What to Expect at an Ignition Interlock Removal Appointment
Find out how to prepare for removing your IID, from gathering essential paperwork to understanding what to expect from your service center technician.
Key Takeaways
- You cannot remove an ignition interlock device yourself; removal must be scheduled through Intoxalock after receiving state authorization and performed by a certified service center technician.
- Each state has different IID removal requirements, so you must confirm your eligibility with your monitoring authority and follow your state’s procedures before scheduling removal.
- Completing your IID program is a major milestone and, once removed, you may want to consider tools such as a voluntary ignition interlock or personal breathalyzer to help stay on track after your DUI.
You’ve done it. After many months or years of careful attention to the requirements of your ignition interlock device, it may be time to get your IID removed from your vehicle. But if this is your first time with an ignition interlock device, you may be unsure what the process is. Naturally, you want to help ensure you complete the removal process without issue.
The most important part of the removal process is knowing you cannot complete this step yourself. You must follow the process outlined by Intoxalock and your service center to help stay compliant with regulations and requirements where you live. Here’s what you need to know, and what to expect at your Intoxalock ignition interlock device removal appointment.
This blog isn't considered legal advice, always consult with a qualified DUI attorney if you have specific questions. If you're convicted of a DUI and need to learn more about ignition interlocks, call our team at (888) 283-5899.
What to Expect at Your Intoxalock IID Removal
If this is your first time with an ignition interlock device, you may be unsure where to start in the removal process. Here is what you need to know, and what to expect at your Intoxalock ignition interlock device removal.
Read Next: What to Expect at an Ignition Interlock Installation Appointment
Step 1: Call Intoxalock to Secure Your Removal Paperwork
Before you show up at your service center appointment for removal, you must have the necessary authorizations in order. The service center cannot remove an Intoxalock ignition interlock device without a de-installation work order from Intoxalock. Give us a call at (888) 283-5899 to verify your eligibility and get started on the removal process.
Step 2: Connect with the Service Center
Intoxalock will reach out directly to your service center to let them know you are approved for device removal. You can then schedule an appointment for removal with your service center.
Step 3: Arrive at Your Removal Appointment
Just like installing your interlock ignition device, IID removal takes some time. “On average, removing an IID takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour,” says Steven Matos at Sober Tech in Everett, Washington. “The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the original installation. Factors such as the vehicle type, any modifications made during installation, and accessibility of the device can all influence the time required for removal.”
If getting in and out of your removal appointment is a priority for you, service center technicians say they are generally faster at removing devices their shop also installed.
Tip: Returning to the same shop can help to speed up the interlock removal process.
Step 4: Service Center Technician Removes Interlock Ignition Device
While you wait, the service center technician will remove your interlock ignition device. This includes removing all wires to disconnect the device from your vehicle’s starter. Before returning your keys, they will also verify that the vehicle starts correctly and that the interlock system is fully disconnected. Finally, the service center will return the ignition interlock device and any related equipment back to Intoxalock.
Step 5: Congratulations on Completing Your Interlock Ignition Device Requirement
After the service technician removes your Intoxalock interlock ignition device, they will return your keys to you. “On removal day we congratulate our customers,” says Mikii Miske at AudioSonic in Gloucester City, New Jersey. “We also tell them that the next time we see them, it will be for something fun in their vehicle like cool lighting, a sound system, or a remote starter.”
Staying on Top of Your SR-22 Requirement
An ignition interlock device is not the only requirement for individuals who have a DUI conviction. Many states also require an SR-22 certificate showing you have the correct insurance coverage. If you are unsure of whether you still need to have an SR-22 certificate, the professionals at our partner company Breathe Easy can help you check your status.
Tip: Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions can help get you a free quote from up to a dozen carriers in as little as 15 minutes.
State-Specific IID Removal Requirements
Different states have different requirements for IID removal. This table provides a generalized summary of potential requirements in your state. There may be additional requirements where you live, so please reach out to an Intoxalock state specialist for guidance at (888) 283-5899.
