Washington ignition interlock & DUI requirements
Washington requires an ignition interlock after a first DUI for 1 year. A repeat offense carries 5 years for a second restriction.
Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in Washington, cited to the statute and Washington State Department of Licensing.
- IID on first offense
- Required
- SR-22 filing
- Required · 3 years
The short answers
Do I need an interlock?
- First offense
- Required
- Minimum period
- 1 year
What the source says (2)
- First offense
“The department shall require that a person may drive only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device: [...] (i) Due to a conviction of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or an equivalent local or out-of-state statute or ordinance; or”
- Minimum period
“(i) For a person who has not previously been restricted under this subsection, a period of one year;”
What it costs here
- State reinstatement fee
- $170
- Restricted-license fee
- $100
- State fee cap
- $80 per month reimbursed to the provider for each service…
- Interlock lease, national range
- $50–$150 per month
What the source says (4)
- State reinstatement fee
“if the revocation is the result of a violation of RCW 46.20.308 , 46.61.502 , or 46.61.504 , the reissue fee shall be $170.”
- reinstatementFee_dol
“Get license reissued after suspension or revocation: Alcohol See Types of suspensions (Additional fees may apply) $170”
- Restricted-license fee
“Install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The installer will send us proof of installation. Get proof of financial responsibility, such as a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22). A car insurance agent can help you with this.”
- State fee cap
How to drive legally now
- Restricted license
- Available after a first offense · Ignition Interlock Driver License
- Waiting period
- No waiting period
- Hearing-request deadline
- 7 days from the notice
- Driving after a DUI in Washington: the restricted license
- How to get a license back in Washington
- Date the hearing deadline with the timeline calculator
What the source says (3)
- Restricted license
“An Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) allows you to drive a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked for a drug or alcohol-related offense.”
- Waiting period
“A person may apply for an ignition interlock driver's license anytime, including immediately after receiving the notices under RCW 46.20.308 or after his or her license is suspended, revoked, or denied.”
- Hearing-request deadline
“We'll suspend your driver license unless: You request a hearing to contest the suspension within 7 days of your arrest. and The law judge decides in your favor.”
Approved interlock providers
Vendors listed here appear on the Washington licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.
Where to get it installed — the official approved-installer list: Agency approved-vendor list
| Vendor | Website | Location finder |
|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | Intoxalock website | Find a location |
| LifeSafer | LifeSafer website | Find a location |
| RoadGuard Interlock | RoadGuard Interlock website | Find a location |
| Simple Interlocklisted by the agency as “Simple Interlock, LLC” | Simple Interlock website | Find a location |
| Smart Start | Smart Start website | Find a location |
What Washington law requires
Washington's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.
Primary source: RCW 46.20.720
Ignition interlock requirement
| Item | Washington rule |
|---|---|
| IID on first offense | Required |
| Minimum IID period, first offense | 1 year (not less than) |
| Minimum IID period, repeat offense | 5 years for a second restriction; 10 years for a third (not less than) |
Under RCW 46.20.720(1)(d), after any mandatory suspension/revocation period the Department of Licensing shall require a person convicted of DUI (RCW 46.61.502) or physical control (RCW 46.61.504) to drive only a vehicle with a functioning ignition interlock; RCW 46.20.720(3)(c)(i) sets the first-time period at not less than one year. DOL states the IID is required for any alcohol- or drug-related DUI or physical control conviction. An interlock is also required to hold an Ignition Interlock Driver License during the suspension (RCW 46.20.385) and for deferred prosecution (RCW 46.20.720(1)(c)). Removal requires 180 consecutive violation-free days certified by the vendor (RCW 46.20.720(4)).
What the source says (6)
- IID on first offense
“The department shall require that a person may drive only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device: [...] (i) Due to a conviction of a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 or an equivalent local or out-of-state statute or ordinance; or”
- Minimum IID period, first offense
“(i) For a person who has not previously been restricted under this subsection, a period of one year;”
- Minimum IID period, repeat offense
“(ii) For a person who has previously been restricted under (c)(i) of this subsection, a period of five years; (iii) For a person who has previously been restricted under (c)(ii) of this subsection, a period of 10 years.”
