Decision tool · move-in checklist
Your Forsyth County move-in checklist
Moving here means a short run of state and county errands, and two of them have deadlines that cost money if you miss them. Tick what applies to you and we will put the steps in order, each with the agency that handles it, its deadline and a link to its own page.
Before you move in
Start water and sewer service
Before move-in day
To start Forsyth County water and sewer service, submit a New Service Request with a copy of your driver's license and a signed lease or purchase agreement, no more than two weeks before move-in. Then call (770) 781-2160 to schedule the connection and pay the deposit. Connections happen Monday through Friday only.
Forsyth County Department of Water & Sewer: Start, Stop or Restore Water Service, checked 2026-10-19
Check whether Cumming Utilities serves your address
Some addresses get water and sewer from the City of Cumming's utility, Cumming Utilities, rather than from the county. Cumming Utilities provides water, sewer and garbage service, publishes a Water and Sewer Service Area map, and is reached at (770) 781-2020.
Cumming Utilities: Contact Us and Service Area Map pages, checked 2026-10-19
Set up electricity: Sawnee EMC or Georgia Power
Electricity in Forsyth County comes from either Sawnee EMC or Georgia Power, depending on the address. The county tells residents to report outages directly to whichever of the two serves them.
Forsyth County 911 Center: When to Call 911 vs. the Non-Emergency Line, checked 2026-10-19
Choose a natural gas marketer
On the Atlanta Gas Light system, Atlanta Gas Light owns the pipes but no longer sells gas to customers. You buy gas from a state-certified natural gas marketer of your choice; the Public Service Commission still regulates AGL's delivery rates.
Georgia Public Service Commission: Natural Gas, checked 2026-10-19
Arrange trash pickup yourself
The county does not pick up trash
Forsyth County government does not provide curbside trash pickup. Outside the City of Cumming, residents hire a private hauler (the county posts a list but endorses none) or use county drop-off centers. City of Cumming residents should call the City at (770) 781-2019.
Forsyth County Recycling & Solid Waste: Waste Haulers, checked 2026-10-19
First 30 days
Get a Georgia driver's license
Within 30 days of becoming a resident
New Georgia residents must apply for a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Any Georgia DDS Customer Service Center can transfer an out-of-state license.
Georgia Department of Driver Services: New Georgia Residents and Out-of-State License Transfers, checked 2026-10-19
Bring the right papers to DDS
For the license transfer, bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number if asked, and two documents showing your Georgia home address, such as a utility bill from the last six months. Fill out the DDS License/ID/Permit Form online before your visit; it stays on file for 60 days.
Georgia DDS: Transfer Out-of-State Driver's License/ID, checked 2026-10-19
Pass an emissions inspection
Before you register the car
Forsyth is one of 13 metro Atlanta counties where vehicles need an emissions inspection before they can be registered.
Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia? (Emissions Inspection), checked 2026-10-19
Title and register your vehicles
Within 30 days of moving to Georgia
Vehicles must be registered in Georgia within 30 days of moving to the state. You need a Georgia driver's license or ID card before you can title and register them at the county tag office.
Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia?, checked 2026-10-19
Budget for the one-time vehicle tax (TAVT)
Paid when you register
New residents pay a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) of 3% of the vehicle's fair market value, plus a $20 annual registration fee and an $18 title fee. The state's online TAVT estimator shows the likely amount.
Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia? (Vehicle Taxes and Fees), checked 2026-10-19
Go to a county tag office
The Forsyth County Tax Commissioner handles car tags and property tax bills at two offices: 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040, and the Sharon Springs office at 1950 Sharon Road, Cumming, GA 30041. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Motor vehicle line: (770) 781-2112.
Forsyth County Tax Commissioner, checked 2026-10-19
Kids and school
Look up your school zone
To see which schools serve an address, use the district's School Locator Map on its GIS Boundary Planning page. Attendance lines can change, so check the map for the specific address.
