Moving to North Dakota: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in North Dakota it is. Each link below goes to that company's own page for starting service. Start it two to three weeks ahead, from the day you get the keys.
Electric companies in North Dakota
Fargo, Grand Forks, MinotMontana-Dakota Utilities
Bismarck, Mandan, Dickinson, Williston and western North DakotaOtter Tail Power
Eastern North Dakota (Jamestown, Wahpeton, Devils Lake)
Natural gas in North Dakota
Bismarck, Minot, Dickinson, Williston and most gas-served townsXcel Energy
Fargo and Grand ForksGreat Plains Natural Gas
Southeastern North Dakota towns
Water in North Dakota
Usually run by the city, town or county. Search the new address's town name with "water service".
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, North Dakota runs energy assistance: official assistance page. Ask the utility about deposit waivers too; many waive the deposit with a good payment letter from your old company.
Problems with a utility
The North Dakota Public Service Commission regulates utilities in North Dakota and takes complaints.
New-resident deadlines in North Dakota
- Driver's license: within 60 days of moving. Official page
- Car registration and title: check the official page for the deadline. Official page
- North Dakota driver license office
- Voting: North Dakota has no voter registration. Bring an accepted ID that shows your North Dakota address. Official ID rules
From the state's own websites, checked October 2026. Deadlines can change; check the official page before you rely on one.
Your first month in a new state
- USPS: change your address: Start mail forwarding up to 30 days early. The real site is usps.com.
- Your new state's motor vehicle office: Driver's license, registration and title. Most states set a short deadline after you move, so check yours first.
- Register to vote: Routes you to the official registration for the new state.
- Medicaid, if you have it: Medicaid doesn't move with you. You apply again in the new state.
- Health insurance: A permanent move can open a special enrollment period.
- Social Security: Change your address once here; Medicare gets it from Social Security.
Utility companies and service areas checked October 2026. Service areas follow addresses, not county lines exactly: confirm with the company before you book.