Moving to Alaska: utilities and your first-month checklist

Which company serves your new address depends on where in Alaska it is. Each link below goes to that company's own page for starting service. Start it two to three weeks ahead, from the day you get the keys.

Electric companies in Alaska

Natural gas in Alaska

Water in Alaska

Usually run by the city, town or county. Search the new address's town name with "water service".

Help with the bills

If deposits or bills are a stretch, Alaska runs energy assistance: official assistance page. Ask the utility about deposit waivers too; many waive the deposit with a good payment letter from your old company.

Problems with a utility

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska regulates utilities in Alaska and takes complaints.

New-resident deadlines in Alaska

• Driver's license: within 90 days of moving. Official page
• Car registration and title: within 10 days of moving. Official page
• Inspection: No emissions test. Alaska's inspection programs are suspended. Official page
• Alaska driver license office
• Register to vote in Alaska

From the state's own websites, checked October 2026. Deadlines can change; check the official page before you rely on one.

Your first month in a new state

• USPS: change your address: Start mail forwarding up to 30 days early. The real site is usps.com.
• Your new state's motor vehicle office: Driver's license, registration and title. Most states set a short deadline after you move, so check yours first.
• Register to vote: Routes you to the official registration for the new state.
• Medicaid, if you have it: Medicaid doesn't move with you. You apply again in the new state.
• Health insurance: A permanent move can open a special enrollment period.
• Social Security: Change your address once here; Medicare gets it from Social Security.

Utility companies and service areas checked October 2026. Service areas follow addresses, not county lines exactly: confirm with the company before you book.