What Is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a form, filed by your insurance company with the state, certifying that you carry the liability insurance the state requires. States generally require one after certain suspensions or convictions, such as DUI, driving without insurance, or an unpaid accident judgment. How long you must keep it, and what triggers it, are set by each state. Florida and Virginia use a separate form, the FR-44, for DUI-related cases, with higher required liability limits.
What the law says
- The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles describes an SR-22 as a rider to an insurance policy in which the insurer guarantees you will keep insurance in effect for a certain period; it says the form itself is not an insurance policy. Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs
- The Texas Department of Public Safety says an SR-22 is a certificate filed by your car insurance carrier with the Department showing continued coverage; you cannot send in your policy or insurance card in its place. Texas Department of Public Safety, Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)
- In Texas, violations that can require an SR-22 include, but are not limited to, driving while intoxicated, drug offenses, driving while license invalid, and multiple convictions for having no motor vehicle liability insurance. The SR-22 must be kept for two years from the date of the most recent conviction. Texas Department of Public Safety, Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility)
- Virginia DMV says an SR-22 is required when a driving privilege is suspended or revoked for an unsatisfied judgment, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, or failure to maintain insurance coverage; an FR-44 is required for DUI-related convictions. Virginia DMV, A Guide to Reinstating Your Virginia Driving Privilege (DMV 292, 07/01/2026)
- In Virginia, the SR-22 or FR-44 must stay on file for three years from the suspension or revocation end date or the judgment satisfaction date. SR-22 limits are $25,000 for injury or death of one person, $50,000 for two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage; FR-44 limits are double: $50,000, $100,000, and $40,000. Virginia DMV, A Guide to Reinstating Your Virginia Driving Privilege (DMV 292, 07/01/2026)
- Virginia DMV says that if your policy is canceled during the required three-year period, the insurer notifies DMV, and DMV suspends or revokes your driving privilege until you provide a current SR-22 or FR-44. Virginia DMV, A Guide to Reinstating Your Virginia Driving Privilege (DMV 292, 07/01/2026)
- In Florida, a driver convicted of DUI after October 1, 2007 must obtain an FR-44 showing bodily injury liability coverage of $100,000/$300,000 and property damage liability of $50,000 (or a combined single limit of $350,000), and must maintain it for three years from the date the driving privilege is reinstated. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, DUI Frequently Asked Questions
- Iowa DOT says proof of financial responsibility is required from the first day of a suspension or revocation and for two years; an Iowa-authorized insurer files the SR-22, and failing to show or maintain proof suspends your license and registrations. Iowa DOT, Proof of Insurance After a Suspension (SR-22)
- Washington's Department of Licensing says the requirement in most cases lasts three years from the date you are eligible to reinstate your license, and that besides SR-22 insurance it accepts a $60,000 certificate of deposit or a $60,000 liability bond. Washington State Department of Licensing, Financial responsibility (SR-22)
- Colorado says the length of its SR-22 requirement depends on the offense, and that if you change insurance companies you need a new SR-22 filed before the old one goes out of effect. Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs
FAQ
Is an SR-22 a type of car insurance?
No. Colorado's DMV says the SR-22 form is not an insurance policy; it is the insurer's guarantee to the state that you will keep the required insurance in effect for a certain period.
Do I need an SR-22 if I don't own a car?
In Virginia, yes. Virginia DMV says a person who does not own a vehicle must file an operator's policy, which gives the listed driver proof of financial responsibility to operate vehicles but does not insure any vehicle. Texas similarly says drivers without a vehicle may obtain a non-owner's SR-22 policy.
How long do I have to keep an SR-22?
It depends on the state and the reason. Virginia, for example, requires three years from the suspension or revocation end date or the judgment satisfaction date, while Texas and Iowa use two-year periods.
What happens if my SR-22 coverage lapses?
In Texas, letting SR-22 coverage lapse means your license or driving privilege is re-suspended, and reinstating requires a new SR-22 and a $100 reinstatement fee.
What is an FR-44?
It is a separate financial responsibility certification. Virginia requires an FR-44 for certain convictions, including driving under the influence, and its FR-44 liability limits are double the SR-22 limits.
How do I file an SR-22?
Your insurance company files it. Virginia DMV says to have your insurer file the SR-22 or FR-44 electronically with DMV.
Related
- What Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Mean?
- What Is No-Fault Car Insurance?
- What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
- Car Insurance & Vehicle Laws by state
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.