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Moving to a new city means becoming familiar with the local government services that support daily life. Fort Worth, one of the fastest-growing major cities in Texas, provides a wide range of municipal and county services for residents.
Administrative and Regulatory Services
The City of Fort Worth Development Services Department is responsible for permitting, zoning, inspections, and code compliance. This department manages building permits, land-use applications, construction inspections, and enforcement of city development codes for both residential and commercial properties.
Fort Worth’s long-range planning and land-use management are carried out through planning divisions within Development Services, which maintain the city’s comprehensive plans and zoning structure.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD)
The Fort Worth Fire Department provides fire suppression, emergency medical response, rescue services, and fire-prevention education. The department operates multiple fire stations throughout the city.
Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD)
The Fort Worth Police Department delivers law-enforcement services within the city limits and maintains patrol divisions, neighborhood programs, and community-policing initiatives.
Driver’s Licenses and Vehicle Registration
New residents who need a Texas driver’s license or identification card obtain them through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Vehicle registration and title services are provided by the Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector, which operates several offices throughout Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
Voting and Civic Engagement
Voter registration and election administration for Fort Worth residents are handled by the Tarrant County Elections Administration. Services include voter registration updates, early-voting information, and polling-location listings for local, county, state, and federal elections.
