How Much Is an Ignition Interlock Device Per Month? [Explained]
Ready to install?
If you are ready to install an ignition interlock, schedule your appointment today!
If you just found out that you need to install an ignition interlock device (IID), you probably have a long list of questions.
How soon do you need to have it installed? How long will you have to use it? And, perhaps most importantly, how much is it going to cost per month?
If you’re trying to make sense of all of this while dealing with the rest of your IID requirements, we get it.
At LifeSafer, we believe you should know what you’re paying before you commit, which is why our transparent ignition interlock pricing lays out every charge up front. Also, you won’t pay a dime until your device is finally installed, which is not something all our competitors can say.
So, what should you actually expect to pay? Here’s a closer look at the typical cost of an ignition interlock device, what you’re paying for each month, and the top factors that can affect your total pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Monthly lease costs typically run about $50–$120, depending on your state, provider, and program requirements.
- The monthly lease isn’t the whole cost — expect a one-time installation fee (about $70–$150), recurring calibration fees (about $25 every 30–90 days), and a one-time removal fee (about $40–$100) at the end of your IID program.
- Costs vary significantly by state since each state sets its own rules for calibration frequency, monitoring, and required equipment — so compare total program cost, not just the advertised monthly rate.
- Financial assistance may be available for qualifying drivers, so it’s worth checking with your state before assuming you have to cover the full cost yourself.
What Does the Monthly Ignition Interlock Fee Actually Cover?
When you see a monthly IID price, it’s easy to assume that’s the amount you’ll be charged every month. Sometimes it is, but there can also be other costs to account for.
The way providers structure their prices varies, but you’ll generally encounter three types of ongoing costs:
- Device lease or rental: This is the basic cost of having the ignition interlock in your vehicle. A typical IID monthly rental fee is about $50–$120, depending on your state and program.
- Calibration and maintenance: An IID needs to be checked periodically to make sure it’s reading breath samples accurately and working as it should. How often you need a calibration depends on your state’s requirements, but calibrations generally occur every 30 to 90 days. Interlock calibration fees may be included in your monthly price or charged separately.
- Monitoring and reporting: Your device records information about breath tests and other events during your program. Depending on your state’s requirements, that information may need to be sent to a court, DMV, or other monitoring authority. Some providers include the associated costs in their pricing, while others list them separately.
This is why it’s worth looking beyond the number in a big, bold font on a provider’s website. A $50 monthly price isn’t necessarily cheaper than a $70 price if the first provider adds several fees along the way.
LifeSafer takes a straightforward, transparent approach to IID pricing, providing upfront quotes and charging you only when the device is installed.
Full Cost Breakdown: One-Time vs. Recurring Fees
The easiest way to see where your money goes is to break the cost down by step. Some fees occur once, while others continue for the duration you have the IID.
Step | Cost/typical expense | One-time fee | Recurring fee |
Installation fee | About $70–$150 | ✓ | — |
Removal fee | About $40–$100 | ✓ | — |
Monthly lease | About $50–$120 per month | — | ✓ |
Calibration appointments | About $25 every 1-3 months | — | ✓ |
These are general cost ranges. Your actual fees may vary based on your state, vehicle, program requirements, and provider.
One-Time IID Costs
Installation
Getting the device installed is usually your first significant expense. LifeSafer reports typical installation costs of about $70–150, although prices can vary by state, service location, and vehicle.
Your car can make a difference here. Newer vehicles, push-button starts, remote-start systems, and other electronics can sometimes require additional installation considerations.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure out how your car’s wiring works yourself. Certified LifeSafer technicians use vehicle-specific installation information to connect the device.
Setup or Enrollment
Depending on your state and program, there may be administrative or state-specific charges when you get started. LifeSafer, however, does not charge a setup or enrollment fee in most states.
Ask about these when you request a quote so you know what you’ll owe before installation.
Removal
Don’t assume that reaching the end of your required term automatically means you can take it out. Your state or monitoring authority may need to authorize removal first, and the provider handles the actual service.
Once you’ve completed your IID requirement, the device needs to be professionally removed. LifeSafer offers professional removal at a competitive rate to help you with this final stage.
Recurring Monthly IID Costs
Monthly Ignition Interlock Device Lease
This is generally the biggest ongoing expense. LifeSafer’s general pricing range is about $50–$120 per month, although your state and program requirements determine what you’ll actually pay.
Recurring Calibration Appointments
Your IID will need periodic calibration appointments to make sure it continues to work accurately.
Calibrations generally occur every 30 to 90 days, depending on the state, and typically cost around $25, although the actual amounts vary. LifeSafer often bundles the calibration fee into the monthly device lease, which can make a meaningful difference over several months.
How Much Does an Interlock Device Cost Per Year?
There’s no single number that applies to everyone, but you can use a simple estimate to get a feel for the cost.
For example:
- Installation: About $70–$150
- Monthly lease: About $50–$120 × 12 months = $600–$1,440 per year
- Calibration appointments: About $25 every 1-3 months = $100 – $300 per year
- First-year total: Roughly $770–$1,890
This estimate doesn’t include additional state fees, separately charged calibration, removal, or other program-specific expenses. Your actual total could be higher or lower.
