Helpful Relocation Resources for Indianapolis, IN Newcomers

Vehicle Registration

Within 60 days of becoming an Indiana resident, you’ll need to title and register every vehicle you bring with you. First, apply for an Indiana title (or submit a Request for Title, State Form 1014) for each vehicle with an out-of-state title. Vehicles previously titled in another state also need a VIN inspection, which can be completed at a BMV branch. Once your title is in process, register the vehicle to receive Indiana license plates. Indiana does not require safety inspections. → Indiana Vehicle Titles & Registration

Voter Registration

You must live in your precinct for at least 30 days before Election Day. Register online, by mail, or in person at least 29 days before an election. A photo ID is required to vote in Indiana. → Indiana Voters

Utilities Setup

Indiana's primary electricity provider is AES Indiana. Water, sewer & natural gas for Indiana is managed by Citizens Energy Group. Internet providers in the area include AT&T Fiber and Metronet, while top cable providers include Xfinity and DirectTV. Compare options for your new home on the FCC map.

Pet Registration

Indianapolis does not require a city pet license. Marion County does, however, require every dog and cat to have a registered microchip, and owners of unaltered dogs over six months old must register them annually at no cost. Indianapolis Animal Care Services offers microchipping.

School Enrollment

IPS runs its own application, lottery, and registration through PowerSchool. Most Indianapolis charter schools use Enroll Indy's common application, so families applying to both IPS and charter schools can apply to both at once. Township districts handle enrollment directly.

Charter & Private

The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program is available to all K–12 students with legal settlement in Indiana, regardless of household income. Award amounts vary by the public school district where you live and apply toward tuition at participating private schools.

Higher Education

Colleges and universities in Indianapolis include Butler University, Indiana University Indianapolis, Purdue University in Indianapolis, University of Indianapolis, and Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis. Check each school's residency rules for in-state tuition eligibility.

Child Care

Indiana's Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and On My Way Pre-K programs help eligible families pay for child care and pre-K. Apply for both through Early Ed Connect. Find Indianapolis childcare through Indiana's Child Care Finder.

Finding a PCP

Start with your insurer's provider directory to confirm a doctor is in network, then use the health system's provider search to check availability for new patients. Major health insurance providers in Indianapolis include Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, United Healthcare, and more.

Urgent Care

Find Indianapolis urgent care locations throughout the city via IU Health, Concentra Urgent Care, UrgentCare Indy, and more. Many locations accept walk-ins, and some allow you to reserve a time online.

Mental Health

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. Additionally, Eskenazi Health operates a Crisis Intervention Unit on its downtown campus. For ongoing care, ask your insurer or primary care provider for in-network behavioral health referrals.

Pharmacy

Major pharmacy chains in the Indianapolis include CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and Meijer.

Key Toll Roads

There are no toll roads in the Indianapolis metro. If traveling further, the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90) runs across northern Indiana.

Public Transit

IndyGo operates bus service across Marion County.

Airport Access

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) serves the metro. Rideshare pickup locations and ground transportation options are available as well.

Major Roadways

I-465 forms a beltway around the city. I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74 connect Indianapolis to Louisville, Chicago, Fort Wayne, Columbus, Cincinnati, and other regional destinations.

Homestead Exemption

Indiana offers a Homestead Deduction for owner-occupied primary residences. Submit your application by January 15 to have it count toward this year’s tax bill. Once approved, it'll renew automatically—you don't need to refile unless you make a change to your title or move homes.

Homeowners Insurance

Indiana standard homeowners and renters policies typically cover tornado damage, and many policies may have wind and hail deductibles. Flood coverage is available through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers.

Vehicle Insurance

Indiana requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage.

Address Updates

Update your address with the IRS, Social Security Administration, banks, your health insurer, voter registration, and USPS.

Indianapolis/Marion County Non-Emergency

Indianapolis' non-emergency dispatch landline is (317) 327-3811, or you can call 311 from a cell phone.

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

State Crisis Line

Call or text 988 for crisis support anywhere in Indiana. Locally, Eskenazi Health's crisis intervention unit serves people in a mental health emergency.

Emergency Alerts

Sign up for local emergency notifications to receive alerts about emergencies and natural disasters in Marion County.

Natural Disaster Info

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security provides resources to help residents stay prepared for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, winter storms, extreme cold, and extreme heat.

FEMA Flood Map

Check your Indianapolis address for FEMA-designated flood zones, especially if you're a homeowner near the White River, Fall Creek, or other waterways.

Top Employers

Major Indianapolis employers include Eli Lilly and Company, Elevance Health, Corteva, and Simon Property Group, as well as health systems like IU Health and Community Health Network.

Job Search Tools

LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list Indianapolis job openings.

State Job Portal

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) runs Indiana Career Connect, the state job-matching site. WorkOne career centers offer free job-search help.

Unemployment Benefits

Indiana unemployment claims are filed online through Uplink, the Department of Workforce Development's claims system. If you recently relocated, you will generally file with the state where you earned your wages.

Professional Networking

The Indy Chamber hosts networking events and business resources for professionals and employers in the region.

Staffing & Temp Agencies

National and regional staffing agencies in Indianapolis include Aerotek, Robert Half, Elwood Staffing, and Vaco—helping job seekers find temporary, contract, and temp-to-hire work.