ISS is a code that marks your license as suspended or revoked by the state
ISS stands for "Ignition Interlock System" or sometimes appears as a restriction code meaning your license has a suspension or revocation status tied to a specific violation. The exact meaning depends on your state's abbreviation system. In most cases, when ISS appears on your license, it indicates you are not legally allowed to drive, and attempting to do so can result in criminal charges separate from the original violation.
The most common reason ISS appears is a DUI or DWI conviction. Many states require an ignition interlock device—a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle—as a condition of driving after an alcohol-related offense. Other reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension (if a doctor reports you as unsafe to drive), or accumulating too many points on your record.
If you see ISS on your license, you should not drive. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency to find out the specific reason for the code and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- ISS on your license means your driving privileges are suspended or revoked by your state, and driving is illegal.
- The most common cause is a DUI or DWI conviction, which often requires an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle.
- Other reasons include unpaid fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or accumulating too many traffic violations.
- You must contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn the exact reason and what you need to do to restore your license.
- Driving with an ISS suspension is a separate criminal offense and can result in arrest, fines, and jail time.
How ISS suspensions happen
An ISS suspension is imposed by a court or the DMV, not something that appears by accident. When you are convicted of DUI or DWI, the judge typically orders a suspension period—often 6 months to 2 years depending on whether it is a first offense and the circumstances. During that time, your license is marked with ISS, and you cannot legally operate a vehicle.
If your state requires an ignition interlock device, you may be allowed to drive only vehicles equipped with the device after the initial hard suspension period ends. The device prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must blow into it before starting the car and at random intervals while driving.
Suspensions can also result from accumulating too many points on your driving record. Each state has a threshold—often 12 to 15 points within a certain period—and once you cross it, the DMV automatically suspends your license. Unpaid traffic fines and failure to appear in court can also trigger ISS status.
What you cannot do while ISS is on your license
You cannot legally drive any vehicle, even if someone else owns it or if it is a rental. Police can stop you for any traffic violation, and if they discover your license is suspended, you face arrest. The charge is typically "driving with a suspended license" and is a separate offense from whatever caused the suspension in the first place.
Penalties for driving on a suspended license vary by state but commonly include fines ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, jail time (sometimes up to 90 days for a first offense), and an additional license suspension period. A second or third offense carries steeper penalties. Your insurance company will also drop your coverage if they learn you drove while suspended.
If you are caught driving with ISS on your license, you will also face difficulty restoring your license later, because the court may extend the suspension period or add additional requirements.
How to find out why ISS is on your license
Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles directly by phone, online portal, or in person. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The DMV can tell you the reason for the suspension, the date it began, and the date it is scheduled to end.
If you do not know which state issued your license, check the license itself—the state name appears at the top. If you moved and are unsure which state's DMV to contact, search "[your state] DMV" online and look for the official government website, not a third-party service.
Write down the suspension end date and any requirements listed—such as paying a reinstatement fee, completing a DUI education course, or installing an ignition interlock device. These requirements must be completed before your license can be restored, even after the suspension period ends.
Steps to restore your license after ISS suspension
First, wait until the suspension period has ended. You cannot restore your license early unless a court grants you a hardship or work permit, which is rare and requires showing that you need to drive for employment or medical reasons.
Once the suspension period is over, complete any requirements the DMV listed. If you were ordered to install an ignition interlock device, you must have it installed by a certified vendor and provide proof to the DMV. If you were required to take a DUI education course, enroll and complete it, then submit your certificate to the DMV.
Pay any reinstatement fee your state charges. This is a separate fee from your regular license renewal and typically ranges from $50 to $300 depending on the state and reason for suspension. Submit all documents and fees to the DMV by mail or in person, depending on your state's process. Once approved, you will receive a new license without the ISS code.
Ignition interlock devices and ISS
If your suspension is related to a DUI or DWI, your state may require an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of restoring your driving privileges. This is a small breathalyzer unit wired to your vehicle's ignition system. Before the engine will start, you must blow into the device. If it detects alcohol above a set threshold (usually 0.02 percent), the car will not start.
You must pay for the device installation and monthly monitoring fees yourself, typically $60 to $150 per month. The device records all tests and reports them to the DMV. If you fail a test or try to tamper with the device, the DMV is notified and your suspension may be extended.
The length of time you must use an IID varies by state and offense history. A first DUI offense might require 6 months to 1 year of IID use. Repeat offenses require longer periods. Once you have completed the required time without violations, you can request removal of the device and restoration of your full driving privileges.
Hardship and work permits during suspension
Some states allow you to request a hardship permit or work permit while your license is suspended, but this is not automatic and is granted only in specific circumstances. You must show that you have a genuine need to drive—such as a job you cannot reach by public transportation, medical treatment you must attend, or court-ordered obligations like probation meetings.
To request a hardship permit, contact your state's DMV and ask about the process. You will likely need to provide documentation such as a job offer letter, proof of medical appointments, or a court order. Even if approved, a hardship permit usually restricts where and when you can drive—for example, only to and from work during specific hours.
A hardship permit is not the same as license restoration. Once your suspension period ends and you complete all requirements, you must still go through the full reinstatement process to get your regular license back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if ISS is on my license?
No. ISS means your license is suspended or revoked, and driving is illegal. You can be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license, which is a separate criminal offense. Do not drive until your suspension is lifted and you have completed all reinstatement requirements.
How long does an ISS suspension last?
The length depends on the reason for suspension and your state's laws. DUI suspensions typically last 6 months to 2 years for a first offense. Other suspensions may be shorter or longer. Contact your state's DMV with your license number to find out your specific end date.
What happens if I get caught driving with ISS on my license?
You will be arrested and charged with driving with a suspended license. Penalties include fines, jail time, and an extended suspension period. Your insurance will be cancelled, and restoring your license later will be more difficult. The charge is separate from whatever caused the original suspension.
Do I have to install an ignition interlock device?
Only if your state requires it as part of your DUI or DWI sentence. The judge or DMV will tell you if an IID is mandatory. You pay for installation and monthly monitoring yourself. If you refuse to install one when ordered, your suspension will not be lifted.
Can I get my license back before the suspension ends?
Rarely. You would need to request a hardship or work permit from the DMV and prove you have a genuine need to drive for work, medical care, or court obligations. Even if approved, a hardship permit restricts where and when you can drive and is not a full license restoration.