What Is an SR-22?
SR-22 isn’t a policy — it’s a certificate of financial responsibility your insurer files with your state to prove you carry the required liability insurance after certain violations. Drivers can’t file it themselves; insurers submit it electronically to the state licensing authority and must also notify the state if the policy cancels, which typically leads to re-suspension until a new filing is on record (California DMV; Washington State DOL). Requirements vary by state: most states use SR‑22, while Florida and Virginia use an FR‑44 with higher liability limits for many DUI-related reinstatements (Florida FLHSMV; Virginia DMV). A few states, including North Carolina and New York, do not use SR‑22/FR‑44 for in‑state reinstatement (North Carolina DMV; New York DMV).
Who needs an SR-22?
- DUI/DWI – After a DUI, many states require continuous proof of financial responsibility. Florida and Virginia generally require an FR‑44 for DUI-related reinstatements with higher liability limits (FL commonly 100/300/50; VA at least 60/120/40) that must be kept continuously, typically for about three years (FLHSMV; Virginia DMV).
- An at-fault accident without insurance – If you cause a crash while uninsured, states often require an SR‑22 for reinstatement; insurers must notify the state if your filing lapses, which can trigger immediate re‑suspension until a new filing is received (Illinois Secretary of State; Washington State DOL).
- Repeat or serious traffic offenses – Reckless driving, major violations, or multiple offenses within a short period commonly trigger SR‑22 requirements; continuous coverage without lapse is critical to avoid additional suspensions (California DMV; Washington State DOL).
- Revoked or suspended driver’s license – SR‑22 may be ordered as a condition of reinstatement for various suspensions/revocations, with the duration specified by the state’s notice. Note that North Carolina and New York do not use SR‑22/FR‑44 for in‑state reinstatement.
How do you get an SR-22?
- Research the process in your state. Each state will have a different process for SR‑22 certification. Confirm your filing type and duration on your state’s site or reinstatement notice. Three years is common (e.g., California, Illinois, Washington), while Texas commonly requires two years from conviction or crash (Texas DPS). Florida and Virginia use an FR‑44 with higher limits for DUI cases (FLHSMV; Virginia DMV). A few states (e.g., North Carolina, New York) do not use SR‑22/FR‑44 for in‑state reinstatement.
- Get an insurance policy first. Before the filing can be submitted, you need a policy. Carriers that commonly file SR‑22s include large nationals and high‑risk specialists: Progressive, State Farm, National General (Allstate), Dairyland, and Direct Auto — availability varies by state and risk profile, and many can file for non‑owner policies when you don’t own a car (Progressive; State Farm; National General; Dairyland; Direct Auto). The nonstandard market that serves many SR‑22 drivers remains tighter than earlier years, so compare quotes across both standard and specialist carriers (AM Best personal lines outlook).
- Request SR-22 certification. Ask your insurer to e‑file the SR‑22 (or FR‑44 where required) with the correct state. Most states accept electronic submissions; if your policy cancels, the insurer must notify the state and your license is typically suspended again until a new filing is on record (Washington State DOL). Some states recognize filing types such as owner, operator (non‑owner), and owner‑operator — choose the type that matches how you drive (Wisconsin DOT).
- Follow up. Verify the filing posted and budget for separate state reinstatement fees beyond insurance. Examples: California DUI APS reissue fee $125 (California DMV APS); Illinois reinstatement fees — $500 for revocations and $70 for suspensions (Illinois SOS fees); Texas commonly $100 for safety‑responsibility/insurance cases (Texas DPS reinstatement). Insurers typically charge a modest SR‑22/FR‑44 filing fee (about $15–$50), and a new filing fee may apply if you lapse and must refile (Progressive; Bankrate).
How much does an SR-22 cost?
Direct filing fees are small compared with the premium impact. Insurers typically charge about $15–$50 to submit an SR‑22/FR‑44 (often around $25), and they may charge again if a lapse requires refiling. The major cost is the higher auto insurance premium associated with the underlying violation that triggered the filing — many drivers pay roughly 60%–100% more on average, with significant state‑by‑state and insurer variation (Progressive; Bankrate; ValuePenguin). State reinstatement/reissue fees (separate from insurance) can add tens to hundreds of dollars depending on the state and action (Illinois SOS fees; California DMV APS; Texas DPS).
