You can get help in your language in New York City

The City of New York is committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of the languages they speak or their English proficiency, can meaningfully access information and services offered by the NYC government.

You can get help in your language in New York City.

What language services are available?

You can ask for free over-the-phone interpretation services at City agencies.
City agencies have several documents in at least 10 languages (Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bangla, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic, Polish, Urdu, and French).

How can I ask for help in my language?

When visiting or calling a City agency, you can request assistance in your language.
Show your “I Speak” card to indicate the language you speak to City agency staff.

Download an “I Speak” card.

For American Sign Language (ASL), the City provides ASL Direct, a video calling system. Learn more about ASL Direct on the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities website.

What if I did not receive information in my language?

If you were unable to get language assistance, you can submit a complaint or feedback by calling 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675). Interpretation is available.

You can submit a complaint or feedback if:

A City employee knew you do not speak English but did not ask if you would like an interpreter.
A City employee was not able to provide an interpreter either in person or on the phone to help you understand or apply for a City service or benefit.
You waited too long to receive interpretation services.
The quality of interpretation or translation was poor.

Your complaint and feedback are important!

You may submit complaints anonymously.
Your benefits or cases will not be affected.
Your feedback helps improve services for our entire community.

For more information, visit NYC311 webpage.

Where can I find help in my language outside of New York City?

Your rights to receive services in your language extend beyond New York City government.
For information about language access throughout New York State, visit the New York State Office of Language Access.
For information about getting help in your language from the federal government, visit LEP.gov.

Community resources

Language access rights in New York City

This fact sheet explains your right to receive free language services at NYC government agencies, how to request interpreters, and what to do if you don't receive proper language assistance.
Download the fact sheet in your language:

Language identification cards (“I Speak” cards)

You can use an "I Speak" card to indicate your language when visiting City agencies. Staff will arrange free interpretation services.
Download options:
- Single language cards:

Multilingual signage on free interpretation services

City agencies are required to display signs informing New Yorkers about free interpretation services.
Download the multilingual signage.

Additional Materials

Google Translate disclaimer

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) website is provided in English and translated by human translators in the 10 designated Citywide languages (Arabic, Bangla, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu). The Google Translate option may assist you in reading it in other languages. Please note that Google Translate cannot translate all types of documents, and it should not be relied upon for vital information. MOIA does not guarantee the accuracy of the translation provided by Google Translate.

Mayor’s Office website accessibility statement