Official how-tos: moving to Royal Oak, MI
Permits, voting, license, registration, taxes, pets and library.
- How do I start, stop or transfer electricity, gas and water in Royal Oak?According to the Michigan Public Service Commission's service-area maps, DTE Electric supplies electricity and Consumers Energy supplies natural gas in Royal Oak. Water and sewer billing is handled by the City Treasurer's Office.
- How do I set up trash service and find my trash day in Royal Oak?There is nothing to sign up for: the City of Royal Oak includes weekly trash, recycling and seasonal yard waste collection in property taxes. Priority Waste collects under contract with the Department of Public Services.
- When is my trash and recycling day in Royal Oak?Royal Oak collects curbside recycling weekly on the same day as your trash. Carts must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
- How do I change my address with the post office in Royal Oak?USPS takes change-of-address requests online through its official Movers Guide, which charges a small identity-verification fee, or in person at a post office. Royal Oak's post office is at 200 W 2nd St.
- How do I get a Michigan driver's license after moving to Royal Oak?New Michigan residents must visit a Secretary of State office to get a Michigan driver's license as soon as they establish residency — Michigan law gives no grace period.
- How do I register my car in Michigan after moving to Royal Oak?New residents title and register their vehicle at a Secretary of State office, bringing the ownership documents and proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance.
- How do I register to vote in Royal Oak?Michigan residents can register online through the Michigan Department of State, by mail, or in person with the Royal Oak City Clerk. Your registration is processed by the city clerk, who mails you a voter ID card.
- How do I get a parking permit in Royal Oak?Monthly permits for some downtown city lots are sold in person at the Treasurer's Office in City Hall; monthly permits for the city-owned parking structures come from Park Rite; residential permit parking has its own online application.
- How do I get internet service in Royal Oak?The FCC National Broadband Map shows which providers report service at each individual address. We don't list providers here until we can pull the FCC's figures for the city directly, so check your exact address on the map.
- How do I enroll my child in school in Royal Oak?Most of Royal Oak is served by Royal Oak Schools, which enrolls students online through a pre-enrollment form, then verifies documents by email. Parts of the city fall in the Berkley, Clawson or Lamphere districts, which run their own enrollment.
- How do I get a library card in Royal Oak?Royal Oak Public Library issues full-service cards to Royal Oak residents with official ID showing their name and permanent address. An instant digital card can be registered online.
- How do I get a dog license in Royal Oak?Oakland County sells dog licenses for most of the county, but its dog license page lists the City of Royal Oak among the communities whose residents must contact their local Treasurer's Office instead.
- How do I pay property taxes and check my assessment in Royal Oak?The city Assessor's Office values property and prepares the tax rolls; the Treasurer's Office collects tax bills online, by phone, by mail or in person. Summer taxes are due July 31.