Keeping Your License After a DUI

DUI

Steps for Keeping Your License After A DUI

Keeping your license after a DUI includes submitting an application for an Ignition Interlock License (IIL) is a Restricted Driver’s License.

If approved by the Department of Licensing, a IIL will allow you to drive a vehicle while your current license is suspended or revoked for a drug or alcohol-related driving offense.

To be eligible, your driving record must show all of the following:

An arrest or conviction 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
You have an unexpired WA driver license or a valid out of state driver license

Your current suspension or revocation doesn’t include:

Minor in Possession, or
Habitual Traffic Offender (Suspended 1st degree)

Ignition Interlock License Application

Before the Washington State Department of Licensing will consider your application for an ignition interlock license you must complete the following steps.

1. Install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.

There are several ignition interlock device locations in Washington State, a general internet search should help you find one near you.
Choose an installer that is approved by the Washington State Patrol.
The ignition interlock installer will send proof of installation to the Department of Licensing.
Fees vary depending on the installation location you select. They may include an installation fee, a monthly fee for the device to be maintained in your vehicle, required monthly calibration of the ignition interlock device.

2. Provide proof of financial responsibility to Washington State.

Obtain a Certificate of Insurance, commonly known as SR-22 insurance.
The auto insurance company will submit the SR-22 filing to the Washington State Department of Licensing.
The SR-22 filing may take up to 10 business days to be processed.

3. Submit a Restricted Driver License Application.

This application can be found at https://www.dol.wa.gov/ under the ignition interlock driver’s license page.
Mail the completed application and the required $100.00 application fee to the Washington State Department of Licensing restricted licensing department.

If the Washington State Department of Licensing does not receive all documents that are required with your application within 30 days, they will deny your application.

What Happens Next?

Your application for the ignition interlock license will be reviewed by the Department of Licensing when all three steps are complete.

If the Department of Licensing approves your application, they will mail or email your ignition interlock license when your license suspension begins.

Things to Know About an Ignition Interlock license

It is valid only in Washington State.
It is required for the entire time your license is suspended.
You will be required to maintain ignition interlock devices on all the vehicles you drive.
Exceptions may exist for employer owned vehicles.

Keeping Your License After A DUI

We know that this can be a life changing event but it isn’t the end of the world.

There are many ways an experienced attorney can fight for you.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 304 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kylin Landry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gotten many tickets dropped or the charge reduced to a non moving violation.  Yes it would be great if they all could be dropped but at the end of the day my insurance is still affordable. Anyone leaving bad reviews about the Merrill's not getting a charge totally dismissed did not listen or read well enough when entering the contact as they make it very clear that both are a possibility.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Doza m 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bri Adams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rick Merrill was very responsive and easy to work with, handled my case perfectly and got me the result I was after. Definitely recommend him for any of your needs.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Roman Empire 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abraham Tewldeberham 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to start off by saying they have helped my family out tremendously. Their professionalism, efficiency and outstanding communication skills made our case a whole lot easier to understand and deal with.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sylvia Magnusson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Send us your DUI Case Information

Click Here To Learn More About DUI.

Want To Hear More From us.

You can connect with us on social media at any of the networks below.

      
   Merrill Law
   717 reviews 
  Write a review     Google    Facebook    Trustindex  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Jackson 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
  He’s like Santa for speeding tickets. Anytime someone says they got a ticket, I always tell them “I got a guy”
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Turner 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
  My son got his first speeding ticket. We called these guys and sent them a photo of the ticket. They took care of everything and got the ticket dismissed. Lucky kid. Hope he learned his lesson...
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kymberly Hoyle 
 September 3, 2026
 
 
  I have gone through Merrill Law 3 times now for speeding violations and expired tabs and they are efficient and super easy to work with every time. Reece is fantastic and communicative. I highly recommend them as they have saved me a lot of money in the end.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jamie Lee Fada 
 September 3, 2026
 
 
  I have used Merrill Law several times from speeding tickets to HOV violations. Everyone has been dismissed. I can't reccomend them enough.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Taylor 
 August 18, 2026
 
 
  Going to Merrill Law was one of the best decisions I could have made. From start to finish, their team was kind, professional, helpful, and excellent at communicating throughout the process. I truly appreciated their support and would highly recommend Merrill Law to anyone in need of their services.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Xavier Hecker 
 August 17, 2026
 
 
  Second speeding ticket in a row dropped, and I never had to step foot in a court room.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew Matyuk 
 August 15, 2026
 
 
  Great experience, big thanks, ticket dismissal went smoothly.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jordan Cabral 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
  Huge thank you to Reece Merrill for helping me resolve an issue with the Department of licensing. He was so quick to help me fix what seemed to be an overlook on the DOL’s part. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal help big or small.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Alex Nelsen 
 July 28, 2025
 
 
  Reliable, Professional, and Effective Big thanks to Merrill Law for getting my ticket dismissed. I’ve used them before after a friend recommended them, and they’ve made the whole process easy and stress-free every time. It’s a huge relief knowing they’re in your corner, fighting for you. Highly recommend to anyone needing a solid attorney
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Stephan A 
 June 14, 2025
 
 
  Fantastic as always 
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Marc Calague 
 November 5, 2024
 
 
  Merrill Law is fantastic Got my infraction dismissed and all I did was call them. Saved my record, my time, and my money.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   John Miranda 
 October 24, 2023
 
 
  Great Result.  Dismissed speeding Ticket!! I got a speeding ticket that I presented to Mr Merril.  Very easy to process. Excellent communication.    He called me during the process to l ask my opinion.   He felt there may be a chance that my ticket would not be dismissed and wanted to know if I would be willing to pay a fine, to keep the ticket off of my record.  I agreed and was thankful to be included in the process.  Mr. Merrill went to court, fought for me and WON!  my ticket was dismissed!! Great result.
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Brian 
 August 17, 2023
 
 
  The Best Legal Team I will begin by saying the professional and courteous manner in which they (the whole practice) treat people is second to none. Not only have they kept my driving record impeccable, the cost is fair and they can be counted on 100%. I cant say enough how grateful i am to have been recommended to these guys, here i am doing exactly the same i recommend them beyond plain recommendations haha Thank you to all the people in your firm Rick!!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Cecilia Jones 
 June 21, 2023
 
 
  Grateful is an understatement! Quick and concise work on the part of the firm, ensuring clear direction of what documentation needed to be submitted in order to dispute. I was given reassurance that once everything was handled id receive an email of the overall outcome of my case. Im happy to say it was a successful favorable outcome and I can continue working without any additional financial hardship thanks to this firm!
  
 
     Posted on Trustindex  
   
   Arteom Lupekha 
 April 14, 2023
 
 
  Excellent Experience Reece and his team worked quite quickly and we’re very responsive. They under promise and over deliver. Excellent experience from 3 traffic violations over a few years. Highly recommend!