What ASL means for your driver's license
ASL stands for American Sign Language. If you are Deaf or hard of hearing and use ASL as your primary language, you have the right to take your written driver's license test in ASL with an interpreter present. You do not need special permission or a separate license type — you take the same test as any other driver, but the DMV will arrange an ASL interpreter at your test appointment.
The interpreter translates the written test questions into ASL and your responses back into written form. You still answer the same questions, follow the same rules, and receive the same license as a hearing driver. The accommodation is about access to the test itself, not a different standard.
Every state's DMV is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide this accommodation. However, the process for requesting it, how far in advance you must request it, and whether you can use a personal interpreter or must use one the DMV provides varies by state.
Key Takeaways
- You can take your written driver's license test in ASL with an interpreter at any DMV in the United States — this is a legal right under the ADA, not a special program.
- You must request an ASL interpreter when you schedule your test appointment, usually at least three to seven business days in advance depending on your state.
- Most states provide the interpreter at no cost to you, but some require you to bring your own certified interpreter or allow you to choose between the two options.
- Your road skills test (the driving portion) does not require an interpreter — the examiner can communicate through written notes, gestures, or other methods depending on what works for you.
- You will receive a standard driver's license with no notation that you used an interpreter; the accommodation is confidential and does not appear on your license.
How to request an ASL interpreter at your DMV
Contact your state DMV directly and tell them you need an ASL interpreter for your written test. Most states allow you to request this when you schedule your appointment online, by phone, or in person. Write down the name of the person who takes your request and the date and time you requested it — this creates a record in case there is confusion on test day.
Ask your DMV three specific questions: (1) How many business days in advance must you request the interpreter? (2) Does the DMV provide the interpreter, or do you bring your own certified interpreter? (3) Is there a cost to you? Write down the answers. If the person you speak to is unsure, ask to speak to a supervisor or call back and ask again — this is a routine request and someone at your DMV will know the answer.
If your state allows you to bring your own interpreter, that interpreter must be certified or registered in your state. A family member or friend cannot interpret for you during an official test, even if they know ASL well. If you do not have access to a certified interpreter and your state does not provide one, contact your state's Deaf services office or a local Deaf advocacy organization — they often maintain lists of certified interpreters and may be able to help you find one.
What to bring and what to expect on test day
Bring the same documents you would bring for any written test: your completed process form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and any other documents your state requires. If you arranged for your own interpreter, bring that person with you and arrive early so the DMV staff can verify their credentials before the test begins.
When you arrive, remind the DMV staff that you requested an ASL interpreter. If the interpreter is not there, do not take the test — ask to reschedule. Taking the test without an interpreter when you requested one means you may not understand the questions, and you could fail unfairly or have your results challenged later.
During the test, the interpreter will be in the room with you and the test administrator. The administrator will read or display each question, the interpreter will sign it to you in ASL, you will respond, and the interpreter will relay your answer to the administrator in spoken or written English. The test itself takes the same amount of time as it does for a hearing test-taker — the interpreter does not slow down the process.
State-by-state differences in interpreter policy
Most states provide ASL interpreters at no cost and require you to request one at least three to five business days before your appointment. California, New York, Texas, and Florida — which handle high test volumes — often require five to seven business days' notice. Some smaller states may accept requests with less notice if an interpreter is available.
A few states, including Arizona and Colorado, allow you to bring your own certified interpreter instead of using the state-provided one. This can be useful if you have a long-standing relationship with an interpreter or if the DMV's scheduling does not work for you. Other states require you to use the DMV's interpreter. Check your state DMV's website or call to find out which policy applies to you.
Some states charge a fee if you bring your own interpreter (usually $25 to $50), while others do not. If cost is a barrier, ask whether your state's Deaf services office or a local Deaf organization can help cover the cost or connect you with a pro bono interpreter.
The road skills test and other accommodations
Your road skills test — the part where you actually drive — does not require an interpreter. The examiner will communicate with you through written notes, hand signals, or other methods. Before you start driving, tell the examiner what communication method works best for you. Most examiners are familiar with this and will write instructions on a notepad or use gestures you both understand.
If you are also blind or have low vision, you may be may have access to to additional accommodations beyond an ASL interpreter. Contact your state DMV's disability services office to discuss what is available. Some states offer extended time, large-print tests, or audio tests in addition to ASL interpretation.
If you are hard of hearing but do not use ASL, you may still be may have access to to accommodations — such as a written test, a quieter testing room, or a hearing loop device. These are separate from ASL interpretation. Ask your DMV what options are available for your specific needs.
What happens if the DMV denies your interpreter request
If your DMV tells you they cannot provide an interpreter or that you must pay a fee you cannot afford, you have the right to file a complaint. The ADA requires all DMVs to provide interpreters at no cost to you. Contact your state's Attorney General's office or the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and describe what happened, including the date, the DMV location, and the name of the person who denied your request.
You can also contact your state's Deaf services office or a disability rights organization in your state — they often handle these complaints and can advocate on your behalf. Do not let a single denial stop you from getting your license. Escalate the issue and try again with a different DMV location if one is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a video interpreter instead of an in-person interpreter?
Some states are beginning to offer video remote interpreting (VRI) for DMV services, but it is not yet standard everywhere. Call your DMV and ask whether they offer VRI for written tests. If they do, you may be able to use it instead of an in-person interpreter. If they do not, request an in-person interpreter as described above.
Do I have to disclose that I am Deaf when I renew my license?
No. Your Deaf status does not appear on your license and is not part of your DMV record unless you choose to disclose it. You only need to mention it when you request an interpreter for a test or appointment. The accommodation is confidential.
What if I use ASL but also read lips — do I still need an interpreter?
That is your choice. If you are comfortable reading lips and the test administrator is willing to face you while speaking, you may not need an interpreter. However, if you prefer an interpreter or if the test is written and you want it signed to you, you have the right to request one. There is no penalty for using an interpreter, and you do not have to prove you are "Deaf enough" to deserve one.
Can I bring a family member to interpret instead of a certified interpreter?
No. DMV tests are official government documents, and the interpreter must be certified or registered in your state. A family member or friend cannot interpret, even if they know ASL. If you need help finding a certified interpreter, contact your state's Deaf services office or a local Deaf organization.
How long does the written test take with an interpreter?
The test takes the same amount of time as it does for a hearing test-taker — usually 20 to 30 minutes depending on your state. The interpreter does not add time to the process because they are translating, not adding extra questions or steps.