New Hampshire DMV Adds New Translation Devices, Expanding Language Services For Customers

CONCORD, N.H. – The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the New Hampshire Department of Safety announces the acquisition of 20 new handheld language translation and interpretation devices to improve the testing and transactional experience of customers who seek additional language assistance.

The devices, which translate more than 80 languages, will help improve access to all DMV services, such as obtaining a New Hampshire driver’s license, non-driver identification card, road skills test or other in-person transactions. For certain transactions, the devices can also be used to assist customers who are hard of hearing or deaf, or who have low vision or are blind.

The advanced technology will allow DMV employees to communicate with customers who seek additional language translation assistance. An employee or customer can simply speak into the device, and the message will be audibly translated into the language that is selected. The message will also appear in written form on the device’s screen, and a camera on the device can also translate text and written words. 

“Just last year, our dedicated employees, many who are bilingual, successfully helped more than 3,600 customers who did not speak English as their primary language during DMV transactions,” said DMV Director John Marasco. “The use of this new technology is already improving the customer experience and has enhanced safety during road examinations by allowing for real-time translation. Effective translation has already taken place during driving tests in languages such as Vietnamese, Spanish, Turkish and Haitian-Creole, which has had an impact on overall safety for both our customers and DMV employees.”

The translation devices are available at all full-time DMV locations throughout the state and customers can simply request translation assistance when they arrive at a DMV office.