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What an SR-22 is
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. A court or your state DMV orders it; your insurance company files it electronically with the state. It confirms you carry at least your state’s minimum liability insurance. If your policy lapses or is cancelled while the SR-22 is required, your insurer must tell the state, which can suspend your license again.
Who needs one
- Drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI, or other serious alcohol or drug offenses
- Drivers convicted of reckless or negligent driving
- Drivers with several offenses in a short time
- Drivers caught driving uninsured or in an accident without insurance
- Drivers reinstating a suspended or revoked license, or getting a hardship license
How long you need it
Usually three years, and repeat violations can extend that to five. When the period starts differs by state. Keep continuous cover for the whole period, because a lapse can restart it. See our guide to how SR-22 filings work.
What it costs
| Cost | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| SR-22 filing fee | About $25 (often under $30) |
| Premium increase with an SR-22 after a single DUI | About $1,511 a year (Insurance.com) |
| Cheapest large insurer, minimum cover with SR-22 | Erie about $114 a month; GEICO about $136 |
| Non-owner SR-22 policy | About $574 a year on average |
Sources: Insurance.com (May 2026); MoneyGeek (Oct 2026); CarInsurance.com (July 2026).
The filing is cheap; the violation is what’s expensive. Our SR-22 cost guide compares insurers and explains how to lower the price.
SR-22 vs. FR-44
Florida and Virginia use an FR-44 for certain alcohol-related convictions. It works like an SR-22 but requires much higher liability limits, which makes it more expensive. Some states use variants such as the SR-22A in Georgia, Missouri and Texas. Eight states, including New York and Pennsylvania, don’t use SR-22 forms at all. See SR-22 requirements by state.
If you don’t own a car
You can still need an SR-22 to get your license back. A non-owner policy provides liability cover when you drive borrowed or rented cars, with an SR-22 attached. See SR-22 without a car.
How to get an SR-22
- Confirm the form, minimum limits and period required by your court or DMV.
- Ask your current insurer whether it files SR-22s; not all do.
- Compare quotes from insurers that write high-risk drivers; see our high-risk auto insurance guide.
- Buy the policy and pay the filing fee; the insurer files with the state, often the same day.
- Keep the policy in force for the full period and confirm with the DMV when it ends.
All SR-22 insurance guides
Frequently asked questions
Is SR-22 a type of insurance?
No. It’s a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you carry the required minimum liability insurance.
How long do I need an SR-22?
Usually three years, sometimes up to five for repeat violations. Check your court or DMV order.
How much does an SR-22 cost?
The filing fee is about $25. The bigger cost is the higher premium: about $1,511 a year more on average after a single DUI.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses?
Your insurer notifies the state, which can suspend your license and may restart the required filing period.
Can I get an SR-22 without a car?
Yes, through a non-owner car insurance policy with an SR-22 filing, averaging about $574 a year.
Sources
- Insurance.com – SR-22 insurance: how it works and what it costs (May 2026)
- MoneyGeek – Cheapest SR-22 insurance 2026 (Oct 2026)
- CarInsurance.com – Non-owner SR-22 insurance (July 2026)
- GEICO – SR-22 details
- CarInsurance.com – How much is car insurance? (Aug 2026)
- CarInsurance.com – Standard vs. nonstandard car insurance
Insurance prices, discounts and rules change often and vary by state. Figures were checked in October 2026; confirm details with the insurer or your state insurance department.