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Washington DOL SR-22 and the Ignition Interlock License

What Is the Ignition Interlock License in Washington?

The Ignition Interlock License (IIL) is a restricted Washington driver's license class that allows you to drive legally during a DUI suspension if you install an approved ignition interlock device and carry SR-22 insurance. The IIL replaces your regular license — it's not a temporary permit.

Washington DOL requires the IIL for any driver convicted of a first DUI with a BAC of 0.15% or higher, a second DUI within seven years, or refusal of a breath test. You apply for the IIL through the DOL after your mandatory suspension period (90 days for a first DUI, 2 years for a second DUI). The IIL itself costs $150 to apply, plus the ignition interlock device rental ($70–$150/month) and SR-22 filing fee ($25–$50 one-time, then coverage costs).

Most drivers assume the interlock device installation satisfies the requirement. It does not. The IIL is a separate legal document issued by the DOL, and your SR-22 filing must be active before the DOL will process the IIL application. If your SR-22 lapses during the IIL period, your license suspends immediately and you start the reinstatement process from zero.

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How Long Do You Carry SR-22 with an Ignition Interlock License?

Washington requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date your IIL is issued, not from the date of your DUI conviction. This means your SR-22 clock starts when you complete the mandatory suspension and receive your IIL — typically 90 to 730 days after your conviction, depending on whether this is your first or second DUI.

The ignition interlock device itself must remain installed for 1 to 10 years depending on your conviction history and BAC level. A first DUI with BAC 0.15% or higher requires 1 year of interlock. A second DUI requires 5 years. A third DUI requires 10 years. Your SR-22 requirement runs concurrently with the interlock period but extends 3 years from IIL issuance regardless of device duration.

This creates a coverage gap most drivers miss: if you're required to carry the interlock for 5 years but your SR-22 only runs 3 years from IIL issuance, you can remove the SR-22 filing after year 3 even though the device stays installed through year 5. After the SR-22 period ends, you still need continuous liability coverage to keep your IIL valid, but the filing itself is no longer required.

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What Does SR-22 Insurance Cost with an Ignition Interlock License in Washington?

Monthly SR-22 insurance costs for drivers on an Ignition Interlock License in Washington typically range from $180 to $350/month for minimum liability coverage. This is 2 to 3 times higher than standard Washington rates ($85–$140/month). The SR-22 filing fee itself is $25 to $50 one-time, but the rate increase from the DUI conviction and interlock requirement drives the ongoing premium.

Rates vary by carrier willingness to write IIL policies. Most national carriers (State Farm, GEICO, Allstate) will not write new policies for drivers on an IIL — they route these drivers to non-standard subsidiaries or decline coverage entirely. Carriers that actively write IIL policies in Washington include Progressive, PEMCO, Safeco, The Hartford, and Dairyland. Progressive and PEMCO consistently offer the lowest rates for post-DUI drivers in Washington, with monthly premiums $40 to $80 lower than specialty-only carriers.

Your rate drops significantly once the SR-22 filing period ends. Most drivers see a 30% to 50% rate reduction when the SR-22 is removed, even if the interlock device is still installed. By year 5 after your IIL issuance (assuming no additional violations), your rate should return to within 20% of standard Washington liability rates. Estimates based on available industry data; individual rates vary by driving history, vehicle, coverage selections, and location.

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Shop Again Now That Your Filing Has Ended

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Which Carriers Write SR-22 Policies for Ignition Interlock License Holders in Washington?

Progressive writes the majority of IIL SR-22 policies in Washington and offers the most flexible underwriting for drivers with DUI convictions and active interlock requirements. PEMCO, a regional carrier based in Seattle, also writes IIL policies and often beats Progressive by $20 to $60/month for drivers in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

Safeco and The Hartford write IIL policies through independent agents but typically price 15% to 25% higher than Progressive for the same coverage. Dairyland writes IIL policies statewide but focuses on higher-risk profiles (third DUI, multiple violations) and prices accordingly — expect quotes $50 to $100/month higher than Progressive unless you have additional violations that other carriers decline.

