Key Takeaways
• Non-citizens with legal status can get North Dakota driver’s licenses and REAL IDs starting May 7, 2025.
• Only qualified noncitizens qualify for full Medicaid; undocumented get emergency medical services only.
• North Dakota allows non-citizens to access many benefits, professional licenses, and tax credits with proper documents.
Non-citizens living in North Dakota face a unique set of rules and opportunities when it comes to public benefits, healthcare, and getting a driver’s license. These rules can affect daily life, from being able to drive to work or school, to getting medical help, to finding a safe place to live. This guide explains what non-citizens can expect in North Dakota as of July 2025, using simple language and real-life examples to help you understand your rights and options.
Who Counts as a Non-Citizen in North Dakota?
A non-citizen is anyone who is not a United States 🇺🇸 citizen. This includes people with green cards (permanent residents), refugees, asylees, people with work permits, students with visas, and undocumented immigrants. Each group has different rights and restrictions, so it’s important to know your status and what it means for you in North Dakota.
Getting a Driver’s License as a Non-Citizen in North Dakota
Who Can Apply?
Non-citizens can get a North Dakota driver’s license if they can show they are in the United States 🇺🇸 legally. This means you need to have certain documents that prove your lawful presence. Here’s what you might need:
- Certificate of Naturalization (for new citizens)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) that is valid and not expired
- Employment Authorization Card that is valid and not expired
- Unexpired Foreign Passport with an I-94 form (and I-20 or DS-2019 if you are a student or exchange visitor)
- I-94 Refugee or Asylee documentation
You also need to show your Social Security number and provide two proofs of your North Dakota address. This could be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address.
How to Apply
The process for getting a driver’s license in North Dakota is clear but has several steps:
- Go in person to a North Dakota Driver License Site. You can find locations and hours on the NDDOT Driver License Information page.
- Prove you live in North Dakota and provide a physical address.
- Surrender any licenses from other states or countries.
- Complete the application form with your North Dakota address.
- Show your Social Security number (this will be checked with the Social Security Administration).
- Pass a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive.
- Pay the required fees:
- Knowledge test: $5
- Permit: $5
- Road test: $5
- Transfer of Canadian license: $15
- Take and pass the knowledge and road tests.
- Have your photo taken (you can’t wear glasses for the photo).
- If you are under 18, you need a sponsor to take financial responsibility for you.
REAL ID and What It Means
Starting May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant license or another federally accepted ID to board domestic flights or enter secure federal buildings. North Dakota issues REAL ID-compliant licenses, which have a gold star on them.
To get a REAL ID, non-citizens must show proof of their lawful presence in the United States 🇺🇸 and proof that they live in North Dakota. If you don’t have a REAL ID, you’ll need to use another form of ID, like a passport, for air travel or to get into federal buildings.
Key Takeaway: If you’re a non-citizen with legal status, you can get a North Dakota driver’s license and even a REAL ID, as long as you have the right documents.
Healthcare Access and Medicaid for Non-Citizens
Who Can Get Medicaid?
Medicaid is a government health insurance program for people with low income. In North Dakota, you must meet these requirements to get Medicaid:
- Live in North Dakota
- Be a U.S. citizen or a “qualified noncitizen”
- Qualified noncitizens include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some others.
- Meet income and asset limits
- For example, as of April 2025, a single person can earn up to $1,174 per month, and a family of four can earn up to $2,412 per month.
- Asset limits are $3,000 for one person and $6,000 for a couple, with small increases for each extra family member.
What About Non-Qualified Non-Citizens?
If you are not a qualified noncitizen (for example, if you are undocumented), you usually cannot get Medicaid. The only exception is for emergency medical services. This means if you have a life-threatening emergency, you can get help even if you don’t have legal status.
Special Programs
Some people with intellectual or developmental disabilities may qualify for special Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services, even if they are non-citizens. These programs have their own rules and may require extra paperwork.
Five-Year Bar for New Immigrants
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you usually have to wait five years after getting your green card before you can get Medicaid. There are some exceptions for children and pregnant women.
Access to Emergency Services
No matter your immigration status, you can get help from shelters and programs that protect life or safety. This includes shelters for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking.
Key Takeaway: Only certain non-citizens can get full Medicaid in North Dakota, but emergency help is available to everyone.
Other Public Benefits and Services for Non-Citizens
Housing Help
- The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program does not have restrictions based on immigration status. This means non-citizens can apply.
- Some federally assisted housing programs do have rules about immigration status. You may need to show proof of your status to qualify.
Professional and Occupational Licenses
North Dakota does not have state laws that stop non-citizens from getting professional or occupational licenses. This means you can apply for licenses to work as a nurse, teacher, electrician, or in other jobs, as long as you meet the job’s requirements. Some jobs may require you to have work authorization, but there are no extra state barriers for immigrants.
Tax Credits
- If you have a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can claim certain tax credits, like the child tax credit or dependent tax credit.
- To get the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must have work authorization.
Key Takeaway: Non-citizens in North Dakota can access many public benefits, but some programs have rules about immigration status. It’s important to check each program’s requirements.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Maria, a Green Card Holder
Maria moved to North Dakota from Mexico 🇲🇽 with her family. She has a green card and lives in Fargo. Maria wants to drive her children to school and get a job as a nurse.