- Ignition interlock statute
“RCW 46.20.720 Ignition interlock device restriction — For whom — Duration — Removal requirements — Credit — Employer exemption — Fee.”
- IID on first offense
“You'll be required to install an IID if you've had: A conviction for an alcohol or drug-related DUI or Physical Control of a motor vehicle.”
- firstOffenseIidNote_removal
“(a) That there have been none of the following incidents in the 180 consecutive days prior to the date of release:”
Removal: Compliance-based. Under RCW 46.20.720(4), the restriction remains in effect until DOL receives a declaration from the person's ignition interlock vendor certifying that in the 180 consecutive days before release there… Full rule and source
SR-22 requirement
An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Washington does, the sources below say so.
| SR-22 filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Filing period | 3 years |
SR-22 (or a $60,000 certificate of deposit or liability bond). RCW 46.20.311(2)(c) bars issuance of a new license after a DUI revocation until the person gives and maintains proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW, and RCW 46.20.385(2) requires it for an Ignition Interlock Driver License. DOL states proof is required, in most cases, for 3 years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate; RCW 46.29.600(1)(a) allows cancellation after three years without a qualifying conviction.
What the source says (3)
- SR-22 filing required after a DUI
“and until the person gives and thereafter maintains proof of financial responsibility for the future”
- Filing period
“How long do I have to provide proof of financial responsibility? In most cases, 3 years from the date you're eligible to reinstate your license.”
- SR-22 requirement
“SR-22 Insurance written for Washington State by an approved insurance company . [...] Certificate of deposit for at least $60,000, issued by us (DOL). [...] Liability bond for at least $60,000.”
Program costs
Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.
| Item | Amount | As of |
|---|---|---|
| License reinstatement fee | $170 | 2026-08-29 |
| Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) application fee(DOL fee schedule) | $100 | 2026-08 |
| Ignition interlock device revolving account fee, paid monthly to the interlock company in addition to device costs; DOL may waive it for indigent persons(RCW 46.20.720(7); RCW 46.20.385(6)) | $21 per month | 2026-08 |
| Financial assistance for low-income drivers with an IIL or IID requirement:DOL reimburses the provider per service (installation, monthly lease, removal, transfer)(DOL) | $80 per month per service | 2026-08 |
| DUI administrative hearing request fee(DOL fee schedule) | $375 | 2026-08 |
| Probationary driver license after a DUI conviction or deferred prosecution(DOL fee schedule) | $50 | 2026-08 |
What the source says (7)
- License reinstatement fee
“if the revocation is the result of a violation of RCW 46.20.308 , 46.61.502 , or 46.61.504 , the reissue fee shall be $170.”
- Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) application fee (DOL fee schedule)
“Apply for Ignition Interlock driver license (IIL) See Ignition Interlock driver license Also called Restricted driver license application (Occupational Restricted license - ORL, or Ignition Interlock license - IIL) $100”
- Ignition interlock device revolving account fee, paid monthly to the interlock company in addition to device costs; DOL may waive it for indigent persons (RCW 46.20.720(7); RCW 46.20.385(6))
“the person shall pay an additional fee of $21 per month. Payments must be made directly to the ignition interlock company. [...] The department may waive the monthly fee if the person is indigent under RCW 10.101.010 .”
- Financial assistance for low-income drivers with an IIL or IID requirement: DOL reimburses the provider per service (installation, monthly lease, removal, transfer) (DOL)
“If you're approved, we'll reimburse your provider $80 * per month for each service:”
- DUI administrative hearing request fee (DOL fee schedule)
“Request a DUI hearing See How to request a hearing $375”
- Probationary driver license after a DUI conviction or deferred prosecution (DOL fee schedule)
“Get probationary driver license after a DUI conviction or deferred prosecution (Additional fees may apply) $50”
- License reinstatement fee
“Get license reissued after suspension or revocation: Alcohol See Types of suspensions (Additional fees may apply) $170”
Exemptions and special cases
Four questions readers ask once an interlock is ordered — motorcycles, employer vehicles, medical inability to give a breath sample, and reduced-cost programs — answered as Washington's interlock program page or statute states them.
