Austin, TX relocation guide for Korean expats: utilities, vehicle registration, schools
Everything here was checked on official sources (state agencies, cities, utilities, school districts); each item shows its source and the date we checked it. Rules change — confirm with the agency before you apply.
Utilities
Start service with City of Austin Utilities
Austin Energy / City of Austin Utilities service area
Austin Energy is a not-for-profit enterprise department of the City of Austin. You start electric service through City of Austin Utilities.
- Your bill can include electricity, water, wastewater, solid waste (trash), drainage and street service charges.
- To start service: call 512-494-9400 (toll-free from outside Austin: 888-340-6465), visit a walk-in customer service center, or use coautilities.com.
- Phone hours: Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–9 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Central.
- Report outages to Austin Energy at 512-322-9100.
Source: City of Austin Utilities (checked 2026-10-20) · Austin Energy (checked 2026-10-20)
Deposit and how to get it waived
City of Austin Utilities customers
Per the City of Austin Utilities residential fees page (last reviewed 6/3/2022, so confirm amounts before you apply):
- A $200 deposit is required to begin residential service.
- Start fees: $20 for electric or water, $15 for solid waste.
- The deposit may be waived if, for example, you:
- Provide a letter of reference from another electric, gas or water utility
- Provide a landlord reference letter if utilities were included in your previous rent
- Enroll in Autopay and eBill for 12 consecutive billing cycles
- Have good payment history on a prior City of Austin account, are 65 or older, or meet other listed conditions
- Deposits are refunded with interest when conditions are met.
If you have no U.S. credit history, ask whether a reference letter from your previous utility will be accepted.
Source: City of Austin Utilities (checked 2026-10-20)
Natural gas: Texas Gas Service
Texas Gas Service's Rate Schedule Index lists Austin in its Central-Gulf Service Area. Ask your landlord whether your home uses gas and which company serves it.
- Start, stop or transfer service through Schedule Service on texasgasservice.com.
- Gas odor or emergency: 800-959-5325.
Source: Texas Gas Service (checked 2026-10-20) · Texas Gas Service (checked 2026-10-20)
Vehicle registration
Register at the Travis County Tax Office
Travis County residents
Travis County residents register at the Travis County Tax Office. Its motor vehicle services are for Travis County residents only.
- Deadline: 30 days after moving to Texas.
- Order: Travis County says to register your vehicle before applying for a Texas driver license.
- Emissions inspection: required to register in Travis County. Get a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR) at a DPS-certified station.
- Bring: VIR, proof of insurance (an out-of-state policy's declarations page if it meets Texas minimums), original title or most recent registration from your previous state (temporary registration not accepted), lienholder details if any, valid photo ID, and Form 130-U.
- Form 130-U must be done at the tax office or a title service.
- Enhanced ID requirements took effect March 5, 2026, for certain transactions.
- Lobbies may close when full, so check hours before you go.
Source: Travis County Tax Office (checked 2026-10-20) · Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) (checked 2026-10-20)
Schools
Enrolling a new student in Austin ISD
Families living in Austin ISD
Austin ISD uses the online system Enroll Austin. First-time families create a parent portal account in Enroll Austin as they start.
Documents for new students: - Child's birth certificate, or another identity document such as a passport or school ID - Immunization records - Withdrawal form or last report card, if applicable - Parent/guardian photo ID - Proof of residency
Upload documents in Enroll Austin or bring them to the campus. Main line: 512-414-1700.
Source: Austin Independent School District (checked 2026-10-20)
Related guides
- Alabama insurance & driver license guide
- Arizona insurance & driver license guide
- California insurance & driver license guide
- Georgia insurance & driver license guide
- Michigan insurance & driver license guide
- New Jersey insurance & driver license guide
- New York insurance & driver license guide
- Texas insurance & driver license guide
- Washington State insurance & driver license guide
- Savannah relocation guide
- Clarksville relocation guide
- Taylor relocation guide
- Relocation checklist
- Open jobs in Texas
- Send a tip or correction — we check it against the official source first
General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. For prices and quotes, ask a licensed professional.
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Cite this article as: JOBnaru™ — https://jobnaru.com/en/news/austin-relocation-guide
Questions
What should I know about utilities in Austin, TX?
Austin Energy is a not-for-profit enterprise department of the City of Austin. You start electric service through **City of Austin Utilities**.
What should I know about vehicle registration in Austin, TX?
Travis County residents register at the Travis County Tax Office. Its motor vehicle services are for Travis County residents only.
What should I know about schools in Austin, TX?
Austin ISD uses the online system **Enroll Austin**. First-time families create a parent portal account in Enroll Austin as they start.
Sources
- Start, Stop, & Transfer Service — City of Austin Utilities
- Austin Energy By the Numbers — Austin Energy
- Residential Fees & Deposits — City of Austin Utilities
- Texas Gas Service home — Texas Gas Service
- Rate Schedule Index — Texas Gas Service
- New to Texas — Travis County Tax Office
- New to Texas — Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV)
- Enrollment Process — Austin Independent School District
General information as of Oct 20, 2026, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm with the employer, an immigration attorney or official sources before you act.
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