The length of your program matters, too. If you’re required to use an IID for six months, you’ll make fewer lease payments than someone who needs one for 18 months. The monthly price can be the same, but the total cost will be quite different.
That’s why the cheapest-looking monthly payment isn’t always the cheapest option overall. If you’re comparing providers, look at what you can expect to spend for the entire time you’ll need the device, not just the first month’s bill.
Why Does Interlock Device Cost Vary by State?
There’s a reason you may see several different prices when you search for an IID. The rules aren’t the same everywhere, so neither is the price.
Each state sets its own requirements for ignition interlock programs. These rules can determine:
- How long you’ll need the device
- How frequently it must be calibrated
- What information must be reported
- What equipment you’ll need
- Whether certain fees are capped or regulated
- Whether financial assistance is available for qualifying drivers
For example, one state may require a calibration every 30 days, while another may allow a longer interval. Some programs require additional features, such as cameras or other monitoring equipment. Some states also offer financial assistance to qualifying drivers.
All of those requirements can affect what you pay.
Your vehicle is another piece of the puzzle. The IID itself may be the same basic type of device, but installing it in a newer vehicle with push-button or remote start can involve different considerations than installing it in an older, simpler vehicle.
LifeSafer operates in all 50 states and tailors its pricing to each state’s specific requirements. So, a driver in California, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, or Ohio may see a different cost structure based on the IID rules in their state.
If you’re curious about the actual cost of an IID for you, a state-specific quote is the best way to get an answer that actually applies to you.
What Factors Affect Your Monthly Ignition Interlock Cost?
Two drivers can use the same type of IID and end up paying different amounts. A handful of details can change the bill.
- State regulations: Your state determines many of the rules you’ll have to follow, including calibration schedules, reporting requirements, and applicable fees.
- Vehicle Type: Installation requirements vary between vehicles. Newer cars, push-button starts, remote-start systems, and certain electronics can make installation more involved.
- Program length: Every month you have the device means another lease payment. If your required term changes, so does your total cost.
- IID provider: Providers don’t all structure their pricing the same way. One may offer a lower monthly lease but charge separately for services another provider includes. Ask for the total expected cost instead of comparing monthly prices alone.
- Financial assistance eligibility: If paying for an IID is difficult, don’t automatically assume you’re on your own. Some states have assistance programs for qualifying drivers, although the requirements and amount of help available vary.
The important thing is to understand your costs before installation day. Once the device is in your vehicle, you don’t want to discover that you misunderstood what the quoted price included.
Can You Get Financial Assistance for an Ignition Interlock Device?
If you’re looking at the monthly cost and thinking, “I genuinely don’t know how I’m going to pay for this”, check whether your state offers assistance before assuming you have no options.
Many states have financial assistance programs for drivers who meet certain income or financial-hardship requirements.
Some may help with specific IID expenses, while others may cover a broader portion of the program. Eligibility requirements can vary significantly, and you may need to provide documentation or get approval before receiving assistance.
The important part is to check early. Waiting until you’re already dealing with installation and monthly payments can make an already stressful process harder.
LifeSafer’s state specialists can help you understand what financial assistance may be available to you, how to navigate the application process, and explore payment options.
Why Choose LifeSafer for Your Ignition Interlock Program?
If you’re going to have an IID in your vehicle for months, the price matters, but so do the little things that can make the experience easier or harder.
LifeSafer’s top-rated IID is designed to be small and discreet, with a compact handset that’s easy to keep within reach without taking over your dashboard.
Pricing matters, too. LifeSafer provides upfront quotes and focuses on transparent pricing so you know what you’re agreeing to before installation.
Our nationwide service network gives customers access to state-certified installation and service locations, while our state specialists can help explain the requirements specific to your IID program.
Get started online or call us at 800-634-3077 to get a free quote today. We’ll walk you through the costs for your state and vehicle so you know what to expect before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which interlock device is the cheapest?
There isn’t one device that’s always the cheapest. Your state, vehicle, calibration schedule, monitoring requirements, and provider fees can all affect what you ultimately pay. A low advertised monthly rate may also not include costs you’ll have to pay separately, so compare the complete program rather than just the headline price.
Can an interlock device drain my car battery?
A properly installed IID is designed so very little power is used when your vehicle is off, which helps minimize battery drain. Your battery’s age and condition, how often you drive, and the quality of the installation can still affect battery performance, especially if the vehicle sits unused for long periods.
Does the monthly interlock fee include calibration?
It depends on your state and provider. Calibration may be included in your monthly charge or billed separately, and the required interval varies by state. When you get a quote, ask specifically whether the interlock calibration fee is included and how often you’ll need to bring the vehicle in.
Can I purchase my own interlock device?
Generally, no. If an IID is required by a court or state program, you usually need to use a device and provider approved for that program. The device also needs to be installed, monitored, calibrated, and eventually removed in alignment with your state’s rules, so buying one independently typically won’t satisfy the requirement.
This blog is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, safety, or other professional advice. Content may not reflect the most current legal, regulatory, or technological developments. Any examples, comparisons, or cost references are intended to provide general awareness only. To the fullest extent permitted by law, LifeSafer disclaims all liability for any action taken or not taken in reliance on this content. Please consult a qualified legal or safety professional for advice specific to your situation.