Picture this: You just moved to Lexington, KY and you need some help with the practicalities of life (we can’t just sit back and eat Missy’s Pies all day, unfortunately). That’s where we come in. Keep reading for Lexingtonian 101, our guide to all the things you need to know as a new Lexington resident.
You can be the owner of one of these highly sought-after stickers. | Photo courtesy of @paulmhooper
The essentials
Voter registration
Make sure you’re eligible and registered to vote, find your polling location, and preview upcoming elections and sample ballots here.
Driver’s licenses and vehicle registration
With REAL ID enforcement beginning Wednesday, May 7, there has never been a better time to renew your drivers license or state ID. New residents in need of a LEX driver’s license will need to provide proof of legal status, a Social Security document, and two documents confirming your residential address.
To register your car in the state of Kentucky, you’ll need to bring proof of State car insurance, proof of your identity (in the form of a driver’s license, passport, or ID card), and a Vehicle Identification Number and Odometer Verification form to the Fayette County Clerk office.
You can make an appointment at the Fayette County Circuit Court’s Division of Driver’s License office to obtain a State driver’s license. Registration for your vehicle is conducted on a walk-in basis.
Healthcare
Establishing yourself with a primary care provider is one of those things you’ll be glad you did when you need one. Reach out to the professionals at Baptist Health Lexington, UK Healthcare, or Lexington Clinic, to name a few. Pro tip: Websites like DocSpot filter physicians by location, patient reviews, insurance, language, and more.
Educational needs
School registration
Prepare your student for the school year by registering them with Fayette County Public Schools. Here, you’ll find your school zone (based on your home address), a list of registration and immunization requirements, and the student entry form. With your required documents in hand, you’ll then make an appointment at your student’s zoned school to complete the registration process.
For information on LEX’s private and parochial schools, check out LEX Fun 4 Kids list.
Library card registration
If you think libraries are only for renting the occasional book, think again. Register for a library card at your nearest LEX branch, or apply for a temporary card (valid for 30 days) online, to take advantage of:
- Genealogy services
- Makerspaces
- Events
- eBooks, music, and movies
- Online databases
- Private meeting spaces for groups
- Books-by-mail
- State park passes
To get your card, you’ll need proof of identity and proof of address. Lexingtonians of any age can apply for a free card to be used at any LEX branch.
Home necessities
Recycling
Thanks for thinking green. For everything you need to know about recycling in LEX, from where to place your bin, to pickup times and accepted materials, check out our guide.
Utilities
Moving is exciting, but no one wants to unpack by candlelight. Establish your services with Kentucky Utilities Electric by creating an account or updating your address in your existing account. Pro tip: You can complete a free virtual energy audit to learn how you can save money and energy every month.
Internet providers
No connectivity issues here. Check out some of the internet providers in the 859:
- MetroNet | Internet service starting at $34.95 per month for 12 months
- Spectrum | Internet service starting at $30 per month for 12 months
- Windstream | Internet service starting at $39.99 per month for 12 months
The ultimate LEX initiation
Having a state driver’s license and an 859 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Lexingtonian until you’ve taken part in some local fun that is only found in LEX.
- Betting (and maybe losing money) at Keeneland
- Attending any UK sports games
- Snacking on hot pepper cheese from Charlie Brown’s
- Nailing the chaos that New Circle Road can be
Is there something you’re still left wondering about to get you properly established in LEX? Ask us your question and we’ll do our best to answer it for you, like a good neighbor.
