How Long Does an SR-22 Last?
Last Updated on December 27, 2025
An SR-22 is a state-required certificate that proves you’re carrying at least the minimum auto liability coverage. It’s sometimes called “SR-22 insurance,” but it’s not a separate insurance policy—it’s paperwork your insurer files on your behalf.
So, how long does an SR-22 last? In many states, the SR-22 requirement is commonly around three years, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the state, the violation, and whether you keep your coverage active with no interruptions.
Key Takeaways
- An SR-22 is a state-filed certificate proving you carry at least the minimum required auto liability insurance—it’s not a separate “type” of insurance policy.
- In many states, SR-22 requirements commonly last about three years, but some states require shorter periods (like one or two years) and repeat violations can extend the timeline.
- Your SR-22 clock often starts when your license is eligible for reinstatement or when the state accepts the filing—not necessarily on the date of the ticket.
- Any lapse or cancellation during the SR-22 period can trigger a new suspension and may restart your required filing period, so continuous coverage is critical.
- What Is an SR-22?
- Who Needs an SR-22?
- How Long Does an SR-22 Last?
- SR-22 Filing Periods by State
- How Much Does an SR-22 Cost?
- How to Obtain an SR-22
- SR-22 vs. FR-44
- Moving to Another State While You Have an SR-22
- States That Don’t Use SR-22 Forms
- FAQs on How Long an SR-22 Lasts
- Final Word on How Long an SR-22 Lasts
What Is an SR-22?
An SR-22 is a Certificate of Financial Responsibility—proof to the state that you’re maintaining the legally required auto liability insurance. In other words, it’s documentation that you have financial responsibility to pay for damage or injuries you cause while driving.
You don’t file an SR-22 yourself. Your insurance company files it with your state (usually the DMV, Department of Licensing, or a similar agency) and is required to notify the state if your policy cancels or lapses.
Who Needs an SR-22?
States typically require an SR-22 after serious or repeated driving violations—especially when the state wants to monitor your insurance status for a period of time.
- Driving without insurance or a coverage lapse
- DUI/DWI and other major violations (insurers often discover these quickly—see how insurance companies find out about a DUI)
- Multiple tickets or a pattern of risky driving
- At-fault accidents (especially while uninsured)
- License suspension or reinstatement requirements
How Long Does an SR-22 Last?
The most common SR-22 requirement is about three years, but the exact time depends on your state and the reason you’re required to file. Some states require shorter filing periods (like one or two years), while repeat or severe violations can trigger longer requirements.
In many states, the clock starts when you become eligible to reinstate your license or when the state accepts your SR-22 filing—not necessarily on the date of your ticket. Your DMV notice or reinstatement letter usually explains your specific timeline.
During this period, you must keep continuous insurance. If your policy cancels or expires—even briefly—your insurer may report the lapse, and you could face another suspension or be forced to restart the SR-22 timeline.
What Happens If My SR-22 Policy Lapses?
If you miss payments, cancel your policy, or otherwise lose coverage, it can create a coverage lapse. In many states, that triggers an SR-22 cancellation notice from your insurer and can lead to an immediate suspended driver’s license until you reinstate coverage and re-file.
If you’re worried about an interruption, review what to do if your car insurance lapses and fix it as quickly as possible.
SR-22 Filing Periods by State
SR-22 rules vary by state, and the required length can also vary by violation. The table below shows common filing periods (or whether the state generally uses an SR-22 at all). Always confirm your exact requirement with your state notice or DMV.
