How long must a repeat OWI offender keep an ignition interlock in Iowa?

Iowa Code § 321J.17(3) requires certification of an approved ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by a person seeking reinstatement after a second or subsequent revocation, for one year from the date of reinstatement, reduced by any period the person held a valid temporary restricted license.

What does it cost to reinstate an Iowa license after an OWI revocation?

Iowa Code § 321J.17(1) sets a $200 civil penalty that must be paid before reinstatement or a temporary restricted license. Iowa DOT also lists a $20 reinstatement fee plus the license fee, completion of a drinking driver course, and a substance use disorder evaluation.

Does Iowa require an SR-22 after an OWI?

Yes. Iowa DOT states that reinstatement requires satisfactory proof of SR-22 insurance (or a residency statement for out-of-state residents), maintained for 2 years from the first day of the revocation; it is not needed for a 'zero tolerance' revocation.

Who approves ignition interlock devices in Iowa?

Iowa Code § 321J.4(8)(b) directs the commissioner of public safety to adopt rules approving devices. The Iowa DCI Laboratory (breathalcohol.iowa.gov) publishes the list of devices approved for use in Iowa and states that only devices using fuel cell technology may be installed.

IAVerified against primary sources · August 28, 2026

Iowa ignition interlock & DUI requirements

Ignition interlock device rules, approved vendors, SR-22 insurance filing, and license reinstatement in Iowa, cited to the statute and the Iowa Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division).

IID on first offense: At the court's discretion
Minimum IID period (first): For the period of the temporary restricted license
SR-22 filing: Required · 2 yr
Reinstatement fee: $200

What Iowa law requires

Iowa's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.

Primary source: Iowa Code § 321J.4

Ignition interlock requirement

Ignition interlock requirements in Iowa by offense
Item	Iowa rule
IID on first offense	At the court's discretion
Minimum IID period, first offense	For the period of the temporary restricted license (TRL), if a TRL is sought; court-ordered interlocks under § 321J.4(8) last for a period set by the court
Minimum IID period, repeat offense	1 year from the date of reinstatement (second or subsequent revocation), reduced by time a valid TRL was held

For a first OWI revocation, Iowa Code § 321J.4(1) requires the Department of Transportation to require an ignition interlock device only 'if the defendant seeks a temporary restricted license'; § 321J.4(8)(a) separately allows the court to order interlocks on conviction. A post-reinstatement interlock requirement applies under § 321J.17(3) only to a second or subsequent revocation. A medical waiver is available for offenses on or after Jan. 1, 2025 (Iowa DOT).

Approved interlock providers

Vendors listed here appear on the Iowa licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.

Official approved-vendor list: Iowa agency vendor list

Approved interlock vendors in Iowa
Vendor	Website	Location finder
ALCOLOCK	ALCOLOCK website	Find a location
Intoxalock	Intoxalock website	Find a location
LifeSafer	LifeSafer website	Find a location
RoadGuard XT Interlock	RoadGuard XT Interlock website	Find a location
Smart Start	Smart Start website	Find a location

SR-22 requirement

An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where Iowa does, the sources below say so.

SR-22 requirement in Iowa
SR-22 filing required after a DUI	Yes
Filing period	2 years

SR-22. Iowa DOT states proof of SR-22 insurance must be provided for 2 years from the first day of the revocation (not needed for a 'zero tolerance' revocation).

Program costs

Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.

Post-DUI program costs in Iowa
Item	Amount	As of
License reinstatement fee	$200	2026-08-28
Civil penalty on OWI revocation (Iowa Code § 321J.17(1))	$200	2026-08
Processing fee if civil penalty is paid through a county treasurer (§ 321J.17(1))	$5	2026-08
Reinstatement fee (Iowa DOT), plus the license fee	$20	2026-08
Early termination fee	Provider may not impose an early termination fee when the person is no longer required to have a device and presents an unrestricted license (§ 321J.4(8)(g))	2026-08
Device setpoint (Iowa DCI Laboratory)	Breath alcohol result must be below 0.025 g/210L for the vehicle to start	2026-08

Frequently asked questions

Is an ignition interlock required after a first OWI in Iowa?: Under Iowa Code § 321J.4(1), for a first OWI conviction the Department of Transportation requires an approved ignition interlock device on all vehicles the defendant operates if the defendant seeks a temporary restricted license. The court may also order interlocks on conviction under § 321J.4(8)(a). The post-reinstatement one-year requirement in § 321J.17(3) applies to a second or subsequent revocation.
How long must a repeat OWI offender keep an ignition interlock in Iowa?: Iowa Code § 321J.17(3) requires certification of an approved ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by a person seeking reinstatement after a second or subsequent revocation, for one year from the date of reinstatement, reduced by any period the person held a valid temporary restricted license.
What does it cost to reinstate an Iowa license after an OWI revocation?: Iowa Code § 321J.17(1) sets a $200 civil penalty that must be paid before reinstatement or a temporary restricted license. Iowa DOT also lists a $20 reinstatement fee plus the license fee, completion of a drinking driver course, and a substance use disorder evaluation.
Does Iowa require an SR-22 after an OWI?: Yes. Iowa DOT states that reinstatement requires satisfactory proof of SR-22 insurance (or a residency statement for out-of-state residents), maintained for 2 years from the first day of the revocation; it is not needed for a 'zero tolerance' revocation.
Who approves ignition interlock devices in Iowa?: Iowa Code § 321J.4(8)(b) directs the commissioner of public safety to adopt rules approving devices. The Iowa DCI Laboratory (breathalcohol.iowa.gov) publishes the list of devices approved for use in Iowa and states that only devices using fuel cell technology may be installed.