| State | IID Removal Requirements | State Agency Contact |
| Alabama | For court orders: submit court orders or minutes to the court. For administrative orders: ensure the court sends a “Clearance of Suspension Notice” to DPS and/or obtain a driver’s license without IID restrictions. | Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| Alaska | Obtain a replacement driver’s license from the DMV with the “C” restriction removed after completing the required IID period. | Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
| Arizona | If required by MVD: Verify you have received an eligibility date or 6-month deferment letter, then obtain temporary license without “Interlock Required” restriction and take to removal. Otherwise contact MVD. | Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) |
| Arkansas | Verify eligibility date with Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration. Then take Ignition Interlock Requirement Form to Driver Control office. | Arkansas Dept. of Finance & Administration, Driver Control |
| California | If probation requirement: submit court documents or minutes. The DMV may verify. | California DMV |
| Colorado | If on a 9-month program: know your reinstatement date before calling Intoxalock; otherwise get an end-date from DMV and obtain an unrestricted license. | Colorado DMV |
| Connecticut | Obtain Form P-249 from DMV, then bring to removal appointment. | Connecticut DMV |
| Delaware | Verify eligibility date with DMV, pay $200 reinstatement fee, then DMV issues authorization for removal. | Delaware DMV |
| Florida | If required by DMV: fill out removal form and allow two business days for processing. If pre-trial diversion requirement applies, also apply for removal through your officer. | Florida DMV |
| Georgia | Need a “final download” from Intoxalock; technician completes monitoring report and you take it to Georgia DDS for license reinstatement. | Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) |
| Hawaii | Verify eligibility date with the revocation office. | Hawaii Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office |
| Idaho | Contact your monitoring authority to verify program completion and that you committed no violations, then Intoxalock can remove the device. | Idaho Interlock program’s monitoring authority |
| Illinois | DMV/License Suspensions: must have removal eligibility date from SOS; include SOS rep password/code when submitting removal form. For court/probation: contact court authority. | Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) |
| Indiana | Contact monitoring authority to verify required IID period ended and you’ve completed conditions; when you have a license without restriction you can apply for IID removal. | Indiana monitoring authority under Indiana law |
| Iowa | Confirm removal eligibility date with Iowa DOT; once date obtained, call Intoxalock for removal appointment. | Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) |
| Kansas | Contact Driver’s Solutions Office (Kansas Highway Patrol) for removal eligibility date; once obtained, call Intoxalock for appointment. | Kansas Highway Patrol, Driver’s Solutions Office |
| Kentucky | Once you complete conditions of Kentucky IID program, you’ll receive a “Letter of Removal” from monitoring authority; submit to Intoxalock. | Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program (KIIP) |
| Louisiana | For bond/pre-trial/probation: need permission or authorization. For OMV/Driver’s License Reinstatement: need valid unrestricted license and application/notice from OMV. | Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) |
| Maine | No additional requirements beyond completion of term. | Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) |
| Maryland | After you have served program and your device is serviced on or after last required download (12th month), the MVA issues a “Completion Letter” which you present to Intoxalock. | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
| Massachusetts | Request last six months of activity from Intoxalock and then make a hearing reservation via MyRMV. If no infractions in the past 6 months, license gets unrestricted and you can reach out to Intoxalock for removal. | Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (MyRMV) |
| Michigan | Submit HBAC Form 1 + Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Report to Michigan Dept. of State; once they authorize removal, contact Intoxalock. | Michigan Department of State, Administrative Hearings Section |
| Minnesota | After program completion, the Minnesota DVS issues a final calibration service letter + reinstatement letter; you can then apply for license without restriction and schedule removal. | Minnesota Driver & Vehicle Services (DVS) |
| Mississippi | Some courts require a removal order; otherwise contact court authority for verification. | Court State Authority |
| Missouri | Court requirement: contact court authority. For DOR requirement: verify DOR received certificate of completion. | Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) |
| Nebraska | Obtain removal eligibility date from Nebraska DMV, then call Intoxalock for appointment. | Nebraska DMV |
| Nevada | Contact DMV for removal verification. | Nevada DMV |
| New Hampshire | Request Certificate of Completion from DMV; submit certificate to Intoxalock to schedule removal. | New Hampshire DMV, Interlock Coordinator |
| New Jersey | Request approval from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. | NJMVC Driver Management Bureau |
| New Mexico | Contact your monitoring authority to verify completion, then contact Intoxalock for removal appointment. | New Mexico IID program monitoring authority |
| New York | Request IID removal certification from your interlock monitoring authority; take form to DMV to remove restriction; submit documentation to Intoxalock. | New York Unified Court System |
| North Carolina | Contact your monitoring authority to verify completion and eligibility, then call Intoxalock to schedule an appointment. | Your North Carolina IID program’s monitoring authority |
| North Dakota | Submit court or DMV removal order via removal form. | Court or DMV |
| Ohio | After you complete the program, contact monitoring authority (court or Ohio BMV) to verify conditions, then contact Intoxalock. | Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) |
| Oklahoma | Contact Intoxalock to get started once all conditions for removal have been met. | Oklahoma alcohol & drug testing authority |
