Helpful Relocation Resources for Seattle, WA Newcomers

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicles within 30 days of moving, after you have your Washington license. Bring your current title and odometer reading to any vehicle licensing office. Washington ended vehicle emissions testing on January 1, 2020, so no emissions test is required. → Vehicle Registration and Plates

Voter Registration

Online and mail registrations must be received eight days before an election—after that, you can register in person at a county voting center through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Washington votes by mail, and voters do not register by party affiliation. → Register to vote

Utilities Setup

Seattle City Light provides electricity, and both owners and tenants can open accounts. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) handles water, sewer, garbage, recycling, and food and yard waste collection for property owners—renters should confirm these services with their landlord. Natural gas service is provided by Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Internet options vary by address, so check availability with providers such as Xfinity and Quantum Fiber. Income-eligible households can apply for the City's Utility Discount Program for reduced City Light and SPU bills.

Toll Pass

Washington's toll system is Good To Go!, operated by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Drivers with a pass save $2 per trip compared with paying by mail. → Good To Go! Accounts & Passes

Pet Registration

Seattle requires licenses for cats and dogs, as well as miniature goats and potbellied pigs. Purchase or renew licenses through the Seattle Animal Shelter in person at 2061 15th Ave W, by phone 206-386-PETS (7387), or online. → Seattle Animal Shelter

School Enrollment

New students need an admission form, a Certificate of Immunization Status (or Certificate of Immunization Exemption), a parent or guardian photo ID, and two proofs of address dated within the past two months. Students entering kindergarten or first grade also need proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport. → Enroll My Student

Charter & Private

Washington does not have a state private school voucher or tax-credit scholarship program—private schools set their own admissions and tuition. Washington's public charter schools are tuition-free and open to all students, with most authorized and overseen by the Washington State Charter School Commission.

Higher Education

Colleges and universities in Seattle include the University of Washington (UW), Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, and the Seattle Colleges district. In-state tuition generally requires establishing a Washington residence for 12 consecutive months before the first day of the term, primarily for purposes other than education.

Child Care

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) administers the Working Connections Child Care subsidy for income-eligible families. The City of Seattle's Department of Education and Early Learning runs the Seattle Preschool Program for 3- and 4-year-olds, with sliding-scale tuition that is free for most families, and the Child Care Assistance Program for eligible working families.

Finding a PCP

Use your insurance provider's online directory to find in-network primary care physicians near you, or check your preferred health system's provider search tool.

Urgent Care

UW Medicine, Providence Swedish, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, and Kaiser Permanente Washington each operate urgent care locations in Seattle, and Seattle Children's offers pediatric urgent care. Many accept walk-ins or online check-in—check individual locations for hours.

Mental Health

Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Crisis Connections operates King County's 24-hour crisis line at 1-866-427-4747 and can connect callers with local mental health services.

Pharmacy

National chain and grocery store pharmacies operate throughout Seattle. Use your insurer's pharmacy locator to find in-network options near your new home.

Key Toll Roads

Good To Go! Express lanes run on I-405, SR 167, and SR 509. There is also bridge tolling on SR 520 and SR 99.

Public Transit

King County Metro operates buses across Seattle and King County, and Sound Transit operates Link light rail, Sounder commuter rail, and ST Express buses. The adult fare is $3 on both Link and Metro buses, and riders 18 and under ride free. Pay with an ORCA card or contactless tap-to-pay—income-eligible adults can apply for the ORCA LIFT reduced fare.

Airport Access

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), south of downtown Seattle, is the region's primary commercial airport. Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) in Everett, north of Seattle, offers additional commercial flights.

Major Roadways

Key routes include I-5 and SR 99, which run north-south, and I-90 and SR 520, which connect Seattle to cities east of Lake Washington.

Homestead Exemption

Washington does not offer a general homestead property tax exemption. The state's property tax exemption and deferral programs reduce property taxes for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, and disabled veterans who meet income limits.

Homeowners Insurance

Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies usually do not cover earthquake or flood damage—both require separate policies or endorsements. Seattle is in an active earthquake region, so review earthquake coverage options with your insurer. → FEMA Flood Map Service Center

Vehicle Insurance

Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for injury or death to one person, $50,000 for injury or death to all other people, and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10). Optional coverages, such as personal injury protection (PIP) and underinsured motorist coverage, can add protection beyond the minimum. → Washington's Mandatory Auto Insurance Law

Address Updates

In addition to filing a USPS Change of Address, notify the IRS (Form 8822), the Social Security Administration, your bank and financial institutions, insurance providers, your employer, and any other service providers.

Seattle Police Non-Emergency

(206) 625-5011

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

State Crisis Line

Crisis Connections (King County 24-hour crisis line): 1-866-427-4747

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 (call or text)

Emergency Alerts

Sign up for AlertSeattle, the City of Seattle's official emergency notification system, to receive alerts by text, email, or voice message, or text SEATTLE to 67283.

Natural Disaster Info

Earthquakes can occur without warning, so the city recommends preparing your home and household in advance. Winter brings snow and ice storms, windstorms, and landslides on steep slopes, and heavy rain can cause localized flooding. Look up the hazards for your address through the city's All Hazards page.

FEMA Flood Map

Homeowners—especially those in flood-prone areas—should check their address through the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.

Top Employers

Education: University of Washington Technology and E-commerce: Amazon Healthcare: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle Children's Retail and Consumer: Starbucks Government: City of Seattle

Job Search Tools

Filter by Seattle on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. The Puget Sound Business Journal covers regional business and industry news.

State Job Portal

WorkSourceWA offers state-managed job listings, career services, and workforce training resources.

Unemployment Benefits

If you are newly unemployed after relocating, apply for unemployment benefits through the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD). Eligibility depends on your work history and the reason you left your job, so review ESD's requirements if you relocated before securing work.

Professional Networking

The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce connects businesses across the region, and SCORE Greater Seattle offers free mentoring and workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Staffing & Temp Agencies

Robert Half and Randstad both operate in the Seattle area and serve residents seeking contract or temp-to-hire positions.