Forsyth County Schools: GIS Boundary Planning (School Locator Map), checked 2026-10-19
Register at the district's Student Registration Center
Forsyth County Schools registers new students centrally, not at individual schools. Complete the online pre-registration form, then book an in-person appointment at the Student Registration Building, 1140 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming. New appointment slots are posted on the 15th of each month.
Forsyth County Schools: New Student Registration, checked 2026-10-19
Note the school calendar
2026-27 ends May 27, 2027
The 2026-27 school year started Aug. 6, 2026 and ends May 27, 2027, with 178 student days. Thanksgiving break is Nov. 23-27, 2026, and spring break is April 5-9, 2027.
Forsyth County Schools: 2026-27 Student Calendar, checked 2026-10-19
If you bought a home
Check that you qualify for a homestead exemption
Own and live in the home on Jan. 1
You may qualify for a homestead exemption if you own the home, live in it and are a legal resident of Forsyth County, all as of Jan. 1 of the tax year. The county defines legal resident as being registered to vote and/or registering your vehicles in Forsyth County.
Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions, checked 2026-10-19
File for the homestead exemption
By April 1
Homestead applications are accepted year-round, but you must apply by April 1 (or during your 45-day assessment appeal window) to get the exemption for that tax year. Once granted, it renews automatically unless ownership or eligibility changes.
Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions, checked 2026-10-19
File online when the portal opens
Portal opens Dec. 21, 2026
The online homestead portal is open from December to April 1. The county says it opens Dec. 21, 2026 for 2027 applications. Regular and age-65 homestead applications can be filed online, by mail (notarized) or in person; other exemptions must be filed in person at 426 Canton Hwy.
Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions, checked 2026-10-19
Have your Georgia license show the new address
For a standard homestead application, bring a Georgia driver's license or state ID showing the property address and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Income-based exemptions need extra income records.
Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions, checked 2026-10-19
Apply for the age-65 school tax exemption
65 on or before Jan. 1
Homeowners who are 65 on or before Jan. 1 can get a full exemption from the school general and school bond taxes (L1). Only one owner who holds title and lives in the home needs to be 65.
Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions (L1), checked 2026-10-19
Watch for the property tax bill
2026 bills due Nov. 15
2026 Forsyth County property tax bills are due Nov. 15, 2026. Because that date is a Sunday, payments received Monday, Nov. 16 are accepted without interest.
Forsyth County news: 2026 Property Tax Bills Due Nov. 15 (Sept. 10, 2026), checked 2026-10-19
Check the Corps dock permit before you count on a dock
Private docks on Lake Lanier need a Corps of Engineers Shoreline Use Permit. Only owners next to public land zoned limited development can apply, permits last up to five years and do not transfer, and the Corps caps the number of permits, with a wait list when none are available.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Lake Lanier Shoreline Management Permit Program, checked 2026-10-19
Settling in
Register to vote at your new address
At least 30 days before an election
Register to vote, or update your address, through the Georgia Secretary of State's online system using a Georgia driver's license or ID. You must be registered 30 days before an election. In person, go to the Voter Registrations & Elections office at 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, or any Forsyth County library.
Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections: Register to Vote, checked 2026-10-19
Get a free library card
Library cards are free for Forsyth County residents, county property and business owners, county government employees, and students or staff of schools in the county. Bring photo ID with your current address. Others can buy an out-of-county card for $60 a year.
Forsyth County Public Library: Getting Started, checked 2026-10-19
Find your nearest convenience center
Mon-Sat, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Forsyth County runs three recycling and trash convenience centers for county residents: Tolbert Street (351 Tolbert Street, Cumming), Old Atlanta (3678 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee) and Coal Mountain (3560 Settingdown Road, Cumming). They are open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Forsyth County: Recycling Centers, checked 2026-10-19
Each step, deadline and fee is the one the agency publishes on its own page, checked October 19, 2026. We list what to do and where; the agency decides. Rules change, so confirm before you go.
Still choosing where in the county to land? A Gold Peach Realty agent can answer questions about the move and the areas.
Your license comes first
Almost everything else asks for a Georgia license showing your new address, including the vehicle tag and the homestead exemption.