- She can apply for a North Dakota driver’s license by showing her green card, Social Security number, and two proofs of address.
- She can get a REAL ID-compliant license, which will let her fly within the United States 🇺🇸 without using her passport.
- Maria can apply for a professional nursing license because North Dakota does not have extra restrictions for immigrants.
- If Maria’s family income is low, she may be able to get Medicaid, but only if she has had her green card for at least five years.
Example 2: Ahmed, a Refugee
Ahmed arrived in North Dakota as a refugee from Syria 🇸🇾. He wants to find a job and rent an apartment.
- Ahmed can get a driver’s license with his refugee documents and proof of address.
- He can apply for Medicaid right away because refugees are considered “qualified noncitizens.”
- Ahmed can apply for housing help through the LIHTC program, which does not check immigration status.
- He can also apply for a work license if he wants to work in a skilled trade.
Example 3: Sofia, an Undocumented Immigrant
Sofia came to North Dakota without legal status. She works in agriculture and lives with friends.
- Sofia cannot get a driver’s license because she cannot prove lawful presence.
- She is not eligible for Medicaid, except for emergency medical care.
- She can get help from shelters if she is in danger or needs protection.
- Sofia cannot get most public benefits, but she can still file taxes using an ITIN and may qualify for some tax credits.
Recent Changes and What’s Coming Next
REAL ID Enforcement
Starting May 7, 2025, everyone—including non-citizens—must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID to fly within the United States 🇺🇸 or enter secure federal buildings. This is a big change, so make sure your license has the gold star or get another accepted ID, like a passport.
Medicaid Updates
Medicaid income limits and eligibility rules are updated every year to match federal poverty guidelines. As of April 2025, the new income and asset limits are in effect. Always check the North Dakota Medicaid Eligibility page for the latest information.
No Major New Restrictions
So far in 2025, North Dakota has not announced any big new rules or restrictions for non-citizen benefits. However, changes in federal immigration policy could affect state programs, so it’s important to stay informed.
Practical Implications for Non-Citizens
- Driving: If you have legal status, you can get a North Dakota driver’s license and a REAL ID. This makes it easier to travel, work, and take care of your family.
- Healthcare: Only qualified non-citizens can get full Medicaid. If you are undocumented, you can only get emergency care.
- Work: You can get professional licenses if you have the right documents. There are no extra state barriers for immigrants.
- Housing: Some programs are open to all, but others check immigration status.
- Safety: Emergency shelters and services are open to everyone, no matter your status.
- Taxes: You can file taxes and get some credits if you have a Social Security number or ITIN and work authorization.
Where to Get Help and More Information
If you have questions or need help, these are the main agencies and resources in North Dakota:
- North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT): Handles driver’s licenses and REAL ID. Visit the NDDOT Driver License Information page for details.
- North Dakota Department of Human Services (ND DHS): Manages Medicaid and other public benefits. Check the Medicaid Eligibility page for up-to-date rules.
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Enforces REAL ID at airports. Learn more about REAL ID at the official TSA REAL ID page.
- Legal and immigrant advocacy groups: These organizations can help you understand your rights and apply for benefits.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, North Dakota’s approach to non-citizen benefits is similar to many other states, but with some unique features. The state allows non-citizens with legal status to participate in most public programs, while still following federal rules about Medicaid and other benefits.
Action Steps for Non-Citizens in North Dakota
- Check your immigration status and gather your documents.
- Apply for a driver’s license if you are eligible. Make sure to ask for a REAL ID-compliant license if you plan to fly or enter federal buildings.
- Review Medicaid and public benefit rules to see if you qualify. Remember the five-year waiting period for most green card holders.
- Look into professional licenses if you want to work in a skilled job.
- File your taxes with a Social Security number or ITIN to claim any credits you qualify for.
- Seek help from shelters or advocacy groups if you need emergency services or have questions about your rights.
Conclusion
Living as a non-citizen in North Dakota comes with both opportunities and challenges. If you have lawful status, you can get a driver’s license, apply for a REAL ID, and access many public benefits. If you are undocumented, your options are more limited, but emergency help is always available. Always check the latest rules and use official resources to make sure you have the most current information. For more details, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s official driver’s license page.
By understanding your rights and the steps you need to take, you can make the most of your life in North Dakota and keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.
Learn Today
REAL ID → A federally accepted identification for domestic flights and federal buildings, marked with a gold star in North Dakota.
Medicaid → A government health insurance for low-income people, with eligibility rules based on citizenship and income.
Lawful Presence → Proof that a non-citizen is legally allowed to be in the United States.
Green Card → A permanent resident card allowing non-citizens to live and work legally in the U.S.
Social Security Number → A unique number issued for tax purposes, required to apply for many benefits and licenses.
This Article in a Nutshell
North Dakota offers non-citizens driver’s licenses, REAL ID options, and Medicaid eligibility with legal documentation. Emergency care is available for all. Professional licenses and housing programs vary by status. Understanding these rules helps immigrants live safely and access needed services as of July 2025, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws.
— By VisaVerge.com
