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 a drug or alcohol-related offense.

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 all of the following:

  • You’ve been arrested or convicted of any of the following:
    • DUI or Physical Control involving drugs or alcohol
    • Reckless Driving
    • Vehicular Assault involving drugs or alcohol
    • Vehicular Homicide involving drugs or alcohol
  • Your current suspension or revocation doesn’t include any of the following:
    • Minor in Possession
    • Habitual Traffic Offender (Suspended 1st degree)
  • You have a Washington State residence address.
  • You have an unexpired license, or have applied and passed testing for a Washington license.

When to apply

If we’ve suspended or revoked your license:

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 in the vehicles you drive for the rest of your suspension.

If you’re eligible for different types of restricted licenses:

You may receive a combination of the Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL) and the IIL.

For example: You may be issued an ORL/IIL, if your license is suspended for both of the following:

  • An alcohol-related offense eligible for an IIL.
  • Another offense which is eligible for an ORL.

This license allows you to drive while your license is suspended, but restricts the hours, days, and locations where you may drive.

How to apply for an IIL

  1. Install an ignition interlock device in the vehicles you drive. The installer will send us proof the devices have been installed.
  2. Get proof of financial responsibility, such as a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22). A car insurance agent can help you with this.
  3. Complete a Restricted Driver License Application.
  4. Submit your completed application form:
    • At any driver licensing office, and pay the $100 application fee with:
      • Cash
      • Check
      • MasterCard and American Express credit or debit cards, and some Visa debit cards.
        • Credit and debit cards not accepted at Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend.
        • A vendor-charged convenience fee is added to all transactions paid with a debit or credit card at driver licensing offices.
    • or
    • By mail, with a check for the $100 application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing), to:
      Restricted Driver License
      Department of Licensing
      PO Box 3907
      Seattle, WA 98124-3907
    Note: We’ll hold your application for 30 days so you’re able to get us the required documents. After 30 days, you forfeit any fees you’ve paid and you’ll have to start over again with a new application and fee.

After we receive your application:

  • If we approve your application, we’ll mail or email your IIL when your license suspension or revocation begins.
  • If we don’t receive all the documents required for your application within 30 days, we’ll deny your application and send you a letter to notify you of the denial.
  • If you have a pending hearing, your license suspension will be put into effect and the hearing request will be canceled. (Since you waive your right to a hearing or appeal when you get an IIL, we can't issue your restricted license until the suspension is put into effect.)
  • If we don’t receive proof of payment, we can’t process your application.

Vehicles that require an interlock device

While driving with an IIL, you must maintain an ignition interlock device on all vehicles you drive. To learn more about interlock device requirements, see Ignition interlock device (IID).

Work vehicles

If you drive with an IIL for work, any vehicle you drive during work hours must be equipped with an ignition interlock device if your employer:

  • Owns, leases, or rents it.
  • Is temporarily responsible for its care or maintenance.

This requirement may be waived for most work vehicles if you:

  1. Get your employer to sign an Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Exemption.
  2. Send us a copy of the signed declaration before you drive vehicles for work.
  3. Carry a copy of the declaration with you whenever you drive a work vehicle that isn’t equipped with an interlock device.

Note: The ignition interlock device requirement can’t be waived if the work vehicle is assigned exclusively to you, and is used only for commuting to and from work.

Commercial vehicles

You can’t drive a commercial motor vehicle while you have an IIL.

Fees and costs

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

  • Cost of installing, leasing, and removing an ignition interlock device.
  • 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.

Help for low-income drivers

You may be eligible for financial help if you can’t afford to install, lease, and remove an ignition interlock device in the vehicles you drive. To apply for assistance, submit an Ignition Interlock Device Financial Assistance Application:

  • To qualify, you must be indigent as defined in RCW 10.101.010 and have an income below the Washington State poverty cut-off level shown below:
    2012 poverty guidelines for Washington State
    People in family/household Monthly income
    1 $1,163
    2 $1,576
    3 $1,988
    4 $2,401
    5 $2,813
    6 $3,226
    7 $3,638
    8 $4,051
  • If you’re approved to receive financial assistance, you’ll need to reapply every year.
  • If you’re denied, you may reapply in 6 months.

Frequently asked questions

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

Only if your job requires that you drive vehicles that your employer:

  • Owns, leases, or rents.
  • Is temporarily responsible for the care or maintenance of.

Before you can legally drive a work vehicle without an interlock device, your employer must sign a declaration that you’re required to drive the vehicle during work hours. Carry a copy of the signed declaration whenever you drive a work vehicle that isn’t equipped with an interlock device. If the work vehicle is assigned exclusively to you, and you only use it to commute to and from work, you must have an interlock device installed on the vehicle when you drive it.

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

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

What if I own more than one vehicle?

You must install an interlock device in all the cars you drive. You aren’t required to install one in all the cars you own. If you prefer, you may install an interlock device in 1 of your vehicles and drive only that one while your license is suspended.

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

Yes, if you have a driver license from another state and are suspended in Washington, you can apply for an IIL. Even if you’ve never had a license, you may apply for an IIL as long as you qualify for a Washington driver license.

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