New to Germantown? Start water with the city and power and gas with MLGW, get Tennessee tags and a license within 30 days, and enroll in GMSD. Links and numbers.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts come from the City of Germantown New Resident Information page and the agencies it links to. City customer service: 901-757-7200.

Welcome to Germantown. This page is a checklist for your first month, with the real sign-up links. For the details, follow the links to our full guides.

Who to call

  • City customer service (water, trash, general questions): 901-757-7200
  • Water applications and billing: Angela Hollister, 901-751-7605, WaterApplications@Germantown-TN.gov
  • MLGW (electricity and gas): 901-544-6549
  • Shelby County Clerk (car tags): 901-222-3000
  • Germantown Municipal School District: 901-752-7900

Your first-week checklist

  1. Water, sewer and trash: City of Germantown. Email your name, service address and start date to WaterApplications@Germantown-TN.gov. The city’s water services page lists the deposit for homeowners and the deposit and application fee for renters, billed on the first statement. You choose your trash service at the same time; water, sewer and trash come on one monthly city bill. Water emergencies: 901-757-7350 weekdays 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 901-757-7338 after hours.
  2. Electricity and natural gas: MLGW. Use MLGW’s online Start Service request or call 901-544-6549. MLGW may require a deposit from credit-risk applicants. See our power outages guide for the outage line and map.
  3. Internet. The city says providers such as AT&T, C Spire and Xfinity choose where to build on their own, and it points residents to the FCC National Broadband Map to see every provider registered at an address. Sign-up pages: AT&T, C Spire and Xfinity. The city’s fiber FAQ explains the yard digging that comes with new lines.
  4. Trash day. Look up your collection day on the city’s Waste Wizard; see trash and recycling.

Your first month

  • Driver’s license: new Tennessee residents must get a Tennessee license within 30 days, according to the city. See the state Department of Safety’s new resident page.
  • Car tags: get Tennessee tags within 30 days. Visit a Shelby County Clerk office with your out-of-state registration, your title or lienholder’s full mailing address, proof of your local address and the fee. No vehicle inspection is required for Germantown residents. Branches: Shelby County Clerk, 901-222-3000.
  • Register to vote: online through GoVoteTN with a Tennessee license, at least 30 days before an election. See voting.
  • Schools: all Germantown residents are zoned for Germantown Municipal School District; see our schools guide and the district’s attendance zone lookup.

Taxes and tax breaks

Germantown homeowners pay a Shelby County bill and a City of Germantown bill each year. Seniors, disabled owners and disabled veterans may qualify for Tax Relief or Tax Freeze; the 2026 applications are due April 5, 2027, through the Shelby County Trustee, 901-222-0200. See property taxes.

Pets

The Germantown Animal Shelter, 7700 Southern Ave., also handles animal control, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 901-757-7358. Dogs must be leashed in all city parks and on the Greenway. The city’s new resident page does not list a separate pet license; ask the shelter if you have questions.

Building, fences and home projects

Planning a fence, pool or addition? Germantown zoning and design rules apply, and Shelby County issues building permits. See building permits and zoning.

Stay informed

Related: getting around Germantown, parks and trails and Germantown home prices.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start water service in Germantown, TN?

Email your name, service address and start date to WaterApplications@Germantown-TN.gov. A deposit is billed on the first statement, and trash service is set up at the same time.

Who provides electricity and gas in Germantown?

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW). Start service with MLGW’s online request or call residential customer care at 901-544-6549.

How long do I have to get Tennessee tags after moving to Germantown?

30 days. Register at a Shelby County Clerk office with your out-of-state registration, title or lienholder address, proof of local address and the fee. Germantown residents do not need a vehicle inspection.

What internet providers serve Germantown?

The city names AT&T, C Spire and Xfinity as providers building fiber, and points residents to the FCC National Broadband Map to see every provider registered at an address.

Which schools serve new Germantown residents?

All Germantown residents are zoned for Germantown Municipal School District. Find your school with the district’s attendance zone lookup or call 901-752-7900.