Keeping Your License After a 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

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
  
 721 reviews 
 
 Write a review 
 
   Google    Facebook    Trustindex  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Shajn Bakhit 
 
October 9, 2026
 
 
  
I highly recommend Merrill Law! I had a traffic ticket with multiple charges totaling over $700, and they were able to get all of the charges dismissed! I am beyond grateful for their help and the amazing outcome. They were professional, helpful, and made the whole process much less stressful. I truly appreciate everything they did for me. Thank you so much, Merrill Law! Definitely a 5-star experience!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jose Baez 
 
September 26, 2026
 
 
  
Excellent firm to work with got my speeding ticket dismissed highly recommend
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Nikhil Kalia 
 
September 16, 2026
 
 
  
Highly recommended never visited everything done on call thank you
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Mohammed Muktadir 
 
September 11, 2026
 
 
  
They were very straight forward and easy to communicate with. I had a pending deferral speeding ticket which i did my community service hours for and did the 4 hour arive at 25 class to get dismissed. But while I was doing that, I got a second speeding ticket and I was worried it will void my deferred ticket. But they got it dismissed. Thank you very much.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 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 Google  
 
  
 
 
 edgar guzman 
 
August 12, 2026
 
 
  
This place is amazing. They had a super simple process, provided clear instructions, and were able to get a speeding ticket dismissed, FAST!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Nancy Roach 
 
August 12, 2026
 
 
  
Merrill law saved the day, I will highly recommend. All I had to do was stop in and tell them I needed help they did EVERYTING else!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jasmine Bahena 
 
August 4, 2026
 
 
  
I had a great experience with Merrill law and would recommend them to anyone!