National carriers that do not write new IIL policies in Washington: State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, Nationwide, USAA. If you held a policy with one of these carriers before your DUI, they may allow you to stay on your existing policy with an SR-22 endorsement, but rates will increase 70% to 130% and most non-renew at the first renewal after the IIL is issued. Shopping at the point your IIL is issued saves most drivers $600 to $1,200 annually compared to staying with a carrier that non-renews or prices punitively.

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What Happens If Your SR-22 Lapses During the IIL Period?

If your SR-22 insurance lapses for any reason during the 3-year filing period, Washington DOL suspends your Ignition Interlock License immediately. Your carrier is required to notify the DOL within 10 days of a cancellation or lapse. The DOL processes the suspension within 5 business days of receiving the lapse notice, and your IIL is revoked without additional warning.

Reinstatement after a lapse requires: paying a new $150 IIL reissuance fee, filing a new SR-22 with proof of continuous coverage going forward, and restarting your 3-year SR-22 clock from the new IIL issuance date. This means a single missed payment can add years to your total SR-22 requirement and cost you an additional $150 in DOL fees on top of the reinstatement fee and coverage costs.

Most lapses occur when drivers switch carriers and the old carrier cancels before the new carrier files the SR-22. To avoid this, request that your new carrier file the SR-22 before you cancel your old policy. Confirm with the DOL that the new SR-22 is on file before you authorize cancellation. The DOL does not send a confirmation notice when your SR-22 is updated — you must verify this yourself by calling the DOL driver records line or checking online through the Washington Driver License Services portal.

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Can You Move Out of State with an Active IIL and SR-22 Requirement?

Washington does not release your IIL requirement if you move out of state. The SR-22 filing and ignition interlock requirement remain active until you complete the full term Washington assigned at conviction, regardless of where you live. If you move to another state, you must obtain a driver's license in that state and comply with both Washington's IIL requirements and the new state's DUI penalty framework.

Most states will issue you a license even if Washington shows an active IIL requirement, but you must continue to carry SR-22 insurance filed in Washington or the equivalent financial responsibility certificate recognized by the new state. Some states require you to install an ignition interlock device in the new state as a condition of licensure if your prior state conviction triggered an interlock requirement. This creates dual compliance in some cases — you satisfy Washington's SR-22 and interlock term while also meeting the new state's post-DUI requirements.

If you move and allow your Washington SR-22 to lapse, Washington will not reissue your IIL or clear your driving record until you return to compliance. This can block you from clearing your record in the new state if that state checks Washington's records during license renewal or DUI penalty review. The cleanest path is to complete your Washington SR-22 and interlock term in full before moving, or work with a carrier licensed in both states to maintain continuous SR-22 filing while you transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get an Ignition Interlock License in Washington?

The IIL application fee is $150, plus $25 to $50 for the SR-22 filing fee, and $70 to $150/month for the ignition interlock device rental. Monthly SR-22 insurance runs $180 to $350/month for minimum liability coverage. Total first-year cost typically ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 including all fees, device rental, and insurance.

Can you drive out of state with a Washington Ignition Interlock License?

Yes, but only in a vehicle equipped with an approved ignition interlock device registered with Washington DOL. Most states recognize the Washington IIL as a valid restricted license, but you must comply with the interlock requirement in any vehicle you operate, including rentals. Some rental agencies do not provide interlock-equipped vehicles.

What happens if you get caught driving without an interlock device on an IIL?

Driving without a required interlock device while on an IIL is a gross misdemeanor in Washington, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. Your IIL is revoked immediately, your interlock term restarts from zero, and you face an additional 1-year license suspension. Most violations are discovered during traffic stops when the officer checks your license status.

Does SR-22 insurance cover the ignition interlock device?

No. SR-22 is a liability insurance filing that proves you carry the state-required minimum coverage. The ignition interlock device is separate equipment you rent from an approved vendor and install in your vehicle. Damage to the interlock device is not covered by your SR-22 policy unless you carry comprehensive coverage and the policy specifically includes interlock equipment.