- New Georgia residents must apply for a Georgia driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Any Georgia DDS Customer Service Center can transfer an out-of-state license. Georgia Department of Driver Services: New Georgia Residents and Out-of-State License Transfers
- If your out-of-state license is valid, or expired less than two years, you surrender it and pass a vision exam at DDS. No written knowledge test or road test is required. Georgia DDS: Transfer Out-of-State Driver's License/ID
- For the license transfer, bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number if asked, and two documents showing your Georgia home address, such as a utility bill from the last six months. Fill out the DDS License/ID/Permit Form online before your visit; it stays on file for 60 days. Georgia DDS: Transfer Out-of-State Driver's License/ID
Then the car
- Forsyth is one of 13 metro Atlanta counties where vehicles need an emissions inspection before they can be registered. Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia? (Emissions Inspection)
- Vehicles must be registered in Georgia within 30 days of moving to the state. You need a Georgia driver's license or ID card before you can title and register them at the county tag office. Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia?
- To title and register, bring a completed MV-1 Title/Tag Application, your out-of-state title (or Form T-17 if a lender or leasing company holds it), proof of Georgia liability insurance and an emissions inspection if required. Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia?
- New residents pay a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) of 3% of the vehicle's fair market value, plus a $20 annual registration fee and an $18 title fee. The state's online TAVT estimator shows the likely amount. Georgia Department of Revenue: New to Georgia? (Vehicle Taxes and Fees)
- The Forsyth County Tax Commissioner handles car tags and property tax bills at two offices: 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, GA 30040, and the Sharon Springs office at 1950 Sharon Road, Cumming, GA 30041. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Motor vehicle line: (770) 781-2112. Forsyth County Tax Commissioner
Utilities and trash
- To start Forsyth County water and sewer service, submit a New Service Request with a copy of your driver's license and a signed lease or purchase agreement, no more than two weeks before move-in. Then call (770) 781-2160 to schedule the connection and pay the deposit. Connections happen Monday through Friday only. Forsyth County Department of Water & Sewer: Start, Stop or Restore Water Service
- Some addresses get water and sewer from the City of Cumming's utility, Cumming Utilities, rather than from the county. Cumming Utilities provides water, sewer and garbage service, publishes a Water and Sewer Service Area map, and is reached at (770) 781-2020. Cumming Utilities: Contact Us and Service Area Map pages
- Electricity in Forsyth County comes from either Sawnee EMC or Georgia Power, depending on the address. The county tells residents to report outages directly to whichever of the two serves them. Forsyth County 911 Center: When to Call 911 vs. the Non-Emergency Line
- On the Atlanta Gas Light system, Atlanta Gas Light owns the pipes but no longer sells gas to customers. You buy gas from a state-certified natural gas marketer of your choice; the Public Service Commission still regulates AGL's delivery rates. Georgia Public Service Commission: Natural Gas
- Forsyth County government does not provide curbside trash pickup. Outside the City of Cumming, residents hire a private hauler (the county posts a list but endorses none) or use county drop-off centers. City of Cumming residents should call the City at (770) 781-2019. Forsyth County Recycling & Solid Waste: Waste Haulers
Who serves your address, and how to find out, is on the utilities page.
If you bought a home: the homestead exemption
- You may qualify for a homestead exemption if you own the home, live in it and are a legal resident of Forsyth County, all as of Jan. 1 of the tax year. The county defines legal resident as being registered to vote and/or registering your vehicles in Forsyth County. Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions
- Homestead applications are accepted year-round, but you must apply by April 1 (or during your 45-day assessment appeal window) to get the exemption for that tax year. Once granted, it renews automatically unless ownership or eligibility changes. Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions
- The online homestead portal is open from December to April 1. The county says it opens Dec. 21, 2026 for 2027 applications. Regular and age-65 homestead applications can be filed online, by mail (notarized) or in person; other exemptions must be filed in person at 426 Canton Hwy. Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions
- For a standard homestead application, bring a Georgia driver's license or state ID showing the property address and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Income-based exemptions need extra income records. Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions
What the exemption is worth, and an estimate for your home, are on the property taxes page.