| State | Common SR-22 Filing Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Alaska | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Arizona | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Arkansas | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| California | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Colorado | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Connecticut | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Delaware | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| Florida | Typically ~3 years | Some DUI cases require an FR-44 instead |
| Georgia | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Hawaii | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Idaho | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Illinois | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Indiana | As little as ~180 days | Often tied to insurance-related suspensions; can vary |
| Iowa | Commonly ~2 years | Can vary by suspension type |
| Kansas | Often ~1 year to ~3 years | Can vary based on the reason |
| Kentucky | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| Louisiana | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Maine | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Maryland | Not typically required | Uses an FR-19 process instead of SR-22 in many cases |
| Massachusetts | Varies | Confirm with your state notice |
| Michigan | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Minnesota | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| Mississippi | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Missouri | Typically ~3 years | Confirm with your state notice |
| Montana | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Nebraska | Commonly ~3 years | Often measured from reinstatement eligibility |
| Nevada | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| New Hampshire | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| New Jersey | Varies | Confirm with your state notice |
| New Mexico | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| New York | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| North Carolina | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| North Dakota | Commonly ~1 year | Often measured from reinstatement/TRL/crash date |
| Ohio | Often ~1 year | Some older/repeat cases can be longer |
| Oklahoma | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| Oregon | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Pennsylvania | Not typically required | Uses other compliance methods |
| Rhode Island | Not typically required | SR-22 requirement was discontinued |
| South Carolina | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| South Dakota | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Tennessee | Varies | Often tied to suspension/revocation terms |
| Texas | Commonly ~2 years | Often measured from conviction/judgment date |
| Utah | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Vermont | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Virginia | Typically ~3 years | Some DUI cases require an FR-44 instead |
| Washington | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Washington, D.C. | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| West Virginia | Varies | Confirm with your state notice |
| Wisconsin | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
| Wyoming | Typically ~3 years | Can vary by violation |
How Much Does an SR-22 Cost?
There are two costs to think about:
- The SR-22 filing fee: Usually a small one-time fee charged by your insurer (often in the ~$15–$50 range, but it varies).
- Your higher premium: The bigger cost is usually the insurance rate increase because the violation (DUI, no insurance, multiple tickets) makes you a higher-risk driver.
If you’re trying to reduce the premium impact, start by shopping around. It may be possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance depending on your state, record, and coverage needs.
Also remember: even after the SR-22 requirement ends, the underlying violation can still affect your rate. Here’s more on how traffic violations affect insurance premiums.
How to Obtain an SR-22
If your court or DMV tells you that you need an SR-22, the process is usually straightforward:
- Buy an auto policy (or update your current policy) that meets your state’s minimum liability limits.
- Ask your insurer to file the SR-22 with the state (many insurers file electronically).
- Pay the filing fee, if your insurer charges one.
- Keep coverage active for the full required period—no missed payments, no cancellations.
No car? You may still need an SR-22. In that case, ask about a non-owner policy (liability coverage for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but still need to reinstate driving privileges).
SR-22 vs. FR-44
Some states use a different certificate for certain offenses. The most common example is the FR-44, which is typically required after certain DUI convictions and usually requires higher liability limits than an SR-22.
If you’re in Florida or Virginia and your violation involves a DUI, confirm whether you need an SR-22 or an FR-44 using official state guidance: Florida DHSMV DUI FAQs and Virginia DMV Financial Responsibility Certifications.
Moving to Another State While You Have an SR-22
If you move, you usually still must satisfy the SR-22 requirement from the state that ordered it. Many drivers need an out-of-state SR-22 filing, meaning your insurer must file the certificate with the original state—even if you no longer live there.
Before you change policies or move, confirm:
- Whether your current insurer can file SR-22 paperwork in the state that requires it
- Whether your new state has separate reinstatement steps
- Your exact end date (get it in writing or confirm it on your DMV account/letter)
States That Don’t Use SR-22 Forms
A handful of states generally don’t use SR-22 certificates (they rely on different compliance systems or different forms). For example, Rhode Island discontinued the SR-22 requirement—see Rhode Island DMV guidance. Maryland often uses an FR-19 process instead—see Maryland MVA FR-19 information.
Because state rules change, treat any “no SR-22 state” list as a starting point and verify your requirements with the notice you received or your DMV.
FAQs on How Long an SR-22 Lasts
Final Word on How Long an SR-22 Lasts
Most drivers carry an SR-22 for about three years, but your state, your violation, and your compliance history can shorten or extend the requirement. The safest strategy is to keep your policy active with no lapses, confirm your SR-22 end date directly with the state, and only remove the filing once you know you’ve satisfied the requirement.
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