Skip to main content

Language services

Translated resources

Browser translation (Choose tab)

The Michigan Department of State accepts no responsibility and disclaims any and all liability that may occur through the use of any translations made by a third-party application or browser. The use of any third-party service shall be at the user’s sole risk. Information related to third-party services are provided as a convenience only.

Safari offers browser translation in Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Desktop

  1. Open the Safari browser and select View, then Translation from the dropdown menu.
  2. Set your browser to the preferred, non-English language.
  3. Go to the webpage you want to translate.
  4. A translate button will appear. Translations may not be available for all pages.
  5. Select the translate button and your preferred language.

iPhone or iPad

  1. Open the Safari browser on your mobile device and go to the webpage you want to translate.
  2. Select the “aA” icon next to the address bar to view the site options. From the dropdown menu, select Translate to and your preferred language.
  3. Select Enable Translation if a pop-up menu displays. Note that you will only be prompted to enable translation once.

Apple devices with operating systems older than IOS 14.0, will not include this feature. Download the Google Translate app or Microsoft Translator app to your device to access translations.

Desktop

  1. Open the Chrome browser and go to the webpage you want to translate. A pop-up Google Translation menu may appear.
  2. Select your preferred language from the menu to translate the page.
  3. If the translation menu does not appear, select the Google Translate button. Select your preferred language from the menu to translate the page.
  4. To access more languages for translation, select the Google Translate button, and then select the action menu icon.
  5. From the dropdown menu, select Choose Another Language and select your preferred language from the dropdown menu.

Android phone or tablet

  1. Open the Chrome browser on your mobile device and go to the webpage you want to translate.
  2. A Google Translation menu may appear.
  3. Select your preferred language from the menu to translate the page.
  4. To access more languages for translation, select the action menu icon and select More Languages and then select your preferred language from the dropdown menu.
  1. When you open the Microsoft Edge browser, select the three dots in the top right corner of your browser and then, select Settings from the drop-down list.
  2. From the left side of your browser window, select Languages and set your preferred language by selecting Add languages and following the prompts.
  3. If you visit a page that is not translated in your preferred language, a pop-up translation menu may appear by the address bar.
  4. Follow the prompts to choose your preferred language and select Translate to translate the page.

Secretary of State transactions and services

  • Branch appointment interpretation

    The following branch offices offer over-the-phone interpretation services. You will be able to request this service at the time of your appointment. Advance notice or request for an interpreter is not necessary. For support or assistance, please email MDOS-Access@Michigan.gov.

    Testing interpretation services

    Information about approved permanent interpreters is available by calling 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424) or by visiting a Secretary of State office.

    Interpreters on this list are approved to provide service at specific Secretary of State offices and are prohibited from charging a fee.

    To request a copy of the pre-approved interpreters list, visit a Secretary of State office or email MDOS-Access@Michigan.gov

    Permanent volunteer interpreters

    Information about approved permanent interpreters is available by calling 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424) or by visiting a Secretary of State office.

    Interpreters on this list are approved to provide service at specific Secretary of State offices and are prohibited from charging a fee.

    To request a copy of the pre-approved interpreters list, visit a Secretary of State office or email MDOS-Access@Michigan.gov.

    One-time volunteers

    If you’d like to have someone interpret on your behalf for a test, hearing, or reexamination, they will need to submit an application to serve as a one-time interpreter. Your one-time interpreter must be authorized by the Department prior to your scheduled visit and can only provide interpretation for your test, hearing, or reexamination.

    To apply to be a one-time interpreter, an individual must:

    • Complete and sign an Application to Provide Volunteer Interpreter Services, selecting that they will serve as a one-time interpreter
    • Provide a photo or photocopy of their valid, unexpired driver's license or ID

    Mail, fax or email all required documents to:
    Michigan Department of State
    Enforcement Division
    P.O. Box 30708
    Lansing, MI 48909

    Fax: 517-335-3241
    Email: SOS-OIS@Michigan.gov

    Once the department has reviewed the application, staff will contact the applicant to inform them when they are approved to provide one-time interpreter services.

    Application to Provide Volunteer Interpreter Services

  • All Secretary of State offices offer translated testing for driver knowledge exams in the following languages:

    • Albanian
    • Arabic
    • Chinese
    • Dari
    • English
    • French
    • Greek
    • Hindi
    • Italian
    • Japanese
    • Korean
    • Pashto
    • Polish
    • Portuguese
    • Russian
    • Spanish
    • Ukrainian
    • Vietnamese

    The chauffeur’s, moped, motorcycle, and recreational (Double R) endorsement tests are also offered in the following languages at Secretary of State offices:

    • English
    • Spanish
    • Arabic

    Schedule an office visit

    New drivers

    License and ID information

  • Many transactions may now be completed online, including renewal of a vehicle license plate, driver’s license or state ID renewal, and duplicate title request. By using an auto-translate feature on your browser, you can access our website and complete online transactions in your preferred language. Visit the previous page to view instructions for auto-translation of the Department of State website.

