New resident checklist
Moving to Clark County, WA
A move involves more than changing your mailing address. Your property's location determines which government to contact, and utility service areas need their own checks. Use this checklist to organize the official links and information you will need before moving day and as you settle in.
Still choosing a location? Start with our cities and communities guide and housing guide, then repeat the address checks below for each property on your shortlist.
1. Confirm your address and jurisdiction
Search the county's Property Information Center using the complete street address or parcel number. Save the matching parcel number and check its jurisdiction. A mailing city is not enough: the City of Vancouver explains that a Vancouver mailing address can be outside city limits.
Use the county local-government directory to find the appropriate city or town. If a boundary or record is unclear, ask that government to confirm it. Keep the exact address, including unit number, consistent across service requests.
2. Check property records and planned work
If you intend to remodel, add a structure or change a property's use after moving, identify the permitting office before arranging the project. Our property and permit guide walks through parcel research, permit records and inspections.
For county questions, the Permit Center provides application resources and staff contacts. Explain the proposed work and ask what applies to the address. A record of earlier work does not establish approval for your new project. County GIS also cautions that some records may not be current or accurate.
3. Arrange utility accounts by service address
Make a separate list for electricity, water, sewer and any other services used by the home. Ask the owner or property manager which accounts you must open, which are included in rent and when responsibility changes. Confirm each provider against the service address; a city boundary or ZIP code does not establish every utility connection.
- Electricity: Clark Public Utilities offers start, stop and transfer requests using your address and requested service date.
- Water: check the relevant city's utility office or Clark Public Utilities water service. Do not assume your electricity account also covers water.
- Sewer: confirm the provider and connection. Entry points include Vancouver utility billing and Clark Regional Wastewater District's service-area information. Ask the provider to confirm availability for a specific property.
Save account confirmations and start dates together so you can check that each requested service is arranged.
4. Find garbage and recycling service
Enter your new address in the county's RecycleRight tool. It provides collection schedules, reminders and item-specific reuse, recycling and disposal information. Confirm account arrangements with the property manager or collection provider, especially in a building with shared containers.
Before unpacking, look up how to handle packing materials and unwanted furniture. Use the tool's bulky-item options where applicable; check the instructions before putting an item out. Save the collection schedule for your address instead of using a neighbor's schedule.
5. Update licensing and voter records
If moving from another state, use Washington's Department of Licensing instructions for getting a Washington driver license and registering an out-of-state vehicle. Driver licensing and vehicle licensing use separate offices. Check the current requirements, documents, appointments and deadlines for your circumstances before visiting.
Eligible voters can use Clark County Elections' registration page to reach online, mail and in-person options. Check your residential and mailing addresses after moving and consult the current election deadlines. If an election is near or a ballot went to an old address, contact Elections through its official page.
6. Check your everyday trips
Compare the journeys you actually make: work, groceries, appointments and the return trip home. C-TRAN publishes route schedules, system maps, fares and rider alerts. Check the day and time you need, the nearest boarding stop, transfers and the final return service. Check alerts again before traveling; proximity to a route alone does not tell you whether its schedule fits.
7. Find nearby parks and local meetings
The county's park and trail finder lets you search near an address and filter amenities. It covers county-managed public sites and links to other park agencies. Open the specific park page for facilities and visitor information before going.
To follow decisions affecting your new area, use our public meetings guide to find agendas, notices and participation instructions.
Keep the Clark County service finder handy for property records, utility contacts and other everyday tasks.
ClarkWA.org is an independent community guide. Agencies and service providers manage the linked applications and confirm requirements for your address. See our sources and editorial approach or return to the resource directory.