ISS stands for "Ignition Interlock System" and it appears on your license when you are required by law to use one
ISS is a court-ordered or DMV-mandated restriction that requires you to install a breath-testing device in your vehicle before you can drive. The device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. This restriction appears as a code or notation on your physical license and in the DMV's record of your driving privileges.
You will see ISS on your license if you have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI), or if you refused a breath or blood test during a traffic stop. The restriction is not optional — it is a legal requirement you must follow to keep your driving privileges. Driving without the device installed when ISS is on your license is itself a criminal offense in most states.
The length of time ISS remains on your license depends on your state's laws and the specifics of your conviction. Some states require it for a minimum of six months; others mandate one year or longer. You cannot remove the restriction early unless a court or the DMV formally modifies or lifts it.
Key Takeaways
- ISS on your license means you must have an ignition interlock device installed in any vehicle you drive, or you cannot legally operate that vehicle.
- The restriction is imposed by a court or the DMV following a DUI or DWI conviction, or a refusal to submit to a breath or blood test.
- You are responsible for paying the installation, calibration, and monthly monitoring fees for the device, which typically range from $60 to $200 per month depending on your state and provider.
- Driving without the device installed when ISS is on your license is a separate criminal charge and will result in license suspension or revocation.
- The restriction remains on your license for the full period set by the court or DMV; you cannot remove it yourself or ignore it.
How ISS appears on your license and in DMV records
ISS will be printed or coded on your physical driver's license, usually in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Conditions." The exact format varies by state — some print the letters "ISS" directly; others use a numeric code that corresponds to ISS in the DMV's system. When you renew your license or the restriction period ends, the notation will be removed if the requirement has been satisfied.
The restriction also appears in the DMV's electronic database, which law enforcement can see when they run your license during a traffic stop. If you are pulled over and the officer sees ISS on your record but you do not have the device installed, you will be cited for driving with a suspended or restricted license.
Some states allow you to request a copy of your driving record to verify what restrictions are currently active. You can obtain this through your state's DMV website or by visiting a local office in person. Knowing exactly what is on your record helps you understand what you are required to do.
Installing and maintaining the ignition interlock device
Once ISS is on your license, you must locate a certified ignition interlock provider in your state and schedule an installation appointment. The DMV or court order will specify which providers are approved in your area. You cannot use an uncertified device — the provider must be on your state's approved list, and the device must meet federal standards.
Installation typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. The device is wired into your vehicle's ignition system and requires you to provide a breath sample before the engine will start. If the device detects alcohol, the car will not start, and the event is recorded. You will also be required to submit to random rolling retests while driving — the device will prompt you to blow into it at intervals, and you must comply or the vehicle will shut down.
You are responsible for all costs associated with the device. Installation fees range from $100 to $300, and monthly monitoring and calibration fees typically run $60 to $200 depending on your state and the provider. Some providers offer payment plans. You must also pay for any repairs if the device malfunctions, unless the malfunction is the provider's fault.
How long ISS stays on your license
The duration of the ISS requirement is set by the court at sentencing or by the DMV based on state law. For a first DUI or DWI conviction, the minimum period is typically six months to one year. For repeat offenses, the requirement can last two years or longer. Some states impose ISS for the entire period of license suspension or revocation, plus additional months after driving privileges are restored.
You cannot shorten this period on your own. The only way to remove ISS before the mandatory period ends is to petition the court for early removal, and courts rarely grant these requests. You must demonstrate that you have complied fully with all conditions, including maintaining the device and passing all breath tests, and that removing the restriction would not pose a public safety risk.
When the required period expires, you must contact your ignition interlock provider to have the device removed. The provider will schedule a removal appointment and submit proof of removal to the DMV. Only after the DMV receives this proof will the ISS restriction be removed from your license. If you do not arrange removal, the restriction may remain on your record even after the legal requirement has ended.
