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Plan the move

A Delaware, Ohio moving checklist

Work through it in phases. Progress saves in this browser with localStorage — nothing is sent to a server. This is for the city of Delaware in Central Ohio, not the state of Delaware.

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Download the printable checklist (PDF) City of Delaware

8–12 weeks out

Research

Tour neighborhoods at the hour you would actually commute. Drive U.S. 23 and I-71, not just Saturday afternoon.

Set a housing budget (buy or rent) and get mortgage pre-approval if you are purchasing. See the housing snapshot.

Look up school districts by address. City limits, ZIP 43015, and district lines do not always match. Start with Delaware City Schools and nearby Olentangy, Buckeye Valley, and Big Walnut.

Read the City of Delaware income tax page. Residents generally pay a 1.85% municipal income tax — verify the current rate and filing rules with the city.

Budget for overlapping rent/mortgage, deposits, movers, and first-month utilities.

4–6 weeks out

Lock in logistics

Sign a lease or purchase agreement. Photograph condition at walkthrough.

Start City of Delaware utilities (water, sewer, stormwater, curbside trash/recycling) — Utility Billing, 740-203-1250 ext. 4. Renters may need a deposit.

Set up electric (AEP Ohio territory is common) and shop Ohio’s competitive retail electric options if you want.

Get renter’s or homeowner’s insurance quotes with the Delaware, Ohio address.

Gather school records and begin enrollment. Delaware City Schools registration is online.

Find primary care, dental, and specialists accepting new patients (OhioHealth is a major local healthcare employer and system).

Open or transfer bank accounts. Note local branches and any Ohio-specific tax documents your payroll will need.

1–2 weeks out

Paperwork

Transfer prescriptions and request medical records.

Confirm movers or truck reservation. Pack a first-week box: documents, meds, chargers, linens, kettle.

Review Ohio BMV new-resident steps: typically transfer driver’s license, title, and registration within 30 days of establishing residency.

Download trash/recycling guidance from the city and bookmark downtown parking/event pages.

Local offices for license, title & plates

Deputy Registrar (BMV license agency)

Driver licenses, ID cards, plates & registration. Driver exam station and the county title office share the building.

Address: 2079 U.S. Route 23 North, Suite 2, Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 369-3552
Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m. · Sat 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Website: Ohio BMV office page

Clerk of Courts Title Office

Transfer an out-of-state title here before registering the vehicle. Second office: 8647 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center · (740) 657-3945 · Mon–Fri 8–4:30.

Address: Frank B. Willis Government Building, 2079 U.S. Route 23 North, Suite 1, Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2490
Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. · Sat 8 a.m.–noon (closed holiday-weekend Saturdays — call ahead)
Website: Delaware County Clerk of Courts

Delaware Welcome Center

Run by Main Street Delaware: downtown maps, event info, and local tips. Also 1-888-DEL-OHIO (Visit Del Ohio).

Address: 20 E. William St., Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 362-6050
Hours: Call ahead — hours are not published on the official site
Website: Main Street Delaware

Verified Oct 10, 2026 from the Ohio Dept. of Public Safety, Delaware County Clerk of Courts, and Main Street Delaware. Holiday hours vary — call before you go.

Moving week

On the ground

Final walkthrough of the old place. Photograph meter readings at both ends.

Keep IDs, closing/lease papers, and medications with you — not in the truck.

Meet utility techs if needed. Test water, heat/AC, and locks the first night.

Unpack beds and kitchen first. Introduce yourself to neighbors.

Walk downtown Delaware (Sandusky, Winter, and William Streets) so the city has a center of gravity on day one.

First 30 days

Become a resident

Get an Ohio driver’s license and register vehicles at a deputy registrar. Bring proof of Ohio address.

Confirm city trash and recycling are on your utility bill and note pickup day.

Finish school enrollment and locate bus/start times.

Ask payroll to withhold City of Delaware income tax if you live or work in the city. Residents generally must file a city return by April 15 even if no tax is due — confirm with the city income tax office.

Establish care with a local doctor and transfer records.

Go to a First Friday or Saturday Farmers Market. It is the fastest way to learn downtown.

City income tax of about 1.85% is cited from the City of Delaware income tax pages as of 2026. Always verify before withholding or filing. This checklist is not legal or tax advice.