Over the past four years, the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf has been working in partnership with members of the d/Deaf community, interpreters, and other professionals to develop registration and professional requirements for all sign language interpreters practicing in the state. On May 20, 2026, the new requirements for sign language interpreters working in general community settings and PreK-12 educational settings are now in effect. There are two important requirements for individuals practicing in these settings:
- Any interpreter working in Louisiana – in person or virtually – will need to formally register with the state in order to continue to practice.
- Interpreters will need to demonstrate their education, knowledge, and experience to satisfy new minimum standards.
In order to provide interpreting services in this state, all sign language interpreters will be required to complete an application with the Louisiana Interpreter Registry and be approved by the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf for inclusion in the state’s registry of sign language interpreters. Interpreters practicing in general community settings and in PreK-12 educational settings are encouraged to begin registering on July 1, 2026.
- Sign language interpreters working in court and legal settings should maintain their registration with the Louisiana Supreme Court Office of Language Access, and register as a Generalist with the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf. Minimum standards for Deaf interpreters are being developed and are expected to be published in the fall of 2026. Deaf interpreters are encouraged to create a profile in the Louisiana Interpreter Registry by July 1, 2026. New standards and registration requirements for legal and court interpreters and Deaf Interpreters are currently in development and are expected to be published in the fall of 2026. Learn more by visiting the Louisiana Interpreter Registry webpage.
Professional standard requirements with the Louisiana Interpreter Registry are separated into three work setting categories for sign language interpreters:
- General community settings
- PreK-12 education settings
- Court and legal settings (these standards are anticipated to be published in fall 2026)
Each of these settings has specific qualification requirements that interpreters must meet for registration, including minimum education, performance, and knowledge components. There are multiple registration types, representing interpreter progress toward meeting the minimum qualification standards for inclusion in the state’s registry of interpreters:
- Generalist registration: For interpreters working in a community setting, who have fully met registration requirements.
- PreK–12 registration: For interpreters working in a PreK-12 educational setting, who have fully met registration requirements.
- Court/Legal registration: For interpreters working in a legal setting, including courtrooms, law enforcement interactions, depositions, and attorney-client meetings, who have fully met the registration requirements.
- Provisional registration: For interpreters working toward meeting the full Generalist, PreK-12, or Court/Legal registration requirements. This registration type is a stepping stone for interpreters on the path to achieving full registration. Sign language interpreters at this registration level will have different registration, maintenance, and renewal requirements.
- Temporary Practice Permits: For sign language interpreters who do not yet have formal credentials but do have professional experience, and are actively working towards full registration.
Learn more about the minimum qualification standards for interpreters on the webpage. For questions, please contact LCD@la.gov.