How to Transfer or Add an Ignition Interlock Device to Another Car
Buying a new car or switching permanent vehicles when you have an interlock doesn’t have to be stressful. Intoxalock® makes it easy to transfer your interlock or install a new one so you stay compliant and on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Transferring your interlock to another car is simple with Intoxalock’s nationwide network and 24/7 customer support.
- Our State Specialists guide you through each step to stay compliant with your monitoring authority.
- Whether you’re adding or transferring, Intoxalock makes the process fast, affordable, and transparent.
Life doesn’t stop just because you have an ignition interlock requirement. You might need a different car for work, family, or simply because your old one has reached its limit. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to know how to transfer your existing ignition interlock device or install a new one without interrupting your compliance period.
An ignition interlock device is a small, in-car breathalyzer connected to your vehicle’s ignition system. Before starting your car, you blow into the device. If the IID detects alcohol above your state’s limit, the engine will not start.
The process is straightforward when you have the right help. With thousands of service centers nationwide and specialists who understand your state’s requirements, Intoxalock® walks you through each step to make sure your device transfer or new installation goes smoothly.
Install an IID in a Newly Purchased Car
Your ignition interlock device program is a state-approved way to keep driving while proving your commitment to safe, sober driving. This car breathalyzer allows you to maintain your independence and stay on track with your requirements, even as life changes.
If you’ve recently bought a new car and still have an ignition interlock requirement, you can’t drive legally until a specialist has installed a device in your new vehicle. Every state requires your IID to stay active for the full length of your restricted period, even if you switch cars.
You must keep your device installed and functioning until your program ends, regardless of the vehicle you drive.
Start the IID Process
If you didn’t have a car when your license was suspended and have just purchased one, your first step is to have an ignition interlock installed. Begin by calling Intoxalock or submitting a callback form on our website to have us call you.
Once you and an Intoxalock state specialist have made contact, an Intoxalock State Specialist will contact you to provide a quote. They will confirm your state’s IID requirements and schedule your installation at one of our 5,500+ locations nationwide. Roughly 90% of Intoxalock customers live within 15 minutes of an installation service center, and many times, installation can be completed in the same day.
The specialist will explain how to transfer your interlock later if you change cars before your program ends.
Check That Your Driver’s License Is IID-Restricted
Before scheduling, verify that your driver’s license is active and marked as IID-restricted. Your monitoring authority, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or court, provides this information when you apply or update your license status.
If you’re unsure, give our team a call at (888) 283-5899 and we will try to help confirm your status to avoid compliance issues.
Get a Friend or Family Member to Help
If the DMV hasn't reinstated your license, ask someone with a valid license to drive your car to the installer. Once both vehicles are at the service center, a certified technician installs or transfers the interlock device safely.
If caught driving the car yourself before installation, you could face fines, a longer IID requirement, or even a suspended license. You can use this appointment to transfer your interlock to another car if you’ve recently purchased or traded vehicles.
Schedule Your Interlock Installation
On average, most interlock installation appointments take approximately 2 - 4 hours, although times vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
Before installing an IID, technicians carefully assess the vehicle to ensure the installation is safe, accurate, and compatible, says Steven Matos of Sober Tech in Everett, Washington, a certified Intoxalock installation service center. "They typically look for the vehicle’s power source access points, wiring condition, and available space for mounting the device. Technicians also check for any pre-existing electrical issues or aftermarket modifications that could interfere with the IID’s performance."
This assessment is important because it helps identify potential challenges in advance, ensures the device functions properly, and prevents future issues for the customer. By taking the time to evaluate the vehicle upfront, says Matos, technicians can complete a clean installation that is both reliable and compliant.
Tip: Learn more about what to expect at an ignition interlock installation appointment - hear from actual service center providers!
Request a Transfer of Your IID
If you already have an ignition interlock device installed and recently bought a different vehicle, you’ll need to transfer the interlock to another car before you drive. Scheduling your transfer interlock appointment early helps prepare your new vehicle for driving on the same day.
When you call Intoxalock to request a transfer interlock, please have the following information ready:
- Driver’s license number and monitoring authority (DMV, Department of Transportation (DOT), court, or probation office)
- Your new vehicle’s year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Your license plate number
- Registered owner’s name and county of registration
- Your court order or state documentation (if available)
Our support team walks you through the transfer process step by step, including verifying whether you need prior authorization from your monitoring authority.
Once approved, we’ll move your existing IID from your old car to your new one, ensuring your reporting and compliance remain uninterrupted. During a transfer, the technician disconnects your existing device, installs it in your new car’s ignition system, and reconfigures it to your reporting program. This ensures that all data and monitoring continue seamlessly without gaps.
Dissatisfied with Your Current IID Provider?
If you’re unhappy with your current provider, you can switch to Intoxalock during the transfer process. Our specialists handle logistics and paperwork to make your transition seamless, often without interrupting your driving eligibility.
With lease rates starting as low as $1.96 per day (rates vary by state) and same-day installation at 2,000+ locations, Intoxalock offers one of the easiest and most affordable transfer options available. Our team coordinates everything from authorization to installation.
We’re Here to Get You on the Road
Buying a new car with an interlock device doesn’t have to be complicated. Intoxalock’s straightforward transfer process and dedicated State Specialists make it easy to stay compliant and get back on the road with confidence.
If you’re transitioning to another car while using a mandatory IID, our team is here to guide you through every detail so you drive worry-free and stay on track with your program.
If you’re ready to transfer your interlock to another car or install a new device, call (888) 283-5899 to speak with a State Specialist. We’ll walk you through every step and complete your transfer quickly and safely.
FAQs: Moving an Interlock to a New Vehicle
Can I transfer my interlock to another car myself?
No. State laws require certified technicians to perform all ignition interlock installations and transfers. Attempting to remove or reinstall the device yourself violates your IID agreement and may result in penalties or device lockouts.
What happens at an interlock transfer appointment?
At an interlock transfer appointment, technicians remove the IID from your old car, reinstall it in your new one, and run a system check to confirm the device reports correctly to your monitoring authority.
Can I switch providers when transferring my IID?
Yes. You can transfer your interlock service to Intoxalock at any time. Contact our team when you need to transfer interlock service between vehicles.
What happens if I buy a car before my IID period ends?
You must have your interlock device reinstalled in the new vehicle before driving. Contact Intoxalock immediately to start the transfer process and avoid any violations.
