New to Norfolk? Start water online with Norfolk Utilities (757-664-6700), power with Dominion Energy, gas with Virginia Natural Gas. Get a Virginia license within 60 days.
Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. This page links our own guides and adds the start-service steps they do not cover, from Norfolk Utilities, Dominion Energy, Virginia Natural Gas and the Virginia DMV. No prices: check each provider for current rates.
Welcome to Norfolk. The city is its own local government, with no county above it, so nearly everything runs through City Hall at 810 Union St. When in doubt, call Norfolk Cares at 757-664-6510 or use the MyNorfolk app.
First-week checklist
- Water and sewer: Norfolk Utilities, 757-664-6700
- Electricity: Dominion Energy
- Natural gas: Virginia Natural Gas; gas emergencies 877-572-3342
- Trash day: look up your address with the city’s collection search
- Driver’s license: within 60 days; vehicle title within 30 days
- Register to vote: state citizen portal
Our guides for new residents
- Trash and recycling: your pickup day, every-other-week recycling and bulk pickup.
- Property taxes: $1.23 per $100, billed quarterly, and the car tax.
- Building permits and zoning: fences, decks and sheds.
- Schools: Norfolk Public Schools, calendars and ratings.
- Voting: registration deadlines and polling places.
- Power outages: reporting outages and downed lines.
- Hurricane prep: your evacuation zone and shelters.
- Who to call at City Hall: every key phone number.
- Getting around: roads, The Tide, the airport and parking.
Water and sewer
The city runs water and sewer. Start service with the online Start Water Service application. Before you apply, the city says you need:
- All earlier Norfolk water accounts in your name paid in full
- A valid government-issued ID
- Renters: a valid lease; homeowners: proof of ownership if you bought in the last 30 days
- A Social Security number and phone number for each named owner
Allow up to 48 business hours; same-day service is not available, and requests are handled on business days only. The city warns of scammers asking for deposits: a deposit is not required to start water service, and real Utilities emails come from norfolk.gov. Customer service: 757-664-6700, or the lobby at 810 Union St., Suite 101.
Electricity
Dominion Energy supplies power in Norfolk. Start, stop or move service on Dominion’s start-stop page.
Natural gas
Virginia Natural Gas serves southeastern Virginia and traces its roots to Norfolk’s City Gas Light Company. Start or transfer service on its start service page. If you smell gas, leave the area first, then call 911 and Virginia Natural Gas at 877-572-3342 from a safe place, the company says.
Internet
Service varies by address, so check each provider with your street address:
- Cox: cox.com
- AT&T: offers 5G wireless home internet in Norfolk, its Norfolk page says.
Driver’s license, title and registration
From the Virginia DMV’s new resident guide:
- License: get a Virginia driver’s license within 60 days of moving, or within 30 days for a commercial license. Consider making it a REAL ID.
- Safety inspection: your vehicle must pass Virginia’s annual safety inspection.
- Title: title your vehicle in Virginia within 30 days of moving, then register it and get plates.
- Emissions: Norfolk is not on the state’s list of localities that require an emissions inspection.
The Norfolk Commissioner of the Revenue runs a DMV Select office for titles, registrations, plates and address changes. DMV Select does not issue or renew driver’s licenses or REAL IDs.
Car tax
Norfolk taxes vehicles as personal property, with bills due June 5 each year. A vehicle bought after April 9 gets a prorated bill in November, due Dec. 5, the Commissioner of the Revenue says. Questions: 757-664-7890.
Real estate tax relief
Norfolk’s real estate tax relief for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities and veterans takes applications Feb. 1 through June 1 each year through the Department of Human Services, 757-823-1130. See our property taxes guide.
Pets
All dogs and cats living in Norfolk need a city license once they are 4 months old, with a current rabies certificate, the city’s animal license page says. Licenses are due by Jan. 31 and go on sale Nov. 1; buy one online.
What this means for you
- Apply for water at least two business days before you move in.
- Put the DMV deadlines on your calendar: 30 days for the title, 60 for the license.
- License your pet; dog parks require the city tag.
Related: Norfolk population and growth, home prices and parks and trails.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start water service in Norfolk?
Apply online through Norfolk Utilities’ Start Water Service form. You need a government ID, a lease or proof of ownership, and any old Norfolk water account paid in full. Allow up to 48 business hours; same-day service is not available. Questions: 757-664-6700.
Who provides electricity and gas in Norfolk?
Dominion Energy supplies electricity and Virginia Natural Gas supplies natural gas. Start service on each company’s website.
How long do I have to get a Virginia driver’s license after moving to Norfolk?
60 days, or 30 days if you hold a commercial driver’s license, the Virginia DMV says. You must also title your vehicle in Virginia within 30 days of moving.
Does Norfolk require an emissions inspection?
No. Virginia requires emissions inspections only in certain Northern Virginia localities, and Norfolk is not one of them. Every vehicle needs an annual Virginia safety inspection.
Do I need to license my dog or cat in Norfolk?
Yes. All dogs and cats living in Norfolk need a city license once they are 4 months old, with a current rabies certificate. Licenses can be bought online.
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