WELCOME to San Francisco!
As a new San Francisco resident we bet you are excited to be here – or to be moving here soon! Either way, San Francisco is a great place to live and we suspect you will grow to love it for all it has to offer. Moving to the area as a brand new San Francisco resident there are a few things you need to know. We have compiled some of that information here for easy reference. One general link to have on hand is this: San Francisco City Departments & Agencies – More Below!
Drivers – New San Francisco Resident from Outside CA?
As a new San Francisco resident moving to California from another state with a car, there are certain things you want to have on your radar as soon as you arrive. We have a short list here and have included additional information and resource links on this page to help you tick these things off your To Do list.
- Obtain a CA drivers licence within 10 days of moving to CA
- Register out of state vehicles 20 days after establishing residency CA
- Register to vote at the DMV
New San Francisco Residents DMV Link
California Motorcycle Handbook
San Francisco DMV Online Services
In the military? This is from the CA DMV website for Military Personnel –“If you hold a California driver’s license and are stationed outside of the state, you will not be required to renew your license when it expires. According to California law, as long as you call the California DMV at (916) 657-7790 and update your record, you’ll be issued a DL 236 card to carry with your California driver’s license. This card shows that your license is still valid under California law.”
Transportation in and Around San Francisco
As a new San Francisco resident you need to know how to get around town, navigate the public transportation system and deal with the unique joy that is parking on San Francisco streets. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) was established in 1999 and oversees MUNI (Municipal Railway) and the Department of Parking and Traffic.
There are SO many ways to get from point A to B, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), CalTrain, Golden Gate Transit, Ferries going just about anywhere there is water – this link takes you to a WONDERFUL page with all sorts of helpful transportation info for new San Francisco residents. Enjoy!
Fun for Active New San Francisco Residents
Wow! We are an active city and it all starts with the hills we walk every day! San Francisco offers all sorts of recreation and learning resources for the new San Francisco resident ready to learn and have fun. From our vast park system here in San Francisco to our museums, galleries, concerts, universities and specialty schools, technology conferences and performing arts events, we have world-class fun, entertainment and education here in San Francisco, on the Peninsula and in the greater Bay Area. Explore them ALL!
What About Earthquakes?
New San Francisco residents always want to know about earthquakes! We understand. It is important that you become prepared if you are not. While infrequent, we occasionally shake. At that point we pick up the pieces and get back back to business as usual asap. Having a plan and some essentials on hand will help you do just that.
- Wonder what you need for basic preparedness? Help making a basic kit.
- Was that an Earthquake? Check the map and see.
New San Francisco Resident
We Want to Hear from YOU!
What else do YOU want to see on this page? Drop us an email and let us know. Please put Suggestion for New San Francisco Resident in the subject line. Thank you for your ideas!
