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SR-22 Insurance in Arizona

When Arizona requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.

Short answer: Proof of future financial responsibility (an insurer's certificate, commonly called an SR-22, or a State Treasurer certificate for a $40,000 cash or certificate-of-deposit deposit) is required to reinstate a license, registration and plates after a suspension for driving uninsured. Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-4141, 28-4076, 28-4084, 28-4088, 28-4081

SR-22 filingProof of future financial responsibility (an insurer's certificate, commonly called an SR-22, or a State Treasurer certificate for a $40,000 cash or certificate-of-deposit deposit) is required to reinstate a license, registration and plates after a suspension for driving uninsured. MVD may waive the proof requirement any time after three years from the date proof was required, or on the person's death or permanent incapacity, or if the person surrenders license and registration (in which case proof must be re-established for the rest of the three years if the person applies again). An insurer that has certified a policy cannot cancel it until at least 10 days after filing a cancellation notice with MVD.
Other sections: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/04141.htm ; https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/04081.htm Re-verified 2026-10-27.
Driving without insuranceDriving without required insurance is a civil violation. First violation: minimum civil penalty of $500 and a three-month driver license suspension (or restricted driving privileges, after MVD verifies current insurance). Second violation within 36 months: minimum $750 and a six-month suspension of the driver license and the vehicle's registration and plates. Third or later violation within 36 months: minimum $1,000 and a one-year suspension of license, registration and plates, with proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) required to reinstate. After a suspension ends, the license stays suspended until the driver files proof of financial responsibility and pays a $10 fee, and the registration and plates stay suspended until proof is filed and a $25 fee is paid. A court may reduce or waive the penalty for a driver with no violation in the past 24 months (or no more than one in 36 months) who buys a six-month policy.
Other sections: https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/04141.htm ; https://www.azleg.gov/ars/28/04137.htm Re-verified 2026-10-27.

More Arizona car insurance & vehicle laws

FAQ

When do you need an SR-22 in Arizona, and for how long?
Proof of future financial responsibility (an insurer's certificate, commonly called an SR-22, or a State Treasurer certificate for a $40,000 cash or certificate-of-deposit deposit) is required to reinstate a license, registration and plates after a suspension for driving uninsured. MVD may waive the proof requirement any time after three years from the date proof was required, or on the person's death or permanent incapacity, or if the person surrenders license and registration (in which case proof must be re-established for the rest of the three years if the person applies again). An insurer that has certified a policy cannot cancel it until at least 10 days after filing a cancellation notice with MVD.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Arizona?
Driving without required insurance is a civil violation. First violation: minimum civil penalty of $500 and a three-month driver license suspension (or restricted driving privileges, after MVD verifies current insurance). Second violation within 36 months: minimum $750 and a six-month suspension of the driver license and the vehicle's registration and plates. Third or later violation within 36 months: minimum $1,000 and a one-year suspension of license, registration and plates, with proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) required to reinstate. After a suspension ends, the license stays suspended until the driver files proof of financial responsibility and pays a $10 fee, and the registration and plates stay suspended until proof is filed and a $25 fee is paid. A court may reduce or waive the penalty for a driver with no violation in the past 24 months (or no more than one in 36 months) who buys a six-month policy.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.