| Oregon | Approval required; must have completed required time (90 days or 6 months), have End Date, service Interlock at least one day after date, then removal form processed (up to 5-7 business days). | Oregon IID monitoring authority / State Authority |
| Pennsylvania | Need a Declaration of Compliance from PennDOT indicating you’re eligible to obtain driver’s license without IID; Interlock must be serviced for final download on or after letter date; after obtaining unrestricted license send copy, then schedule removal. | Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) |
| Rhode Island | Contact DMV to check eligibility and apply to have IID requirement removed. | Rhode Island DMV |
| South Carolina | Need a letter from IID Program Administrator certifying completion of program; at final appointment administrator issues completion letter. | South Carolina Probation, Parole & Pardon Services |
| South Dakota | Submit court or DMV order via removal form. | Court or DMV |
| Tennessee | Obtain “Remove Interlock Restriction” letter from Dept. of Safety. | Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security Driver Services |
| Texas | Vendor must receive either (1) court order with court seal or (2) vendor removal form signed by judge/clerk; submit documents to Texas DPS; after that fill removal form and allow processing up to 21 business days, then schedule removal. | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) |
| Utah | Contact Intoxalock to get started once all conditions for removal have been met. | Court State Authority |
| Vermont | A release letter from Vermont DMV is required; if you’ve not received it and the release date is approaching, call DMV to check eligibility. | Vermont DMV |
| Virginia | Permission needed from Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) once you’ve completed DUI program; ASAP verifies compliance and licensed status and may inform you if court petition is required. | Virginia ASAP |
| Washington | Must obtain End Date from Washington Dept. of Licensing (DOL); interlock device must be serviced on or after End Date. | Washington Dept. of Licensing (DOL) |
| West Virginia | Need permission from West Virginia DMV; you must call 30 days before scheduled removal date to verify eligibility, paperwork, fines, and approved DUI program completion. | West Virginia DMV |
| Wisconsin | Contact Intoxalock to get started once all conditions for removal have been met. | Wisconsin DMV |
| Wyoming | After completion of IID requirement, call Wyoming DOT (WYDOT) to verify eligibility. | Wyoming Department of Transportation |
Staying on Track After Your IID Removal
If you’ve finished your state-mandated IID period, you might be wondering what strategies you can employ to stay on track and help prevent a second incident. Second or third DUIs come with even stricter penalties, including losing your license for an extended period or even jail time.
Consider Leaving in Your IID Voluntarily
While most ignition interlock devices are installed as a requirement to drive following a DUI conviction, there is the option to leave your IID installed on a voluntary basis. "I wish more would leave it in voluntary as about 25% of my customers come back for another within six months or less," says Aaron Hill at Cartronics in Santa Rosa, California. That is backed up by data: studies of recidivism among drivers with DUIs find drivers with a prior DUI conviction may remain at higher risk of future incidents without continued support.
Get a Personal Breathalyzer to Help with Accountability
If you already have a DUI on your record, you may want extra support to help with alcohol monitoring. The Keepr® brand of personal breathalyzer provides fast, verifiable ways to track your breath alcohol content (BrAC) over time.
Keepr® combines a personal breathalyzer with smart app connectivity. Users can share BrAC results with loved ones, promoting accountability and more informed choices.
These devices help promote awareness and can offer families greater confidence when planning their next steps.
If you’re looking for even more support, Keepr® Drive can be integrated with an ignition interlock device to provide clear, reliable breath alcohol information supporting clarity and confidence for users.
And, unlike a state-mandated ignition interlock device, the data it collects during voluntary personal use is not reported out to any agencies unless you choose to share it.
Hit the Road with Confidence
Completing your ignition interlock requirement period is a major milestone in moving past a DUI conviction. Not only does graduating from your IID program represent important cost savings and reduced hassle in your day-to-day life, it also shows friends, family, and, most importantly, yourself, you’re accountable for your choices. Celebrate your success and hit the road with confidence that you are putting your DUI behind you.
For help with any ignition interlock device questions, reach out to our Intoxalock team at (888) 283-5899. Our bilingual state specialists are available 24/7 to assist you.
Ignition Interlock Removal Process
Can you remove an interlock ignition device on your own?
No, you cannot remove an interlock ignition device on your own. Intoxalock’s service center professionals say they typically find about 5% of IIDs are tampered with in some way, information they have to report to relevant law enforcement authorities as well as Intoxalock.
How long does it take to remove an ignition interlock device?
While the average time it takes to remove an IID is one hour, the full length of removing an ignition interlock device depends on several factors, including the make and model of the vehicle you drive. Returning to the same service center that installed your ignition interlock device can help cut down the total removal appointment time.
How do you apply for an interlock ignition device removal?
To apply for your interlock ignition device removal, call Intoxalock at (888) 283-5899. They will verify your paperwork is in order and reach out to your preferred service center to confirm you are eligible for removal.
What happens if I remove my ignition interlock device?
Removing or tampering with your ignition interlock device may result in several consequences. These may include suspension of your driver’s license, fines, additional court appearances, and even criminal charges. Do not attempt to remove an IID yourself; instead, contact an Intoxalock state specialist who will guide you through this final step, making sure you stay compliant with all necessary requirements.