Children starting school
- Forsyth County Schools registers new students centrally, not at individual schools. Complete the online pre-registration form, then book an in-person appointment at the Student Registration Building, 1140 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming. New appointment slots are posted on the 15th of each month. Forsyth County Schools: New Student Registration
- The Student Registration Center is open 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Questions: registration@forsyth.k12.ga.us or (678) 947-0863 ext. 0. Forsyth County Schools: New Student Registration
- To see which schools serve an address, use the district's School Locator Map on its GIS Boundary Planning page. Attendance lines can change, so check the map for the specific address. Forsyth County Schools: GIS Boundary Planning (School Locator Map)
Settling in
- Register to vote, or update your address, through the Georgia Secretary of State's online system using a Georgia driver's license or ID. You must be registered 30 days before an election. In person, go to the Voter Registrations & Elections office at 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, or any Forsyth County library. Forsyth County Voter Registrations & Elections: Register to Vote
- Library cards are free for Forsyth County residents, county property and business owners, county government employees, and students or staff of schools in the county. Bring photo ID with your current address. Others can buy an out-of-county card for $60 a year. Forsyth County Public Library: Getting Started
- The Forsyth County non-emergency line is (770) 781-3087. Use it for incidents with no immediate danger, such as noise complaints or a break-in after the suspect is gone. Call 911 for emergencies. Forsyth County 911 Center: When to Call 911 vs. the Non-Emergency Line
Questions
What ZIP codes are in Forsyth County, GA?
Most of the county falls in ZIP code areas 30041, 30040 and 30028, which hold about 72 percent of its land. Census ZIP areas 30004 and 30005 (Alpharetta addresses), 30024 (Suwanee), 30506 (Gainesville) and 30107 (Ball Ground) also reach into the county, along with small parts of 30097 and 30534. Postal boundaries can differ slightly from Census ZIP areas.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 ZCTA-to-County Relationship File; Forsyth County facility addresses
Can a home with an Alpharetta or Suwanee address be in Forsyth County?
Yes. Mailing cities do not follow county or city lines. Forsyth County's own Denmark Library is at 530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta, and its Old Atlanta Park is at 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee; both are in unincorporated Forsyth County. Check the county on the property record or tax bill, not the mailing city.
Source: Forsyth County Public Library; Forsyth County: Old Atlanta Park; U.S. Census Bureau Geocoder
How do I get a Georgia driver's license after moving to Forsyth County?
Apply within 30 days of becoming a Georgia resident. Fill out the DDS License/ID/Permit Form online, then visit a DDS Customer Service Center with proof of identity, your Social Security number and two proofs of your Georgia address. If your old license is valid, or expired less than two years, you surrender it and pass a vision exam; no written or road test.
Where do I register my car in Forsyth County?
Register at the Forsyth County Tax Commissioner's tag office: 1092 Tribble Gap Road, Cumming, or the Sharon Springs office at 1950 Sharon Road, Cumming. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays; the motor vehicle line is (770) 781-2112. Get your Georgia license first, then bring the MV-1 form, your title, insurance and an emissions inspection.
Source: Forsyth County Tax Commissioner; Georgia Department of Revenue
How long do I have to register my car after moving to Georgia?
The Georgia Department of Revenue says vehicles must be registered within 30 days of moving to Georgia. You must have a Georgia driver's license or ID card first. New residents pay a one-time Title Ad Valorem Tax of 3% of the vehicle's fair market value, plus an $18 title fee and a $20 annual registration fee.
Do cars need an emissions test in Forsyth County?
Yes. Forsyth is one of 13 metro Atlanta counties where vehicles need an emissions inspection before they can be registered. The others include Cherokee, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett. The Georgia Department of Revenue points drivers to Georgia's Clean Air Force for testing locations and requirements.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Forsyth County?
Apply by April 1 to get the exemption for that tax year. You must own and live in the home, and be a legal Forsyth County resident, as of Jan. 1. The online portal opens Dec. 21, 2026 for 2027 applications. You can also file by mail with a notarized form or in person at 426 Canton Hwy.
