Washington, DC Ignition Interlock Laws

Residents holding a Washington DC driver license, who have been convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense on or after December 19, 2022, will be required to enroll in the Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicle’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program.

Enrollment in the mandatory IID Program is required for the first or subsequent alcohol-related offenses. Enrollment in the IID Program must be completed within 30 days from the date of conviction and there is a non-refundable $50 application fee.

Participation in the IID Program requires a restricted DC DMV driver license and only designated vehicles with installed Interlock Devices may be driven. All vehicles registered to the driver are required to be equipped with an Ignition Interlock Device. If you have a commercial driver license (CDL), you will be required to downgrade to a non-commercial driver license (NCDL) and enroll in the mandatory IID Program.

The restriction and conditions on your driver license will remain in place for the required period of program enrollment, and that period will be extended if you violate the IID Program rules or commit another driving-related violation.

Failure to enroll in the mandatory IID program will result in the indefinite revocation of the driver license and suspension of all registered vehicles. The driver license will not be eligible for reinstatement until enrollment into the IID Program has been completed.

How to Get Your License Quickly in Washington, DC

  1. Make sure you do not have any additional current or pending driver license suspensions or revocations
  2. Enroll in an approved substance abuse treatment program
  3. Obtain and maintain SR-22 Insurance
  4. Install an Ignition Interlock Device on all applicable vehicles by an approved DC DMV Ignition Interlock Provider.
  5. Enroll in DC’s Ignition Interlock program by filling out an application on DC DMV’s new
  6. Once approved, you will be required to get a restricted driver license that will carry the “T” IID restriction.

DISCLAIMER: These steps may not be a complete representation of what you must do to regain your license. As DUI case details vary by each individual, please do not see this step-by-step guide as an official process to regaining your license, but rather as a starting point only.

How Much Does a DUI Cost in Washington, DC?

Please note that your situation will warrant unique penalties and sanctions as well as jail time and suspended license period. The table shown below is representative of an individual with Refusal or Alcohol Score below .20 Breath or Blood Alcohol Content (BrAC/BAC) or .25 Urine Alcohol Content (UAC).

DUI OffenseJail TimeFee
*IID fees not included
Suspended License Period
First180 days$1,0006 months
Second1 year – Mandatory minimum 10 days$2,500 to $5,0001 year
Third1 year – Mandatory minimum 12 days$2,500 to $10,0002 years
Fourth1 year – Mandatory minimum 45 days$2,500 to $10,0002 years +

*Additional fees, jail time, and suspension periods may apply.

For additional information and resources to help you regain your license, refer to these links: