Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated June 2026

Legal Kiosk Basics

What is a Legal Kiosk?

A Legal Kiosk is a computer designed to offer the public easy and free access to legal information, connections to legal aid providers, and more.

Why would someone want to use a Legal Kiosk?

Legal Kiosks are useful for people without a computer and/or strong internet. They are especially useful if you need to attend a Zoom court hearing, fill out and print legal documents, or upload exhibits to MNDES.

What kind of resources can users access on a Legal Kiosk?

Users can find free legal information, search for legal aid providers and apply for services, access court forms and instructions, find Social Security forms, and join video meetings.

How do I know that the legal information on the Kiosk is reliable?

The Legal Kiosk’s legal information comes from LawHelpMN.org, a website created and maintained by Legal Services State Support. The legal information is fact-checked by legal aid lawyers annually and updated more often as needed.

Which legal aid providers can users connect to through the Legal Kiosk?

LawHelpMN’s Providers & Clinics search tool includes the regional legal aid providers (Anishinabe Legal Services, Central Minnesota Legal Services, Justice North, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, and Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services) as well as many smaller and/or issue-specific legal aid organizations. Legal Services State Support works closely with providers to keep their information up to date.

Accessibility Questions

What languages are available on the Legal Kiosk?

English, Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.

What accessibility tools are available on the Legal Kiosks?

Screen Reader, Magnifier, Voicebot, Camera Mouse, Dynamic Keyboard, and Volume Control are native to the kiosk and available from the desktop. The Accessibility Support icon on the Kiosk screen gives you information on how to use those tools. Additionally, HelperBird is available within the kiosk browser. All kiosks installed on project-provided furniture are height adjustable.

Usage Questions

Can people use Legal Kiosks for non-legal things?

Yes! Kiosks can be used for virtual job interviews, accessing email, applying for jobs or benefits, etc. Our general guideline is that, as long as a user’s non-legal kiosk use is not preventing another user from using the kiosk for legal resources, any use case (excepting illegal, abusive, or illicit use cases) is fine.

What websites are blocked or unavailable?

By default, gambling, nudity, and adult themed websites are blocked. If you have a specific website that is problematic for your host site, please reach out to discuss options.

Why can people access social media sites on the Legal Kiosk?

Social media sites are accessible on Legal Kiosks because it often occurs that the evidence people need to submit for their case is located on a social media website.

How do we make sure that users’ data isn’t saved on the Legal Kiosk?

All user data is cleared from the Legal Kiosk when the End Session button is pushed or after a period of inactivity (in case someone forgot to push the End Session button). Make sure to click the End Session button when you’re finished.

What if someone needs to use a different Legal Kiosk than the one at my site?

The public can search for Legal Kiosks near them at legalkiosk.org/locations. On that site, you can see a list of Kiosk locations and click on each one to see if they have a printer, privacy for video meetings, and if you need to make a reservation. If you don’t see your host site listed and you should (or vice versa), please let us know.

Tech Questions

Why should I keep my Legal Kiosk on overnight?

Keeping your Legal Kiosk powered on and connected to a non-captive portal internet connection overnight allows our IT partner, Technology by Design (TBD), to roll out important security and software updates when the Kiosk is not being used.

What is a non-captive portal internet connection?

A non-captive portal internet connection is one that does not require any human intervention (agreement of terms or signing in to the network) prior to internet access being granted. This is important for the Legal Kiosks because we need them to reconnect to the internet automatically when they restart after use and for updates.

How do I change which internet network the Legal Kiosk is connected to?

You can’t change the network yourself. The data privacy features of the kiosk mean that only TBD can take off the “forget everything hat” to permanently connect the new internet. You can connect it temporarily, but the kiosk will forget the new network the next time it restarts.

How do I get IT help with my Legal Kiosk?

Email our IT partner, Technology by Design (TBD), at support@tbdmn.com or call them at 651-504-2300. You will need to give them your kiosk’s ID number which you can find on a sticker on the face of the Kiosk, it will be 7 characters long and a mix of letters and numbers.

What if my kiosk doesn’t have a sticker with the Kiosk ID number?

If your kiosk is working, click "Computer HELP” on the desktop (click ALT, then Tab to get to the desktop). If the kiosk is not working, look for the serial number (S/N) underneath the bottom of the screen. You will probably have to lift the screen or bend over to look under the screen.

My Question Isn't Listed

How can I get help with all my other Kiosk questions?

Reach out to Legal Services State Support at legalkiosks@mnlegalservices.org.