Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL)

An Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) allows you to drive vehicles equipped with an ignition interlock device while your regular license is suspended or revoked for an alcohol-related Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Physical Control.

The ignition interlock device won’t allow the vehicle to be started if it detects alcohol on your breath. The device may also require additional “rolling retests” while the vehicle is being driven.

Requirements

To be eligible for an IIL, your driving record must show that:

You have been arrested for, or convicted of, an alcohol-related DUI or Physical Control.
You have had a valid driver license.
You have a Washington State residence address.
You haven’t been convicted of vehicular assault or vehicular homicide within 7 years before the incident for which you are requesting an IIL.
Your current suspension or revocation isn’t for, or doesn’t include, Minor in Possession, Reckless Driving reduced from an alcohol-related DUI, Vehicular Assault, Vehicular Homicide, or Habitual Traffic Offender.

Vehicles that require an interlock device

While driving with an IIL, you must maintain an interlock device on all vehicles you drive.

Work vehicles

If you drive vehicles owned by your employer during work hours, the vehicles must be equipped with an interlock device. However, this requirement may be waived if your employer signs an Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Waiver. You must send us a copy of the signed declaration before you drive your employer’s vehicles, and you must carry a copy of the declaration with you whenever you drive a work vehicle that isn’t equipped with an interlock device.

Commercial vehicles

You cannot drive a commercial motor vehicle while you have an IIL.

Getting an IIL

If you have been convicted in court of an alcohol-related DUI:

The court must order you to apply for an IIL. If you don’t own a vehicle, aren’t eligible to receive an IIL, or ignition interlock devices aren’t available in your area, the court may waive the IIL requirement and order you to undergo alcohol monitoring for the same period of time the interlock device would have been required.

If the court…	You must maintain an ignition interlock device and IIL for…
Granted you deferred prosecution for an alcohol-related incident (including deferred prosecution for alcoholism or mental problems where alcohol is a factor)	2 years
Convicted you of DUI or Physical Control	1 year for the first offense. 5 years for a second offense. 10 years for subsequent offenses.

Note: You will get day-for-day credit toward your overall ignition interlock requirement for every day you have one installed while driving with an IIL.

If your license has been suspended or revoked by the Department of Licensing:

You may apply for an IIL at any time, including after being arrested or after your revocation hearing. When you get an IIL:

you waive the right to a hearing on your license suspension or revocation.
you must maintain an interlock device on all vehicles you drive for the remainder of the period of your suspension.

If your license was suspended for actions that are eligible for different types of restricted licenses:

You may receive a combination of the Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL) and the IIL. For example, if your license is suspended for both an alcohol-related offense eligible for an IIL and another offense which is eligible for an ORL, you may be issued an ORL/IIL. This license allows you to drive while your license is suspended, but with the restrictions to the hours, days, and locations you may drive.

How to apply for an IIL

Install an ignition interlock device in every vehicle you drive. The installer will send us proof that the devices have been installed.
Get proof of financial responsibility, such as a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22). An insurance agent can help you with this requirement.
Complete an Ignition Interlock Driver License Application.
Submit your completed application with a check or money order for the application fee:
- in person at any driver licensing office.
- OR
- by mail to:
  
  Driver Records
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 9048
  Olympia, WA 98507-9048

After we receive your application

We will let you know in writing if your application has been approved or denied.

If we don’t receive proof within 30 days that an ignition interlock device has been installed in your vehicle AND that your proof of financial responsibility is in effect, we will deny your application.
If you have a pending hearing, your license suspension will be put into effect when you apply for an IIL. Since you waive your right to a hearing or appeal when you apply for an IIL, the stay must be lifted and the suspension put into effect before we can issue your restricted license.
If you are only eligible for an Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL), we will deny your application for an IIL. You must submit a new application for an ORL and pay the new application fee.
If you have submitted a Notice of Intent to seek deferred prosecution, you must either withdraw the notice of intent or submit proof you have been granted deferred prosecution when you apply for an IIL.
If we don’t receive proof of payment, we cannot process your application.

Fees and costs

You are responsible for paying all the IIL fees and interlock device costs, including:

the cost of installing, leasing, and removing an ignition interlock device.
the cost of maintaining proof of financial responsibility (usually as an insurance certificate).
the IIL application fee (non-refundable).
the monthly Ignition Interlock Device Revolving Account fee used to help low-income drivers with the cost of an interlock device.

Help for low-income drivers

You may be eligible for assistance if you cannot afford to pay the costs of installing, leasing, and removing an ignition interlock device in the vehicles you drive. To apply for financial help, complete and submit an Ignition Interlock Device Financial Worksheet. You may apply once each year.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to tell my employer I am required to use an ignition interlock device?

Only if you must drive vehicles owned by your employer as part of your job. Your employer must sign a declaration that you are required to drive the vehicle during work hours before you can drive legally. You must carry a copy of this signed declaration with you whenever you drive a work vehicle that isn’t equipped with an interlock device.

If I was convicted of an alcohol-related DUI, can I get an Occupational/Restricted License instead of an IIL?

No, you may drive only if you have an IIL and an interlock device installed on your car. The Occupational/Restricted License (ORL) isn’t available to drivers who have been convicted of DUI.

What if I own more than one vehicle?

You must install an interlock device in all the cars you drive, but aren’t required to install one in all the cars you own. If you prefer, you may install an interlock device in one of your vehicles and drive only that vehicle while your license is suspended.

Can I get an IIL if I have an out-of-state license?

Only if you have a Washington State residence address. If you live in Washington and have a driver license from another state, you may be eligible for an IIL.