New to North Charleston? Start power, water and sewer, get an SC driver's license within 45 days and apply for the 4% property tax rate.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page links to our other guides and to each provider’s own start-service page. It lists no prices; check each provider for current rates.

Welcome to North Charleston. Most of the city is in Charleston County, with a part in Dorchester County; your county decides your property tax office, your school district and some of your utilities. Here is what to set up, in order.

Who to call first

  • City Hall: 843-554-5700
  • Water (Charleston County part): Charleston Water System, 843-727-6800
  • Sewer: North Charleston Sewer District, 843-764-3072
  • Trash: North Charleston Public Works, 843-745-1026
  • Police non-emergency: 843-743-7200

1. Power and natural gas

  • Dominion Energy South Carolina is listed by the city for electricity and natural gas. Start service on Dominion’s start service page, and check whether gas is available at your address with its gas availability check.
  • Berkeley Electric Cooperative serves some addresses. Its new service guide explains how to join; call 1-800-327-9615.

Outage numbers are in our power outages guide.

2. Water and sewer

  • Water: Charleston Water System. Use its start/stop service request for an existing home, or call 843-727-6800.
  • Sewer: North Charleston Sewer District, on its start services page, 843-764-3072.
  • Dorchester County part of the city: Dorchester County Water and Sewer, 843-563-0075 or 843-832-0075, the city says.

3. Trash and recycling

The city picks up garbage, yard waste and bulk trash weekly; recycling comes from Charleston County every two weeks in the Charleston County part of the city. Extra garbage carts can be ordered from the city. Everything is in our trash and recycling guide.

4. Internet

These providers publish home internet service in North Charleston on their own pages; check your exact address with each:

5. Driver’s license and car registration

The SCDMV’s moving to South Carolina page says new permanent residents must:

  • apply for an SC driver’s license or ID within 45 days and turn in the out-of-state license, with proof of identity, a current South Carolina address and a vision test
  • transfer vehicle registration within 45 days

To register a car, the SCDMV’s vehicle page sets out the order:

  1. Update your insurance to your South Carolina address with a company licensed in the state.
  2. Give the Charleston County Auditor your VIN and current registration card; a vehicle property tax bill is created.
  3. Pay that bill to the Charleston County Treasurer.
  4. Take the original paid tax receipt, your insurance information and your title or lien details to an SCDMV branch.

Charleston County’s vehicle tax information is on the Auditor’s page. Military members and students living here temporarily do not need an SC license, the SCDMV says.

6. Property taxes and the 4% rate

If you bought a home to live in, apply for the 4% legal residence assessment with the Charleston County Assessor; without it, the home is taxed at 6%. The deadline is typically Jan. 15. Bills arrive in the fall and are due Jan. 15. See our property taxes guide.

7. Schools

Your address decides your school and district: Charleston County School District in the Charleston County part, Dorchester School District Two in the Dorchester County part. Bring proof of age, immunization records, two residency documents and a photo ID to enroll. See our schools guide.

8. Voting

Registration for the Nov. 3, 2026, election has closed. Register for future elections at scVOTES.gov, and update your address if you moved within the county. See our voting guide.

9. Pets

We found no city pet license requirement on the city’s website. For loose or nuisance animals, call North Charleston Animal Control at 843-740-2815.

10. Building, fences and zoning

Fences, sheds, additions and most repairs need a city permit. See our building permits and zoning guide.

Keep handy

What this means for you

  • Start water, sewer and power before move-in day; each is a separate account.
  • Put the 45-day DMV deadline on your calendar.
  • Apply for the 4% property tax rate as soon as you close.

Frequently asked questions

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

45 days. The SCDMV says new permanent residents must apply for an SC license or ID within 45 days and turn in their out-of-state license, and must transfer vehicle registration within 45 days.

How do I register my car in Charleston County?

Give your VIN and current registration to the Charleston County Auditor, pay the vehicle property tax bill to the Treasurer, then take the paid tax receipt, insurance information and title to an SCDMV office.

Who provides water in North Charleston?

Charleston Water System (Charleston Commissioners of Public Works), 843-727-6800, in the Charleston County part of the city. Sewer is the North Charleston Sewer District, 843-764-3072. Dorchester County Water and Sewer serves the Dorchester County part.

Who provides electricity in North Charleston?

The city lists Dominion Energy and Berkeley Electric Cooperative. Start service with the provider that serves your address.