Your car insurance premium will also be higher
Premium increases reflect the violation, not the SR‑22 form. National analyses in 2025 show average premiums after a DUI rise roughly 57%–71% depending on methodology, with reckless driving often similar, at‑fault crashes around +40%–50%, and no‑insurance/lapse violations about +20%–35% (NerdWallet; The Zebra; Bankrate). In FR‑44 states, required liability minimums are substantially higher — Florida commonly 100/300/50 and Virginia at least 60/120/40 — which pushes premiums higher than a minimum‑limits SR‑22 (FLHSMV insurance requirements; Virginia DMV FR‑44). Broader market pressure has also raised premiums in 2025, with industry sources citing ongoing double‑digit insurance inflation through 2024 into 2025, compounding costs for high‑risk drivers (Insurance Information Institute). Consider enrolling in telematics/usage‑based programs, which many carriers now use to price actual driving behavior and may offer a path to lower rates over 6–12 months for safer driving (LexisNexis 2025 Auto Trends; CMT distracted driving 2025).
SR-22 for non-owners
Even if you don’t own a car, you may still need to get your driving privileges back. The typical approach is a non‑owner (named‑operator) liability policy with an SR‑22 attached; it proves you carry the state‑required liability coverage and can satisfy most SR‑22 orders (Insurance Information Institute; Progressive non‑owner). Non‑owner policies are liability‑only and usually secondary to the vehicle’s policy; they generally exclude vehicles you own, household vehicles, and any car available for your regular use (Progressive non‑owner).
The process for getting SR‑22 for non‑owners is similar to owners: confirm the form and duration with your state, buy a non‑owner policy from a carrier that files SR‑22s, and have the insurer e‑file the certificate. States explicitly recognize filing types like owner, operator (non‑owner), and owner‑operator; pick the one that matches how you drive (Wisconsin DOT). Keep coverage continuous — any lapse triggers insurer notice and re‑suspension (Washington State DOL). If a DUI led to your suspension in Florida or Virginia, you’ll likely need an FR‑44 (higher limits) rather than an SR‑22 (FLHSMV financial responsibility; Virginia DMV SR‑22/FR‑44 overview). Providers with broad SR‑22/non‑owner capabilities include Progressive, State Farm, Dairyland, Direct Auto, and National General; many can e‑file the same day or within 24–48 hours (Progressive; State Farm; Dairyland; Direct Auto; National General).
When SR-22 ends?
Duration depends on state and offense, but three years of continuous proof is common. Examples: California, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Virginia, and Wisconsin generally require three years; Texas commonly requires two years from conviction or judgment; Florida and Virginia use FR‑44 with a typical three‑year period for DUI; Ohio’s requirement ranges from three to five years depending on the suspension/conviction type (California DMV; Illinois SOS SR‑22; Washington DOL SR‑22; Oregon DMV; Virginia DMV SR‑22/FR‑44; Wisconsin DMV; Texas DPS SR‑22; FLHSMV DUI; Ohio BMV).
You’ll be notified by the state of the exact filing type and timeframe. The requirement comes from the DMV/DPS/BMV, not the criminal court, and must be maintained continuously; if there’s a lapse, the insurer reports it (often via an SR‑26), and your license can be suspended again until a new filing is accepted — potentially extending how long you must maintain proof (Illinois SOS; Washington State DOL).
What’s Next?
- Learn more about filing an SR-22 form to get started on the process. Also review your state’s official guidance for duration, limits, and fees (for example: California DMV, Illinois SOS, Texas DPS, Washington DOL, FLHSMV, Virginia DMV).
- Check out the best car insurance companies to learn which are best for high-risk drivers, and compare both national carriers and high‑risk specialists that can e‑file SR‑22/FR‑44.
- Never drink and drive, and make sure you carry your state’s minimum car insurance requirements. If you’re in Florida or Virginia after a DUI, confirm FR‑44 limits (FL 100/300/50; VA 60/120/40) before you buy coverage (FLHSMV insurance requirements; Virginia DMV FR‑44).
