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.

Kylin Landry
Kylin Landry
2021-10-04
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.
Doza m
Doza m
2021-09-23
Took care of it just like Rick said he would. Will definitely use him again in the future if needed.
Bri Adams
Bri Adams
2021-09-15
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.
Roman Empire
Roman Empire
2021-09-15
Kind and professional people. Will definitely be coming back!
Abraham Tewldeberham
Abraham Tewldeberham
2021-09-12
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.
Sylvia Magnusson
Sylvia Magnusson
2021-09-09
Very Nice team to work with. Professional and compassionate. Will definitely recommend to anyone in need.

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(425) 259 4972

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