Moving to Iowa: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Iowa 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 Iowa
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids-area west, Davenport, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Iowa City, WaterlooAlliant Energy (Interstate Power and Light)
Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Mason City, Ames-area and much of eastern and northern Iowa
Natural gas in Iowa
Des Moines, Quad Cities, Sioux City, Council Bluffs, Iowa CityAlliant Energy (Interstate Power and Light)
Cedar Rapids and other eastern and central Iowa communitiesBlack Hills Energy
Many smaller communities across Iowa
Water in Iowa
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, Iowa 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 Iowa Utilities Commission regulates utilities in Iowa and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in Iowa
- Driver's license: check the official page for the deadline. Official page
- Car registration and title: within 30 days of moving. Official page
- Iowa driver license office
- Register to vote in Iowa
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.