    Go to Online Services

  • Visit a self-service station to renew your vehicle registration, tab, and license plate or renew your license or ID, if a new photo is not required. All 160 Secretary of State self-service stations offer translated service in the following languages:

    • Arabic
    • Bengali
    • English
    • French
    • Mandarin
    • Pashto
    • Spanish
    • Vietnamese

    A $4.25 service fee will be charged for each item transacted at a self-service station.

    Find a self-service station

  • Most Secretary of State transactions can be completed online or by mail. Many driver’s license and ID transactions and most vehicle tab renewal transactions can be done at a self-service station. If you are required to visit a Secretary of State office, it is strongly encouraged that you schedule an office visit. Visits can be scheduled up to six months in advance or for the next day. Thousands of office visits are made available every business day (Monday-Friday) at 8 a.m. and noon for the next business day. 

    To schedule a visit online in your preferred language, make sure you are using a browser that offers an auto-translate feature. Or, schedule an office visit by calling 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424). 

    Schedule an office visit

    Browser translation – language services

     

Elections and voter information

  • You can register to vote in Michigan if you are:

    • A United States citizen 
    • At least 17.5 years old (pre-registration at 16)
    • Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison
    • A Michigan resident

    Check your registration status 

    By using a browser featuring an auto-translate feature, you can check your voter registration status at Michigan.gov/Vote

    How to register

    You can register to vote online (with a Michigan license and ID number) or by mail up to 2 weeks before Election Day. You can also register in person at your local clerk’s office at any time before and up to 8 p.m. on Election Day. 

    You don’t need a Michigan license or ID to register to vote by mail or at your local clerk’s office and can provide the last four digits of your Social Security number instead. 

    Please note that within 14-days of an election, you must register in-person at your clerk’s office with proof-of-residency.

    Register online: Use a browser with an auto-translate feature to access online voter registration in your preferred language at Michigan.gov/Vote

    You can register online if:

    • You have a valid state of Michigan ID or driver’s license 
    • You know the last 4 digits of your Social Security number 
    • You are at least 17.5 years of age 
    • You are not within 14-days of an Election Day 

    If you register online within 14 days of an election or on election day, you will not be eligible to vote in that election. Online registration is prohibited within 10 days of updating your ID or driver's license.

    Register online

    Browser translation – language services

     

    Register using a printable registration form: You may register to vote using a translated, printable voter registration form. You can register using a printed registration form if: 

    • You have either a valid state of Michigan ID or Driver’s License or the last 4 digits of your social security number (only one is required).
    • You are at least 17.5 years of age 
    • You are not within 14-days of an Election Day 

    Printable voter registration form 

     

    Register at a self-service station: Self-Service Stations offer voter registration transactions in non-English languages. View the Self-Service Station section of this web-page for more information.

    Register in person at your clerk's office: You can visit your local clerk's office to register to vote in-person. Within 14-days of an Election, you must register in-person at your local clerk's office and must present proof of residency. Proof of residency is an official document listing your full name and current address, and may include a bank statement, a valid MI driver's license or ID, a lease, or a utility bill. 
     
    Locate your local clerk

    Voting in an election

    To cast a vote in an election, you must be:

    • A registered Michigan voter
    • At least 18 years old
    • Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison 
    • A resident of the same Michigan city, township, or village for at least 30 days before an election

    You have the right to a secret ballot. As a Michigan voter, you can request and vote by absentee ballot in any election without providing a reason. 

     
  • Applying for an absentee Ballot

    Every registered voter in Michigan can vote using an absentee ballot. To request an absentee ballot, you must complete and submit an Absentee Ballot Application. 

    Options for completing an Absentee Voter Ballot Application:

    • Complete and submit an application online using a browser featuring an auto-translate feature. Apply online at Michigan.gov/Vote.
    • Call your city or township clerk and ask that a printed application be mailed to you. Find your local clerk's office at Michigan.gov/Vote.
    • Download a printable, translated application to return by mail or in person to your local clerk or township. Translated forms are available here.
    • In-person at your designated local clerk’s office.

    Completed applications must be received by your designated clerk via mail, email or dropped off in-person by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before Election Day.

    Completing and returning your absentee ballot

    After submitting a completed application, a ballot will be mailed to your address. Your absentee ballot may also be issued in-person while visiting your designated local clerk’s office within 40 days of election day.

    Return your completed absentee ballot to your designated absentee ballot dropbox or by hand to your city, township, or village clerk by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Pre-paid return postage is provided for easy and no-cost ballot return.

    Options for returning a completed absent voter ballot: 

     

    Online AV ballot application

    Printable AV ballot application 

    Find your local clerk and dropbox location

  • Early voting in Michigan

    Michigan voters have the right to cast a ballot early and in person at an early voting site before Election Day.

    Early voting will be available beginning with the presidential primary in 2024 and every statewide and federal election thereafter.

    As a registered Michigan voter, you have the right to bring an interpreter with you to your early voting site. You can ask anyone to serve as an interpreter, except for the following individuals: 

    1. Your employer
    2. An agent of your employer
    3. An officer or agent of your labor union

    When to vote early

    The early voting period takes place for a minimum of nine consecutive days, ending on the Sunday before an election. Communities may decide to provide additional days of early voting, up to 28 days total.

