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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Need-to-know admin stuff, from when to update your driver’s license to where to register to vote

By Sanna Boman Coates

Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Update Your Driver’s License

Update Your Driver’s License

What: If you’re moving to San Diego from out of state, you need to apply for a California driver’s license.

When: Within 10 days of moving

Where: Your local DMV office (skip the long lines by scheduling an appointment online)

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Get a Smog Check

Get a Smog Check

What: Before you’re able to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration, your car (if the model year is 1976 or newer) needs to pass a smog check.

When: Within 20 days of moving, then every two years

Where: DMV.org (not a DMV affiliate) has a list of smog test, emission check, and inspection sites in San Diego

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Register Your Car

Register Your Car

What: If you’re moving to San Diego from another state or country and bringing a vehicle, you need to transfer the title to California.

When: Within 20 days of moving

Where: Your local DMV office

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Register to Vote

Register to Vote

What: When moving to a new state, becoming a registered voter will make sure you have a say when it comes to any new state legislation, as well as in national elections.

When: By 11:59:59 p.m. on the 15th day before Election Day

Where: Online, by mail, or at the DMV

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Get a Dog License

Get a Dog License

What: By California state law, all dogs older than five months must be licensed. To license your dog, you’ll need proof that it has a current rabies vaccination.

When: Within 30 days of moving

Where: At your local County Animal Services shelter or online

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Use Public Transportation

Use Public Transportation

What: The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System operates buses and trolleys in south, east, and central San Diego, while the North County Transit District covers North County.

Where: You can find your closest stop on the MTS and NCTD websites.

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Get a Library Card

Get a Library Card

What: The City of San Diego Public Library has 35 branches across the city, with a collection of 5.3 million books! Library cards are free, and you can apply for a temporary card online.

When: Bring a printout of your temporary library card number, plus a picture ID and proof of address, to any Public Library location within 30 days to apply for a permanent card.

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

Report a Non-Emergency

Report a Non-Emergency

What: The San Diego Police Department has a 24-hour hotline for nonemergency calls and general information.

Where: Call 619-531-2000 or file an online police report

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Moving to San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know

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