Branch Offices

Foreign Language Tests.  Original driver license tests are available in many foreign languages with English and Spanish versions available on audiotape.

Interpreters.  Customers can request Ameslan (sign language) interpreters in advance of a branch office visit or may use an interpreter they know. Ameslan interpreters are compensated by the Department of State. For more information contact TTY-517/322-1477 or telephone the Michigan Relay Center at 800-649-3777.

Translations.  A passport, driver license, birth certificate, marriage license, or divorce decree from another country may be accepted as an identity document when applying for a Michigan driver license or personal identification card. However, if the information that appears on the passport, driver license, birth certificate, marriage license, or divorce decree is not written or printed in English, a translation must be provided.

NOTE: It is not necessary to obtain a separate translation for a passport, from another country, that has English subheadings. The subheadings must be part of the passport, either below or beside the non-English words.

Translation services may be available from colleges, universities, translation-related businesses, community agencies, attorneys, and governmental agencies.

Bureau of Regulatory Services

• Interpreter testing for mechanic tests (mechanic provides Interpreter)
• Oral testing available for mechanics (tape recorder and cassette for reading disabled) 
• Offer an ASE Spanish to English glossary for mechanic testing. (very helpful for those trying to make the translation from one to the other)
• TTY Telephone 517/485-5530, 5th Floor, Customer Service Section
• Staff who can speak Spanish

Interpreters.  An individual who does not speak English as a primary language may request the use of an interpreter to facilitate participation at an administrative hearing. A request to use a foreign language interpreter should be submitted at least five (5) days before the day of the hearing. The individual may bring their own qualified interpreter to the hearing. The expense of the interpreter must be paid by the individual requesting the interpreter’s services, unless the interpreter provides his/her services free of charge.

Upon request, the Bureau of Legal Services will furnish a list of the names and telephone numbers of qualified interpreters. The list categorizes interpreters by the foreign languages that they speak and by the areas of the state where they are located. The list cumulatively covers persons qualified to translate more than 40 different foreign languages. These interpreters are volunteers who do not charge for their services.

Services for the Hearing Impaired.  An individual who is hearing impaired may request the use of a sign language interpreter to facilitate participation at an administrative hearing. A request to use a sign language interpreter should be submitted at least five (5) days before the day of the hearing. The Bureau of Legal Services will directly pay the sign language interpreter.