    Early voting sites must be open for at least eight hours each day during the early voting period.

    Early voting is offered for all statewide and federal elections. Communities may also choose to provide early voting for local elections.

    Early voting site locations, dates, and hours are available 60 days prior to Election Day at Michigan.gov/Vote.

    Where to vote early

    Voters can visit an early voting site in their area to cast a ballot in person during the early voting period. An early voting site is like a polling place where voters can cast a ballot prior to Election Day, during the early voting period. Voters from more than one precinct, city, or township may be assigned to a single, shared early voting site.

    Voters can look up their assigned early voting site(s) up to 60 days prior to Election Day at Michigan.gov/Vote.

     

  • Vote at Your polling place 

    You can vote in person on Election Day at your designated polling place. Polls are open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for every election. If you are in line to vote at 8 p.m. when polls close, you can still vote and are encouraged to stay in line to receive your ballot. 

    As a registered Michigan voter, you have the right to bring an interpreter with you to the polls. You can ask anyone to serve as an interpreter, unless they are someone who could influence your vote. Your interpreter can’t be: 

    1.  Your employer
    2. An agent of your employer
    3. An officer or agent of your labor union

    To find your polling place, visit Michigan.gov/Vote

    Go to Michigan.gov/Vote

  • By using a browser featuring an auto-translate feature, you can check your voter registration status at Michigan.gov/Vote. 

    Browser translation – language services

     
  • Voter Intimidation & Election Protection Hotline

    Voters have the right to cast a ballot without intimidation. It is illegal to interfere with a voter’s right to cast a ballot. Use the Election Protection Hotline to report voter intimidation.

    Voter intimidation may include, but is not limited to: 

    • Individuals who are not election workers or election officials that ask voters for personal documentation
    • Photographing or videotaping voters without their consent
    • Blocking the entrance to a polling place, clerk’s office, or absentee ballot drop box
    • Questioning or harassing voters
    • Disseminating false or misleading election information

    If you experience any issues casting your ballot on or before Election Day, or if you have questions about the voting process, contact the Election Protection Hotline for assistance:

    • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) 
    • Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) 
    • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) 
    • Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) 

    Language access

    Michigan residents have the right to bring a non-English interpreter with them to a clerk's office, to an early voting site, or to the polls for assistance in casting a ballot. Your interpreter cannot influence your vote, cannot be your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union.

    No photo identification requirement

    If you do not have picture ID with you, you can still cast a ballot.

    No-reason absentee voting

    Every registered voter in Michigan has the right to use an absentee ballot to vote from home, vote early, or vote by mail. Learn more.

    Same-day voter registration

    Eligible Michigan residents can register to vote on Election Day by visiting a designated local clerk’s office and providing proof of residency. Proof of residency is official documentation with your current name and address, and includes (but is not limited to) a Driver’s License or State ID, a utility bill, a bank or credit card statement, or a paycheck. Learn more at Michigan.gov/VoterRegistration.

    Returning citizens

    In Michigan, returning citizens, or individuals with a past conviction, are still eligible to register and vote, even if they are on parole or probation. A person who is in jail before their trial or awaiting their sentence is eligible to both register to vote and vote an absentee ballot. The only prohibition to registration and voting for someone in jail or prison is for those who are confined post-sentencing. Learn more at Michigan.gov/VoterRegistration.

    Voter accessibility

    Michigan voters have the right to accessible polling places and to utilize Voter Assist Terminals (VATs) for assistance casting a ballot. VATs are ballot marking devices with special accommodations for hearing, visual, physical, and other disabilities. Voters have the right to vote independently and privately without assistance using a VAT, and on-site election inspectors (poll workers) are available to assist or provide instruction upon request.
  • If you vote in Clyde Township, Covert Township, or the City of Fennville, you have the right to a ballot and election materials in Spanish.

    If you vote in the City of Hamtramck, you have the right to a ballot and election materials in Bengali.

    If you vote in the City of Hamtramck or the City of Dearborn, you have the right to a ballot and election materials in Arabic.

    If you do not read or write English and a ballot is not available in your language, you have the right to assistance from anyone you choose. However, the person cannot be:

    • Your employer
    • An agent of your employer
    • An officer or agent of your labor union

    The following communities provide translated election materials in specific languages:

    • City of Dearborn: Arabic
    • City of Hamtramck: Arabic and Bengali
    • City of Fennville: Spanish 
    • Clyde Township: Spanish 
    • Covert Township: Spanish 

    As a registered Michigan voter, you have the right to bring an interpreter with you to the polls. Review “Your voting rights” earlier on this page for more information. 

     
  • If you experience any issues casting your ballot on or before Election Day, contact the Election Protection Hotline for assistance:

    • English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) 
    • Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) 
    • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) 
    • Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) 

Forms and publications

Search through translated election resources and materials using the Forms and Publications menu. Select your preferred language using the Language to filter view all translated documents.

Forms & publications

Request a translated document

To request a translated document, please email MDOS-Access@Michigan.gov. Please include the following information in your emailed request:

  • Name of the document.
  • Language requested for translation.