| Question | Washington rule |
|---|---|
| Motorcycles | Not addressed on the official pages read Neither the DOL Ignition interlock device (IID) page, the DOL Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) page, RCW 46.20.720, RCW 46.20.740, RCW 46.20.385, WAC 204-50 nor the Washington State Patrol Ignition Interlock page mentions motorcycles; DOL states only that an IID is required in any vehicle the person drives. |
| Employer-owned vehicle | Exempt with conditions RCW 46.20.720(6): an interlock is not necessary on vehicles owned, leased or rented by the person's employer (or whose care/maintenance is temporarily the employer's responsibility) and driven at the employer's direction as a requirement of employment during working hours, provided the person gives DOL a declaration from the employer stating that the employment requires operating such vehicles during working hours; DOL notes the exemption on the driving record. It does not apply when the employer's vehicle is assigned exclusively to the restricted driver and used solely for commuting, nor to a self-employed person unless the vehicle is used exclusively for employment. DOL: submit the Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Exemption before driving any employer vehicle, carry a copy whenever driving one, employer must supply a UBI or EIN, self-employment vehicle must be registered in the business name; the IIL page describes the waiver as good for 1 year. Under RCW 46.20.740(2) the employer exemption is an affirmative defense the driver must prove. What the source says“the installation of an ignition interlock device is not necessary on vehicles owned, leased, or rented by a person's employer and on those vehicles whose care and/or maintenance is the temporary responsibility of the employer, and driven at the direction of a person's employer” |
| Unable to provide a breath sample | Available A tolling exemption rather than permission to drive. RCW 46.20.720(3)(g): the restriction period is tolled while no device is installed unless the person receives a DOL determination that they are unable to operate an interlock due to a physical disability; the determination must be reasonable, based on good and substantial evidence, is court-reviewable, and DOL may charge a reasonable assessment fee. DOL's 'Ignition Interlock Device Tolling Medical Exemption': the person cannot drive, but earns day-for-day credit toward the IID period as though a device were installed; the form is completed by a licensed medical provider (MD, DO, RN, ARNP or PA) after an exam within the last 30 days, temporary conditions expire on the doctor's date, permanent or progressive conditions allow up to one year with annual renewal, and no IID may be installed on any of the person's vehicles. WSP states the 1.5-liter breath requirement itself cannot be reduced under WAC 204-50-110(1)(c). What the source says“You may be eligible for an IID medical exemption if: You had an alcohol/drug violation. You're not physically able to operate an IID. You won't be able to drive but the exemption allows you to earn the tolling day-for-day credit towards your IID requirement period as though a device was installed.” |
| Reduced-cost / indigent program | Available — Ignition Interlock Device Financial Assistance (ignition interlock device revolving account program) Administered by the Department of Licensing and funded by the $21 monthly ignition interlock device revolving account fee paid by every restricted driver (RCW 46.20.720(7); RCW 46.20.385(6)). Eligibility: the applicant must be indigent under RCW 10.101.010 and meet the poverty-guideline cut-offs DOL lists (2026 table, e.g. $19,950 annual income for a household of one, plus $7,100 per additional person over eight). If approved, DOL reimburses the provider $80 per month for each service — installation, monthly lease, removal, or transfer to another vehicle — and the driver pays all remaining costs (rate effective August 1, 2014). Apply with the Ignition Interlock Device Financial Assistance Application with proof of income or a signed no-income statement; approval must be renewed every year; a denied applicant may reapply after 30 days. DOL may also waive the $21 monthly fee for an indigent person. What the source says“You may be eligible for financial help during the time you have an IIL or IID requirement. If you're approved, we'll reimburse your provider $80* per month for each service: Installation, Monthly lease fee, Removing the device, or Transfer the device to another vehicle.” |
| Commercial motor vehicles | A commercial motor vehicle may not be driven while holding an IIL. What the source says“You can't drive a commercial motor vehicle while you have an IIL.” |
