New to Reston? Start Dominion power, Washington Gas and Fairfax Water, get a Virginia license within 60 days, title your car in 30 and license your dog.
Last checked Oct. 18, 2026. This page links our detailed guides and the official sign-up pages; facts come from the agencies and companies named.
Reston is not a town, so there is no city hall to sign up with. Almost everything runs through Fairfax County, the Commonwealth of Virginia and private utilities. Here is the checklist.
Your first-week checklist
- Start electricity, gas and water (below).
- Find out who collects your trash: trash and recycling guide.
- Find your assigned schools: schools guide.
- Update your voter registration: voting guide.
- Sign up for Fairfax Alerts and save our who to call guide.
Utilities
Fairfax County’s utility providers list names the companies that serve Reston.
| Service | Provider | Start service | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Dominion Energy (most of the county) | Start service | 1-866-366-4357 |
| Natural gas | Washington Gas (most of the county; parts of Chantilly and Herndon use Columbia Gas of Virginia) | Start or stop service online | 703-750-1000 |
| Water | Fairfax Water | fairfaxwater.org | 703-698-5800 |
| Trash | Private hauler or HOA, or the county in collection areas | See our trash guide | County: 703-802-3322 |
If something goes wrong with power, see our power outages guide.
Internet and cable
The county says Comcast provides franchised cable service in portions of the Reston area and Verizon offers competing service across the county; Cox serves the rest of the county outside Reston. Check which providers serve your exact address on the FCC National Broadband Map, then sign up directly:
- Comcast Xfinity: xfinity.com, 1-800-266-2278
- Verizon Fios: verizon.com/home/fios, 1-800-837-4966
Driver’s license and car
The Virginia DMV’s new resident page sets these deadlines:
- Driver’s license: within 60 days of moving to Virginia (30 days for a commercial license). You can start the application online and choose a REAL ID.
- Safety inspection: every vehicle needs a valid Virginia safety inspection sticker, done annually at most repair shops.
- Title: within 30 days of moving, before you can register and get plates.
- Emissions: Fairfax County is an emissions-inspection area. A car with a valid emissions certificate from the last 12 months can be registered without a new test.
County car tax. Fairfax County charges personal property tax on vehicles. Since Jan. 1, 2023, the county files the return automatically for residents who register with the DMV within 30 days. Otherwise, file within 60 days on the county’s vehicle registration page, by email to dtappd@fairfaxcounty.gov or at 703-222-8234.
Property taxes and tax relief
Reston homeowners pay Fairfax County real estate tax, plus small Reston district levies. Bills are due July 28 and Dec. 5. The county does not list a general homestead exemption; it offers relief for homeowners 65 and older or permanently disabled who meet income and asset limits, with returning applicants filing by May 1. Details in our property tax guide.
Pets
All dogs 4 months and older must be licensed in Fairfax County every year, the county says. Tags cost $10 and run through Dec. 31. License online at petdata.com/fairfax or by mail with a copy of the dog’s current rabies certificate.
Homes and renovations
- Building permits come from the county: permits and zoning guide.
- Most Reston homes are also covered by private covenants with design review by Reston Association or, in the Town Center district, its own board. Check before changing your home’s exterior.
Schools, voting and getting around
- Schools: Fairfax County Public Schools; register at your assigned school. See our schools guide.
- Voting: register or update your address at the state voter portal. See our voting guide.
- Getting around: Metro’s Silver Line, Fairfax Connector buses and the Dulles Toll Road. See our getting around guide.
If a mover lets you down
File a claim with the moving company within 30 days of delivery and keep damaged items and packing as proof. Fairfax County Consumer Affairs can advise: 703-222-8435 or consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov (county guide).
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to get a Virginia driver’s license after moving to Reston?
60 days, according to the Virginia DMV. Commercial driver’s license holders have 30 days.
How soon must I register my car after moving to Virginia?
You must title your vehicle within 30 days of moving to Virginia, then register it. In Fairfax County it also needs a safety inspection and, unless it has an emissions certificate from the last 12 months, an emissions inspection.
Who provides electricity, gas and water in Reston?
Dominion Energy for electricity, Washington Gas for natural gas in most of the county, and Fairfax Water for water, according to Fairfax County.
Does Virginia have a homestead exemption?
Fairfax County does not list a general homestead exemption. It offers real estate tax relief for homeowners 65 and older or permanently disabled who meet income and asset limits, plus exemptions for disabled veterans and some surviving spouses.
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