What happens if you drive without the device installed
Driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device when ISS is on your license is a separate criminal offense. You will be charged with driving with a suspended or restricted license, which carries its own penalties including fines, jail time, and an extended license suspension. In many states, this offense is treated more seriously than the original DUI or DWI.
Law enforcement can discover the violation in several ways: a traffic stop where they check your license, a vehicle accident, or a report from someone else. If you are caught, the court may extend the ISS requirement, impose additional fines, or revoke your license entirely. You may also lose the option to petition for early removal.
If your vehicle breaks down or you need to use a different car temporarily, you must have the device installed in that vehicle as well before you drive it. You cannot borrow someone else's car or use a rental vehicle without first arranging for device installation. The only exception is if you are a passenger in someone else's vehicle — you are not required to have the device installed in a car you do not operate.
ISS and vehicle registration or insurance
Having ISS on your license does not directly prevent you from registering a vehicle or obtaining insurance, but it does affect your insurance rates. Most insurance companies charge significantly higher premiums for drivers with DUI or DWI convictions and active ISS restrictions. You are required to disclose the restriction when you explore for or renew a policy.
Some insurance companies will not insure a driver with an active ISS restriction, or they will require you to name a specific vehicle that has the device installed. If you own multiple vehicles, you may need to install the device in each one you plan to drive, or you may need to designate one vehicle as your primary driving vehicle and have the device installed only in that car.
When you sell a vehicle that has an ignition interlock device installed, you must arrange for removal before the sale is finalized. The new owner cannot legally drive the vehicle with the device still in place unless they also have an ISS restriction on their license. Contact your provider to schedule removal and obtain proof for the DMV.
Removing ISS from your license after the requirement ends
When the court-ordered or DMV-mandated period for ISS expires, the restriction does not automatically disappear from your license. You must take active steps to have it removed. First, contact your ignition interlock provider and request device removal. The provider will schedule an appointment, remove the device, and submit a removal certificate to the DMV.
After the provider submits the removal certificate, the DMV will update your record and remove the ISS notation from your license. If you have a physical license with the restriction printed on it, you will need to renew your license at the DMV to receive a new one without the restriction. Some states allow you to request an interim document showing the restriction has been lifted while you wait for your renewal.
Check your DMV record online or by phone after you believe the restriction has been removed. Confirm that ISS no longer appears on your driving record before you remove the device from your vehicle. If the restriction is still showing after the required period has passed, contact the DMV directly to find out why and what steps are needed to clear it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get ISS removed early from my license?
Only a court can remove ISS before the mandatory period expires, and courts rarely grant early removal requests. You would need to file a petition with the court that imposed the restriction, demonstrate full compliance with all conditions, and show that removal would not pose a public safety risk. The process varies by state and judge.
What if I cannot afford the ignition interlock device fees?
Some states offer fee waivers or reduced fees for drivers with low income. Contact your state's DMV or the court that imposed the restriction to ask about hardship programs. Some providers also offer payment plans. However, inability to pay does not excuse you from the requirement — you must still install and maintain the device to legally drive.
Do I need the device in every car I own?
Yes, if you own multiple vehicles and plan to drive any of them, each vehicle must have the device installed. You cannot legally drive a vehicle without the device when ISS is on your license. Some drivers choose to designate one vehicle for personal use and have the device installed only in that car, while others use public transportation or ride-sharing for other trips.
What happens if the ignition interlock device malfunctions?
Contact your provider when ready and report the malfunction. Most providers have emergency procedures and can schedule a repair or replacement appointment quickly. Document the malfunction and keep records of your communication with the provider. If the device fails and you cannot drive, you should not operate the vehicle until it is repaired and certified as working.
Will ISS show up on background checks for employment?
ISS itself does not appear on background checks, but the underlying DUI or DWI conviction will. Employers who conduct background checks will see the conviction, which may affect hiring decisions depending on the job. Some employers are required by law to check driving records for positions involving vehicle operation.