Moving to Cary: utilities, schools, trash, permits, taxes

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. This page is an index for new residents: it links to our full guides and adds the start-service steps they do not cover. Every phone number and link comes from the provider or agency named.

Welcome to Cary. The Town of Cary handles water, sewer and trash; your county handles property taxes, elections and restaurant inspections; the state handles driver’s licenses and car tags. Power, gas and internet come from private companies. Most of Cary is in Wake County, with parts in Chatham and Durham counties, according to the town’s New to Cary page.

First calls

• Water, sewer, trash and recycling: Cary 311, or 919-469-4000 from outside town limits
• Electricity: Duke Energy, 919-508-5400 or 800-452-2777
• Natural gas: Enbridge Gas, 877-776-2427
• Driver’s license and tags: N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, within 60 days
• Schools: Wake County Public School System, 919-431-7400

1. Water, sewer and trash: one call

Call 311 to start or stop water and sewer service. The town’s citizen advocate who sets up your water and sewer account also signs you up for trash collection, the town says. Cary’s water comes from Jordan Lake (B. Everett Jordan Reservoir) and is treated at the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility. The solid waste and recycling fee is $28 a month on the utility bill. Pickup days, carts and leaf season: our trash and recycling guide.

2. Electricity

The town lists Duke Energy as Cary’s electric provider on its New to Cary page: call 919-508-5400 or 800-452-2777, or use Duke’s start, stop or move page. The town’s emergency contacts also list Apex Electric for some customers; ask the seller or landlord which company serves the home. Outage numbers: our power outages guide.

3. Natural gas

Enbridge Gas North Carolina, formerly Dominion Energy, serves Cary, the town says. Start, stop or transfer service at enbridgegas.com or by calling 877-776-2427.

4. Internet, cable and phone

The town’s Ready Cary contacts list two telephone and cable companies. Check each company’s own site for service at your address:

5. Driver’s license, title and tags

Within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in North Carolina, if you plan to drive, you must get a North Carolina driver’s license and title and register your vehicles with the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles, according to its new residents page.

• License first: bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity and date of birth, your Social Security number proof, proof of legal presence and proof of N.C. liability insurance. For a REAL ID, bring two proofs of residency.
• Then title and register: with the MVR-1 title application and, for vehicles under 10 years old, the MVR-180 odometer disclosure.
• Find an office: the DMV’s office locator.

Vehicles are taxed as property, and the county’s rate table lists a $30 Town of Cary vehicle fee.

6. Property taxes and relief

In Wake County, your bill covers the county and the town: $0.9046 per $100 of value for 2026, due without interest by Jan. 5, 2027. New values take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Homeowners 65 and older, totally and permanently disabled owners and disabled veterans can apply for relief by June 1. Details: our property taxes guide.

7. Schools, voting and permits

• Schools: every Wake County address has a base school in WCPSS; homes in the Chatham County part of Cary are served by Chatham County Schools. See our schools guide.
• Voting: register with your county board of elections; see our voting guide.
• Remodeling, decks and additions: our permits guide.

8. Pets

State law requires all cats and dogs 4 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies and to wear their tags, according to the town’s Animal Services page. Cary requires dogs and cats to be on a leash off their owner’s property. We found no separate Town of Cary pet license. Dog park passes: our parks guide.

Who to call

Save 311 in your phone; our who to call at Cary Town Hall page has the council, police non-emergency and Animal Services numbers.

What this means for you

• Start water, sewer and trash with one 311 call before move-in day.
• Book a DMV visit soon; the 60-day clock starts when you become a resident.
• Look up your base school and county before you sign a lease or contract.

More: getting around Cary and Cary population and growth.

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up water service in Cary?

Call 311 in Cary, or 919-469-4000 from outside town limits. The town’s citizen advocate who signs you up for water and sewer also starts your trash and recycling service.

Who provides electricity and gas in Cary?

The town lists Duke Energy for electricity, 919-508-5400 or 800-452-2777, and Enbridge Gas, formerly Dominion Energy, for natural gas, 877-776-2427.

How long do I have to get a North Carolina driver’s license after moving?

Within 60 days of becoming a permanent resident, if you plan to drive, you must get a North Carolina license and title and register your vehicles with the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles.

What county is Cary in?

Mostly Wake County, but parts of Cary are in Chatham County and Durham County. Your county runs your property taxes, elections and many health and social services.