Legal Sign Language Interpreter Temporary License Information
As of June 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., all sign language interpreter temporary licenses become invalid. There is no extension or reapplication for the HLO temporary license.
Legal Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License Information
Effective June 8, 2024, the HLO will begin issuing permanent licenses. Anyone who does not want to work under the limited waiver on enforcement and who chooses to obtain a board permanent license must complete a new application and pay the required application and license fees. Applications for permanent licensure are available under the "Forms" header below.
An individual who qualifies for a permanent license and pays the required application and licensing fees may provide sign language interpreting services as soon as HLO grants the person the permanent license. The permanent license is valid for one year. An individual meeting the renewal requirements can renew the permanent license.
Please note:
- There is only one primary staff member who will be processing the initial influx of hundreds of SLI applications. This staff member needs to ensure the applicant is qualified, proper identification has been received, proper supporting documentation has been received, the application is accurately entered and processed in our licensing database, and fees are transacted correctly. This means it may take several weeks for HLO to process your application and mail your license to you. Whereas the following online database, which can be found on HLO's website, shows license status in real time: https://elite.hlo.state.or.us/OHLOPublicR/LPRBrowser.aspx. You can check this link on a regular basis to see if your license has been processed, but again, please allow several weeks for the HLO to process all applications.
- The HLO has extended the limited waiver on enforcement through December 31, 2024. This means that the HLO will not take action against a person on the narrow basis that the person provides sign language interpretation services in Oregon without a license prior to January 1, 2025. The HLO may impose discipline for any other violation of the HLO or Board rules or statutes.
- Holding a temporary license does not guarantee that an individual will be granted a permanent license.
- The state legislature limited the number of times certain licenses can be renewed.
Legal Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License Description
OAR 816-025-0080
Sign Language Interpreter Legal License
(1) A SLI legal license holder may provide SLI services in a legal setting.
(2) Only a person holding a SLI legal license under this rule may provide SLI services in a legal setting.
(3) A SLI legal license is current for one year and becomes inactive on the last day of the month one year from the date of issuance.
(4) A SLI legal license may be renewed.
(5) The issuance or the licensee's holding of a SLI legal license does not supersede, replace, or negate the need for the licensee to comply with other laws requiring licensure or registration or competent SLI services.
(6) A legal setting does not include proceedings in federal courts.
How to Apply - Application Requirements for the Legal Sign Language Interpreter Permanent License
- Meet the requirements of Oregon Administrative Rule,
Chapter 331, Division 30.
- Submit a completed application (see applications under the "Forms" header below). Applications for permanent licensure are available under the "Forms" header below.
- Submit
two forms of original identification issued by a government agency. Acceptable identification options can be found under Oregon Administrative Rule,
Chapter 331, Division 30.
- You must hold an active supervisory sign language interpreter license with no current disciplinary action or an active generalist sign language interpreter license with no current disciplinary action in order to obtain a legal sign language interpreter license. You can apply for both licenses at the same time.
- Attest to completing 40 hours of education on legal interpreting
or attest to holding a credential from the list provided under "Application Requirements" on the Legal Sign Language Interpreter License Application.
Please note:
- There is only one primary staff member who will be processing the initial influx of hundreds of SLI applications. This staff member needs to ensure the applicant is qualified, proper identification has been received, proper supporting documentation has been received, the application is accurately entered and processed in our licensing database, and fees are transacted correctly. This means it may take several weeks for HLO to process your application and mail your license to you. Whereas the following online database, which can be found on HLO's website, shows license status in real time: https://elite.hlo.state.or.us/OHLOPublicR/LPRBrowser.aspx. You can check this link on a regular basis to see if your license has been processed, but again, please allow several weeks for the HLO to process all applications.
- The HLO has extended the limited waiver on enforcement through December 31, 2024. This means that the HLO will not take action against a person on the narrow basis that the person provides sign language interpretation services in Oregon without a license prior to January 1, 2025. The HLO may impose discipline for any other violation of the HLO or Board rules or statutes.
- Holding a temporary license does not guarantee that an individual will be granted a permanent license.
- The state legislature limited the number of times certain licenses can be renewed.
Fees
The individual applications will show the amount due for both the application fee and the license fee.
Forms