Interpreter and translating services

Interpreter and translating services are available to assist customers who are hard of hearing or deaf, who do not speak English or may have limited reading skills.

Sign language and foreign language interpreters may be used at a Secretary of State office visit or during an administrative hearing. They may also assist with translating the driver's license written knowledge and mechanic's tests.

Sign language interpreter services

Video remote interpreting

A yearlong pilot program allows hard of hearing and deaf customers to access an interpreter on the spot at select Secretary of State offices. The video remote interpreting system uses a monitor with a built-in camera and audio system to connect the customer and branch office clerk to a sign language interpreter at a communication relay center.

During a transaction, the customer signs to an interpreter on screen, who voices the comments, which are heard by the clerk through headphones. The clerk's responses are picked up by a microphone, and the interpreter translates the speech into signs for the customer. There is no cost to the customer.

The video remote interpreting system is available at the following offices:

• Clinton Township SUPER!Center, 37015 S. Gratiot Ave.
• Detroit New Center SUPER!Center, Cadillac Place, 3046 W. Grand Blvd.
• Flint Area SUPER!Center, 5512 Fenton Road
• Grand Rapids Area SUPER!Center, Centerpointe Mall, 3665 28th St. S.E.
• Grand Traverse County PLUS Office, 1759 Barlow St., Traverse City
• Lansing Area PLUS Office, 5827 W. Saginaw
• Livonia Area SUPER!Center, 17176 Farmington Road
• Muskegon Secretary of State office, 1485 E. Apple Ave.
• Northwest Berrien County PLUS Office, 1960 Mall Drive, Benton Harbor
• Oakland County SUPER!Center, 1608 N. Perry St., Pontiac

Using your own sign language interpreter

Whenever you have business to conduct with the Department of State, you may use an interpreter that you know or hire one through an agency. You are responsible for any payment.

To assist you in locating an interpreter, the Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing's Interpreter Directory provides a database of interpreter referral agencies, state-qualified and nationally certified interpreters and interpreter education and sign language programs. For more information about DODHH services, call (877) 499-6232, voice or TTY; toll free at (517) 335-6004, voice or TTY; or send a fax to (517) 335-7773. The DODHH is part of the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

Requesting a sign language interpreter through the Department of State

If you do not have an interpreter, the department can provide one for you at no cost upon request.

Secretary of State office visit: Requests must be submitted in advance of your office visit.

Administrative hearing: Submit your request at least five days before your administrative hearing.

To request an interpreter, access the Department of State Information Center's number at (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424) by calling the Michigan Relay Center at (800) 649-3777.

Testing

Driver's license written knowledge test: You may use a sign language interpreter to assist in translating the driver's license written knowledge test questions.

Mechanic's tests: If you need a sign language interpreter to assist with translating a mechanic's test, you may bring your own or request that the department provide one. Interpreter fees up to $99 are paid for by the department. You will be responsible for any charges above $99.

Providing sign language interpreter services

If you are interested in becoming a department-approved interpreter, submit the Application to Provide Interpreter Services and Certification Form.

Foreign language interpreters

Secretary of State office visit: Customers whose native language is not English are welcome to bring a qualified foreign language interpreter to a Secretary of State office. You will be responsible for paying any fees charged by the interpreter.

A list of volunteer interpreters who provide services at no cost is available from the department. The list is broken down by geographic region and languages. It is up to you to contact the interpreter and make the arrangements for the interpreting services.

Administrative hearings: If you have an administrative hearing scheduled and do not have an interpreter, you may request one from the department. Your request must be submitted at least five days before your hearing date. Unless the interpreter is volunteering his or her services, you are responsible for the cost.

For the list of volunteer interpreters or to ask that one be provided at an administrative hearing, call the Department of State Information Center at (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424).

Testing

Contact the department ahead of time at (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424) if you need an interpreter or wish to use any of the alternative testing formats listed below.

Driver's license written knowledge test: A foreign language interpreter may assist in translating the driver's license written knowledge test. The test is available in many foreign languages. English and Spanish versions are available on audiotape.

Commercial Driver License tests: All CDL tests, except the hazardous materials and school bus endorsement exams, are available in English on audiocassette for those with limited reading skills.

Mechanic's tests: You are allowed to bring an interpreter to assist in translating the test material. You are responsible for paying the interpreter. The interpreter should never have been involved in automotive repair or related fields. The "Automotive Service Excellence Spanish-to-English" glossary is available for Spanish speakers, and clerks who know Spanish may also be available to assist.

Oral testing with a tape recorder and audiocassette in English is available if you have a reading disability.

Requirements for translating foreign documents

A passport, driver's license, birth certificate, marriage license or divorce decree from another country may be accepted as an identity document when applying for a Michigan driver's license or state identification card. If the information on the document is not in English, a translation must be provided.

• Passport - All information including your full name, date of birth and the name of the country that issued the passport. Passports with English subheadings do not need to be translated.
• Driver's license - Your full name, date of birth, the country that issued the license, the date it was issued, the type of license and expiration date.
• Birth certificate, marriage license or divorce decree - All items that provide information in the document, including anything printed in the seal as well as the name of the country that issued the document.

Properly translated documents

Certain conditions must be met for a translated document to be accepted by the department. When having a document translated:

• The translation must be prepared using the original document (faxes and photocopies should not be used).
• The translation must be printed on the translation agency's official letterhead. The letterhead must also include the agency's address. If the letterhead is produced in a language other than English, it too, must be accompanied by a translation.
• It does not need to be notarized. Anyone who suggests that a translated document must be notarized to be valid is misinformed.

The translation must include the following:

• The legibly printed name and signature of the person who prepared the translation.
• A daytime telephone number of the translator.
• The date the translation was prepared.

Presenting a translated document

Both original and translated documents must be presented to the department to be accepted.

Translation services

There is no requirement that a translation must be prepared by an agency in Michigan or the United States. Translations prepared in other countries that meet the department's requirements are acceptable.

When having a document translated, choose someone who is fluent in your native language and English. Translation services and translators who work in related fields, such as a community or government agency, in the law, or at a college or university, are all good sources. The department also has a Translator Resource List of acceptable translators.

Note: Check the Yellow Pages of your local telephone directory under "Translations" or "Translators" for resources available in your area.