Ignition Interlock Devices: Compare a Quote and Understand Your Order

Separate the device, the license restriction, the service contract and permission to remove it.

Last updated: 2026-09-07

Quick Answer

An ignition interlock device checks a breath sample before allowing a vehicle to start and can request additional samples after starting. A device installation, a restricted license and completion of a court or licensing requirement are separate steps. Read the actual order and licensing notice before making arrangements.

For costs, request a written quote for your vehicle, program and budget period. The worksheet below adds only the charges you enter. It does not assume a national price, decide how long you need the device, or turn a guessed service interval into a bill.

IID quote worksheet

Add the charges from one provider’s written quote for one vehicle and one budget period. Leave unknown items blank and enter 0 only when a charge does not apply. This worksheet does not choose a legal duration, predict service visits, or supply local prices.

Quoted installation charge ($)

Enter the charge for the vehicle in this quote.

Quoted monthly charge ($)

Use the combined recurring charge in your quote. Check whether monitoring, service and state fees are included.

Monthly billing periods you are budgeting

Get the billing schedule from the provider. Partial months, extensions and the legal restriction period may differ.

Separate service charge per paid visit ($)

Do not count a charge again if it is already included in your monthly fee.

Number of separately paid service visits

Use the actual quoted schedule. Enter 0 if there are no separately paid visits; this does not mean no maintenance is required.

Quoted removal charge ($)

A removal quote does not authorize removing the device.

Other quoted charges for this entire budget period ($)

Add applicable taxes and fees not counted above. Ask about state fees, vehicle transfers and other possible charges.

Values stay in this page’s memory and are not saved by this worksheet. Keep the actual quote and its date in your own records.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost	Notes
Installation	Request a written quote	Identify the vehicle and any separately charged setup work.
Recurring charges	Confirm amount and billing unit	Ask what lease, monitoring, state fees and service are included; do not count bundled charges twice.
Service and calibration	Confirm any separate fees	Get the actual appointment schedule, the number of paid visits and the consequences of missing one.
Removal or vehicle transfer	Quote separately	Ask about authorization, paperwork, appointments and fees. A quoted date does not authorize removal.
Taxes, extras and assistance	Confirm in writing	Ask which taxes, resets or other charges are excluded and whether assistance has actually been approved.

InstallationRequest a written quote

Identify the vehicle and any separately charged setup work.

Recurring chargesConfirm amount and billing unit

Ask what lease, monitoring, state fees and service are included; do not count bundled charges twice.

Service and calibrationConfirm any separate fees

Get the actual appointment schedule, the number of paid visits and the consequences of missing one.

Removal or vehicle transferQuote separately

Ask about authorization, paperwork, appointments and fees. A quoted date does not authorize removal.

Taxes, extras and assistanceConfirm in writing

Ask which taxes, resets or other charges are excluded and whether assistance has actually been approved.

Browse state IID guides

Select a state guide, then check the cited rules against your order and current licensing notice.

Start with the actual order and licensing notice

Collect the court order, licensing notice and any program instructions. Ask which authority imposed each requirement, when credit begins, what counts as a compliant day and which other conditions must be completed before driving. Keep a written record of the answer.

California illustrates why a first-offense label is insufficient: its statewide program distinguishes mandatory repeat/injury cases, court-ordered installation and optional restricted-license routes. An IID is not a replacement for obtaining the required driving privilege. Do not treat a national map category as permission to drive.

Compare the same budget period and service scope

Ask each provider to quote the same vehicle and period. Record the billing unit, included services, separately charged visits, applicable taxes, removal costs and any state or program charges. Ask about partial months, cancellation, transfers, lockouts and a delayed removal. Leave unknown charges unresolved until you get an answer.

A monthly advertised amount is not necessarily the full cost. Washington’s April 2026 JLARC report, for example, separates device/service charges from state fees and other expenses. Its Washington estimate is not a national quote or a price guarantee for an individual driver.

Confirm approval and the local service arrangement

Use the licensing or monitoring authority’s current approved-device and provider information. Confirm that the particular device, installer and reporting arrangement satisfy your order; a familiar company name alone does not establish that.

Ask where appointments occur, what happens when the vehicle needs repairs, which reports the provider submits and how to document a device problem. Washington State Patrol’s program page is one official example of where to find certification and program information.

Ask about assistance before counting a discount

Check the program’s current application, eligibility documents, covered charges and renewal requirements. Ask whether assistance is paid to you or the vendor and which charges remain your responsibility. Do not subtract a prospective benefit from a quote as if it were approved.

Washington DOL provides an application process for IID financial assistance and requires supporting documentation. An application is not approval; applicants must check the decision and renewal instructions.

Follow device instructions and confirm removal

Request training for the actual device, including test prompts, safe handling, scheduled service and reporting problems. Ask the installer what to do after an unexpected result. Do not infer that passing a breath test establishes that you are safe or legally permitted to drive.

Before arranging removal, confirm the licensing and monitoring requirements and obtain any required authorization or compliance submission. Washington, for example, uses compliance certification and tolling rules; simply reaching a calendar anniversary may not complete the requirement. Keep removal and licensing confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every first DUI require an IID in every state?

No single first-offense rule covers every jurisdiction and case. Check the specific offense, order and license route. California’s statewide program, for example, distinguishes mandatory repeat/injury cases from first-offense court orders and optional restrictions.

Does installing an IID give me full driving privileges?

Installation alone does not establish that you hold a valid license or have cleared other suspensions. Ask the licensing authority which steps and restrictions apply before driving.

Can I drive an employer’s vehicle without an IID?

Do not assume permission or a universal prohibition. California provides a specific employer-vehicle process for eligible IID-restricted drivers, requiring notice documentation; it does not extend to every person or vehicle. Confirm the rule and required paperwork for your jurisdiction.

Why does the worksheet leave some costs unknown?

It cannot supply a provider’s price or infer a paid appointment schedule from a legal duration. Blank items are excluded and labeled unknown. Zero means you explicitly entered that no charge applies; it is not a guessed price.

Are calibration and monitoring always extra monthly fees?

Check your written quote. Some charges may be bundled while others are separate. Ask for the amount, billing unit and actual visit schedule before adding the same service twice.

Can I remove the device when the number of months has elapsed?

Get confirmation from the responsible authority and provider. Required credit, compliance review and removal authorization can affect completion. A date or cost subtotal from this website does not authorize removal.

Does assistance cover every IID charge?

Read the program’s current decision and coverage rules. Confirm covered services, remaining charges and renewal requirements. Do not assume that submitting an application makes the device free.

More Transportation & Driving Guides

Helpful Resources

California DMV: statewide IID program
Official example covering license routes, employer vehicles and program procedures.
Washington DOL: IID requirements and assistance
Compliance, removal and financial-assistance instructions for Washington.
Washington State Patrol: interlock program
Certification and program information; confirm current approved arrangements.

Related Resources on This Site

Helpful guides

Banking & CreditHow to rebuild credit
EducationCDL training programs
ToolsReentry Checklist — Preparation Steps After Release
Free Legal AidFree legal aid by state

Disclaimer:This is informational only, not legal or financial advice. IID requirements, costs, and approved providers vary by state and change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state's DMV, IID provider, or a qualified attorney before relying on this information. For legal help, contact a legal aid organization near you.