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
    • Vehicular Assault involving drugs or alcohol
    • Vehicular Homicide involving drugs or alcohol
  • Your last driver license was issued by Washington State or you’re on active military duty in Washington.
  • You have a Washington State residence address.
  • Your current suspension or revocation doesn’t include any of the following:
    • Minor in Possession
    • Reckless Driving
    • Habitual Traffic Offender (Suspended 1st degree)

Vehicles that require an interlock device

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

Work vehicles

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 it’s care or maintenance.

This requirement may be waived if you:

  1. Get your employer to sign an Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Device.
  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.

Commercial vehicles

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

If you’ve been convicted in court of a DUI:

The court may waive the requirement to get an Ignition Interlock License and order you to undergo alcohol monitoring for the same period of time the interlock device would have been required.

  • You must maintain an ignition interlock device for a minimum of:
    • 1 year for the 1st offense.
    • 5 years for a 2nd offense.
    • 10 years for 3rd and subsequent offenses.
    (You’ll get credit toward your ignition interlock requirement for every day you have one installed while driving with your IIL.)
  • The requirement to have an ignition interlock device won’t be removed until we receive notice from the interlock company that you haven’t done any of the following in the previous 4 months:
    • Tried to start the vehicle with a breath alcohol content of .04 or more
    • Failed to take or pass any required retest.
    • Failed to get scheduled maintenance, repairs, calibration, monitoring, inspection, or replacement of the device.

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 the:
  4. Submit your completed application form:
    • At any driver licensing office, and pay the 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 application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing), to:
      Driver Records
      Department of Licensing
      PO Box 9048
      Olympia, WA 98507-9048
    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 issue and send your IIL on the day your license suspension or revocation begins.
  • If we don’t receive all the required documents within 30 days, we’ll deny your application and send you a letter to notify you of the denial. You must provide proof:
    • That you’ve had an ignition interlock device installed in the vehicles you drive.
    • That your proof of financial responsibility is in effect.
  • 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 get an IIL, we can't issue your restricted license until the suspension is put into effect.)
  • If you’re only eligible for an Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL), we’ll deny your application for an IIL. You must submit a new application for an ORL and pay the new fee.
  • If we don’t receive proof of payment, we can’t process your application.

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:

  • If you’re approved, you’ll need to reapply every year.
  • If you’re denied, you may reapply every 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 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?

The IIL is for drivers licensed in Washington State. However, if you’re stationed in Washington on active military duty, you may be eligible for an IIL.

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