Expert Advice When You Need It Most

How to obtain an Ignition Interlock License

Reputation Level 14

Posted almost 3 years ago. Applies to Washington, 0 helpful votes, 0 comments

Effective January 1, 2009, persons whose license is suspeneded or revoked for a DUI or physical control, who have had a valid license at any time, in any state, may, provided they have a residential address in Washington, be eligible for an Ignition Interlock License to drive in Washington State.

How to apply for an Ignition Interlock License

First, you must be suspended or revoked because of a DUI or Physical Control conviction or administrative suspension or revocation because of such arrest. The application can be found at http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/iil.html.

What you need for your application

You will need to have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicles you drive. If you drive an employer's vehicle, you can obtain an exemption by having your employer sign a declaration. See http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/500025.pdf. This must be carried with you in the employer's vehicle. You must also obtain SR22 insurance, which your insurance agent, or almost any insurance company can provide. The application fee is $100, which must accompany your application, send a check,or money order, not cash. It is probably best to walk your application and supporting proof of ignition interlock installation and SR22 insurance to a DOL satellite office so that your application will be processed in a timely manner. There is a monthly charge of $20 that you pay your provider, which is forwarded to the DOL.

Issuance of the IIL

Once your application is presented, the DOL will determine your eligiblity and ensure that all proof necessary for the application has been provided. If the ignition interlock license is approved, you will receive notification in the mail. Typically, this may take anywhere from 5 to 20 days to process. If you are not approved for the IIL, you will receive notificatio by mail, along with a notice advising you of any procedure available for appealing the denial. The ignition interlock license will permit you to drive in the state of Washington during the period of your license suspension or revocation, provided you do not remove the device, cancel the insurance, or be arrested for driving without the device.