago wards page, or contact the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners.
Explore Chicago neighborhoods
Not sure where to live yet? Start with a neighborhood guide:
Compare them in Lincoln Park vs. Lakeview vs. Bucktown vs. Wicker Park, or see my Buying a Home in Chicago page.
Moving to Chicago and want local help?
I am Maureen Moran, a REALTOR® with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. Call me at 312-953-7811 or send me a message, and I will help you find the right neighborhood.
Maureen Moran, REALTOR®, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. Information is believed accurate but is not guaranteed. Fees, rules, deadlines and schedules change, so confirm current details with the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
