SR-22 Insurance in Missouri
When Missouri requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: To reinstate after a suspension for failing to maintain insurance, the driver must file proof of liability insurance, most commonly an SR-22 filing, and keep it on file with the Department of Revenue for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. Missouri Department of Revenue, Insurance Information
| SR-22 filing | To reinstate after a suspension for failing to maintain insurance, the driver must file proof of liability insurance, most commonly an SR-22 filing, and keep it on file with the Department of Revenue for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. If the proof lapses, the license and/or plates are suspended again for the rest of the three years unless proof is refiled and a $20 reinstatement fee is paid. If an accident is involved, an SR-22 filing is required; an insurance ID card is not acceptable. |
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| Driving without insurance | Driving or keeping a registered vehicle without insurance is a misdemeanor: a class D misdemeanor for a first violation; for a second or later violation, up to 15 days in jail and a fine of $200 to $500. No one is found guilty if they show the court they were insured when the citation was written. The court must also notify the Department of Revenue and may suspend the driving privilege or assess points. The department suspends the license and/or plates: for a first violation until proof of insurance and a $20 reinstatement fee; a second within two years, 90 days and a $200 fee; a third or more, one year and a $400 fee. Suspension periods and fees: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=303.042 Source: RSMo §303.025.3; §303.042.2 |
More Missouri car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Missouri
- Driving Without Insurance in Missouri
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Missouri
- Transferring a Car Title in Missouri
- All Missouri car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When do you need an SR-22 in Missouri, and for how long?
To reinstate after a suspension for failing to maintain insurance, the driver must file proof of liability insurance, most commonly an SR-22 filing, and keep it on file with the Department of Revenue for three years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate. If the proof lapses, the license and/or plates are suspended again for the rest of the three years unless proof is refiled and a $20 reinstatement fee is paid. If an accident is involved, an SR-22 filing is required; an insurance ID card is not acceptable.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Missouri?
Driving or keeping a registered vehicle without insurance is a misdemeanor: a class D misdemeanor for a first violation; for a second or later violation, up to 15 days in jail and a fine of $200 to $500. No one is found guilty if they show the court they were insured when the citation was written. The court must also notify the Department of Revenue and may suspend the driving privilege or assess points. The department suspends the license and/or plates: for a first violation until proof of insurance and a $20 reinstatement fee; a second within two years, 90 days and a $200 fee; a third or more, one year and a $400 fee.
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.