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- Interpreting Laws
The Idaho Licensure Law applies to all interpreting settings, whether compensated or volunteer. The limited exemptions include: emergency medical, religious services, private family events, and incidental conversation. Signed language interpreters are required to have a valid license from the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) to interpret in the State of Idaho as specified in the Speech and Hearing Services Practice Act. This licensure requirement also applies to any interpreters working virtually with clients in Idaho. Idaho rule incorporates the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct by reference. This means any licensed interpreter, regardless of certification through RID, is required legally obligated to adhere to the CPC. IdahoRID does not issue or regulate state licensure requirements. To learn more about this law and the wide array of credentials accepted to gain licensure, see the chart below and verify with DOPL. |
Individuals who are interested in working as an interpreter in Idaho but do not hold the credentials required to obtain original licensure may work through a provisional permit approved by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Permit holders are required to work under a supervisor, implement a professional development plan, submit quarterly reports, and meet with their supervisor regularly. Reports are due each quarter a provisional permit is active, whether or not you were actively interpreting. New permit holders are required to submit their first report on the regular reporting schedule, even if they did not have their permit for the entire quarter. The settings allowed for an interpreter who is provisionally licensed depends entirely on the supervisor and provisional license holder's agreement, as documented in quarterly reporting. Interpreters with a provisional permit are also required to document a progress plan with their supervisor. Below are three Provisional Templates made available for your use. |
Provisional permit holders have 2 years from the date of approval to obtain the credentials needed for original licensure. Once credentials have been achieved, permit holder should apply for original license through DPOL.
For more information about laws and professional standards of practice that relate to specific settings such as the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act, legal interpreting, etc., see our Settings & Specialties page here.
1. Go to dopl.idaho.gov/shs/
2. Click on the box that says “Apply for or Renew a License”.
3. Follow prompts to complete application online.
Effective July 1, 2018 sign language interpreters are required to have a valid license issued by the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (IDOPL) to interpret in the state of Idaho, with few exceptions. This requirement is from IC § 54-2904.
Yes. Interpreters are required to obtain 10 hours of Continuing Education Units (1.0 CEUs) every year. You may be required to provide documentation of completed CEUs upon your annual license renewal with DOPL, such as Certificates of Attendance or RID Transcript. For interpreters that maintain RID CEUs, these hours can be concurrent with Idaho license CEUs.
Note: All certified members of RID are required to complete 80 hours of CEUs within their 4 year cycle.
Yes. Idaho rule incorporates the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct by reference. This means that any licensed interpreter, regardless of certification through RID, is legally obligated to adhere to the CPC.
No. The statute CLEARLY defines what constitutes someone who is interpreting, regardless of the job title. If someone is functioning as an interpreter, they need to be licensed. Exemptions apply.
No. A certified interpreter has passed a nationally recognized test of ethical competency and skill. A licensed interpreter is verification by the state of Idaho that the professional has met a minimum requirement to practice within Idaho, on site or virtually. You are required to apply for a license to interpret in the state of Idaho regardless of your certification status.
Yes. There are over fifteen credentials that are acceptable for Idaho licensure. For a list of credentials that qualify, see the Idaho licensure law infographic at the top of page.
Depends. Interpreters have requirements set forth by the Idaho Educational Interpreter Act to interpret for children in public schools. Any interpreter working with deaf adults in the school setting or working in private schools must hold a current interpreting license.
Criminal proceedings. Misrepresenting oneself as a licensed interpreter or practicing without a license is a misdemeanor in Idaho and becomes part of your permanent record.*
Any person convicted of practicing, aiding, abetting, or requiring interpreting without a license can be imprisoned for up to 6 months, and fined up to $1,000, plus investigation fees, attorney fees, and court costs. Idaho Code § 54-2927
*Note that there are exemptions in the license requirement.
A Deaf person who has registered with the state to legally interpret under the license of an interpreter that has endorsed them. This allows a Deaf person with a specific skill set to work as an interpreter if they are not an interpreter by profession.
Registration is not a path to become an interpreter. Deaf individuals that are interpreters must hold a full or provisional license.
Yes. Individuals residing outside of Idaho may apply for an original license (renewed annually) or they may apply for an out-of-state registration that allows holder to work in Idaho up to 30 days per year. Refer to chart at top of page for more information about out-of-state registration.
*Out of State licenses follow the calendar year and ALL Out of State Licenses will expire December 31st of each year. (i.e. Out of State license was approved in November 2019, license will still expire December 31st, 2019)
Any licensed interpreter in good standing can be a supervisor. Supervisor Considerations:
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