Source: Forsyth County Board of Assessors: Homestead & Other Exemptions
Who provides water in Forsyth County?
It depends on the address. Water and sewer come from either the Forsyth County Department of Water & Sewer, (770) 781-2160, at 2435 Freedom Parkway, or the City of Cumming's utility, Cumming Utilities, (770) 781-2020, which publishes a service area map. Ask your seller or landlord which one serves the home before move-in.
Source: Forsyth County Department of Water & Sewer; Cumming Utilities
How do I start water service in Forsyth County?
For county water, submit a New Service Request online with a copy of your driver's license and a signed lease or purchase agreement, no earlier than two weeks before your start date. Then call (770) 781-2160 to schedule the connection and pay the deposit by Visa or Mastercard. Connections are made Monday through Friday only.
Who provides electricity in Forsyth County?
Either Sawnee EMC or Georgia Power, depending on the address. Sawnee EMC, based at 543 Atlanta Road in Cumming, served 102,175 meters in Forsyth County as of Aug. 31, 2026. To check whether an address is in Sawnee's territory, email customerservice@sawnee.coop or call (770) 887-2363.
Source: Sawnee EMC; Forsyth County 911 Center (outage reporting)
How does natural gas service work in Forsyth County?
In the Atlanta Gas Light area, AGL owns and maintains the pipes but does not sell gas. You choose a state-certified natural gas marketer, and the Georgia Public Service Commission publishes the list of approved marketers. SCANA Energy is the PSC-approved Regulated Provider for low-income customers and those who cannot get service elsewhere.
Source: Georgia Public Service Commission: Natural Gas; Regulated Provider
Does Forsyth County pick up trash?
No. Forsyth County government does not provide curbside trash pickup. Outside the City of Cumming, residents hire a private hauler (the county posts a list but endorses none) or use the county's three convenience centers. City of Cumming residents should call the City at (770) 781-2019. An HOA may require a specific hauler.
Source: Forsyth County Recycling & Solid Waste: Waste Haulers
How do I find my school zone in Forsyth County?
Use the School Locator Map on Forsyth County Schools' GIS Boundary Planning page and enter the address. It shows the assigned elementary, middle and high schools. Attendance lines can change, so check the specific address rather than relying on a neighborhood name, and confirm with the district's registration office.
How do I enroll my child in Forsyth County Schools?
Registration is centralized, not done at individual schools. First complete the online pre-registration form and note your application number. Then book an in-person appointment at the Student Registration Building, 1140 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming. New appointment slots are posted on the 15th of each month. Questions: registration@forsyth.k12.ga.us or (678) 947-0863 ext. 0.
Where are the libraries in Forsyth County?
Forsyth County Public Library has five branches: Cumming (585 Dahlonega Street), Denmark (530 Fowler Road, Alpharetta), Hampton Park (5345 Settingdown Road), Post Road (5010 Post Road) and Sharon Forks (2820 Old Atlanta Road). Cards are free for county residents with photo ID showing a current address.
Source: Forsyth County Public Library
What is the non-emergency number for Forsyth County?
Call (770) 781-3087 for situations with no immediate danger, such as noise complaints, a vehicle break-in after the suspect has left, or a missing pet. Call 911 for emergencies. The county 911 Center dispatches the Sheriff's Office, the City of Cumming Police Department, the Fire Department and emergency medical transport.
Source: Forsyth County 911 Center
How do I register to vote in Forsyth County?
Register or update your address online through the Georgia Secretary of State using a Georgia driver's license or ID. You can also register when you get your Georgia license, at any Forsyth County library, or at the Voter Registrations & Elections office, 1201 Sawnee Drive, Cumming. You must be registered 30 days before an election.
Do I need a pet license in Forsyth County?
Forsyth County's website does not describe a county pet license. Animal Control and the Pet Adoption & Resource Center are run by the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office under a 2025 agreement with the county. Contact the Sheriff's Office for current animal rules, and check any HOA rules for your new home.
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organizers have the final word: Forsyth County Government