| Residents of another jurisdiction | RCW 46.20.720(8): for a restricted person living outside Washington, DOL may accept installation verification from an interlock company authorized where the person resides and may waive removal requirements that would be impractical there, provided the person complies with any equivalent requirement of that jurisdiction. What the source says“For a person restricted under this section who is residing outside of the state of Washington, the department may accept verification of installation of an ignition interlock device by an ignition interlock company authorized to do business in the jurisdiction in which the person resides” |
| Revolving account fee waiver | DOL may waive the $21 monthly revolving-account fee for a person who is indigent under RCW 10.101.010. What the source says“The department may waive the monthly fee if the person is indigent under RCW 10.101.010.” |
| Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Exemption, form DR-500-025 | The Department of Licensing's Restricted Driver License Application (DR-500-001, revised January 2026) states that a vehicle driven during working hours that is owned, leased, rented or the temporary responsibility of the employer might not need a device, that a signed Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Exemption (DR-500-025) is sent to DOL, that a signed copy is carried by the driver, and that the form is available at dol.wa.gov. What the source says“You must send a signed Employer Declaration for Ignition Interlock Exemption (DR-500-025) to DOL at the address below. You must also carry a signed copy of the form with you. This form is available at dol.wa.gov.” |
Compare: motorcycles by state · employer, medical and reduced-cost exemptions by state
Frequently asked questions
- Is an ignition interlock required after a first DUI conviction in Washington?
- Yes. Under RCW 46.20.720(1)(d), after any mandatory suspension or revocation the Department of Licensing shall require a person convicted under RCW 46.61.502 (DUI) or 46.61.504 (physical control) to drive only a vehicle equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device. Under RCW 46.20.720(3)(c)(i), the restriction for a person not previously restricted lasts not less than one year.
- How long is the interlock restriction for repeat DUI offenses in Washington?
- Under RCW 46.20.720(3)(c), the post-conviction restriction is not less than one year for a first restriction, five years for a person previously restricted once, and 10 years for a person previously restricted twice. Under RCW 46.20.720(3)(e), the period is extended by 180 days for a conviction of driving without the device or tampering with it.
- What must happen before the interlock can be removed in Washington?
- Under RCW 46.20.720(4), the restriction remains until DOL receives a vendor declaration certifying that in the 180 consecutive days before release there were no start attempts at a breath alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, no missed or failed random retests, no missed service appointments and no unauthorized removal, and that a Washington State Patrol-certified technician inspected the device for tampering.
- Does Washington require an SR-22 after a DUI, and for how long?
- Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(c), after a revocation DOL will not issue a new license until the person gives and maintains proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW; RCW 46.20.385(2) requires it for an Ignition Interlock Driver License. DOL states acceptable proof is an SR-22, a $60,000 certificate of deposit or a $60,000 bond, required in most cases for 3 years from reinstatement eligibility.
- What are the state fees for reinstating a Washington license after a DUI?
- Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(b)(ii), the reissue fee after a revocation for RCW 46.20.308, 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 is $170; DOL's fee schedule lists $170 for alcohol-related reissue, $100 for an Ignition Interlock Driver License application and $375 to request a DUI hearing. RCW 46.20.720(7) adds a $21 monthly ignition interlock revolving account fee, which DOL may waive for indigent persons.
Sources
- RCW 46.20.720 – Ignition interlock device restriction; duration; removal requirements; fee (Washington State Legislature)
- RCW 46.20.385 – Ignition interlock driver's license
- RCW 46.20.311 – Duration of license sanctions; reissuance or renewal; reissue fee
- Chapter 46.29 RCW – Financial Responsibility (incl. RCW 46.29.600, duration of proof)
- Washington State DOL – DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
- Washington State DOL – Ignition interlock device (IID)
- Washington State DOL – Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL)
- Washington State DOL – Driver licensing fees
- Washington State DOL – Financial responsibility (SR-22)
- Washington State Patrol – Ignition Interlock Program (certified manufacturers)
Record history
- — Record verified against primary sources.