New residents in New York City may be overwhelmed by the vast array of public services and municipal structure that they find upon arrival. The following information is a general guide for new New Yorkers who are trying to get settled.
Driver's licenses
For on-line instructions visit http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/.
To register a vehicle for the first time or change registration
Bring the following to your local Motor Vehicle office:
- Completed registration/title application
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of insurance in the registrant's name
- Proof of inspection
- Sales tax clearance
- Proof of registrant's name and date of birth
- If the registrant is not the owner of the vehicle, registration authorization from the owner together with proof of the owner's name and date of birth
- If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer/leasing company, an odometer disclosure statement
- Bill of sale
- Appropriate fee
For more information, call 645-5550.
Keep in mind that unlike most other cities life in NYC is very livable without a car. Most New Yorkers walk and use mass transportation.
Utilities
There are a number of companies that provide the necessary services for a comfortable home. Con Edison Heat and hot water are included in the rent in most buildings, but not all. Gas is included in some.
Kids
For kids, moving can be stressful, especially if they don't know what to expect. And for older youngsters, few things are worse than being the new kid on the block. Here are some fear-easing suggestions:
Before the move:
- Keep your children informed about your moving plans.
- Take the kids to their new home as soon as possible.
- Visit the neighborhood with your children to see what facilities will likely interest them, such as the library, shops and playgrounds.
- Arrange a tour of your children's new school
- Explain what moving day will entail and reassure your children that their possessions will be handled carefully.
On moving day:
- Set up the children's rooms right away to give them a place to unwind and play while you organize the rest of the family's belongings.
Settling in:
- Take a walk in the neighborhood to meet new neighbors and potential playmates for your children.
- If your children have been active in any religious, sports, social, ethnic or cultural organizations, contact such groups in your new neighborhood.
- Invite families on your floor or in your building for lunch so that kids can get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere.
Education:
Public Schools
New York's public school system is one of the largest in the country, with more children enrolled in its public schools than 12 states and the District of Columbia have in total population!. Call the Board of Education for help in finding your way through the enrollment process:
Board of Education
110 Livington Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
1-718-935-2000
or you can log onto http://www.nycenet.edu/.
To find out where you child should attend school (Elementary, Junior High, or High School) contact:
The Office of Zoning and Integration
28-11 Queens Plaza North
Long Island City, New York 11101
1-718-391-8000
Listings for New York's Public Schools appear by district under the heading "Education" in the New York City Government Offices section of the Blue Pages in the Verizon telephone book
| Education: |
Parochial Schools |
| Contact: |
The Archdiocese of New York 1-212-691-3381 |
| Education: |
Private Schools |
For information about toddler groups, nursery schools and day schools, contact:
The Parents League
1-212-737-7385 or http://www.parentsleague.org/.
Dial 311 for all non emergency NYC customer service.
Helpful NYC Links
Here are some of the most helpful links to make living easy in New York.
Manhattan Relocation Package:
Neighborhood Relocation Guides:
Courtesy of:
©Mitchell Hall 2006-2008
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