An SR-22 is a form that no driver ever wants to see. If you’ve been ordered to get an SR-22, you’ve likely committed a serious traffic offense, such as driving while intoxicated.

What’s the purpose of an SR-22? This document, issued to high-risk drivers by insurance companies, proves to your state’s department of motor vehicles that you carry at least the minimum amount of car insurance mandated under state law. Most, but not all, states have SR-22 requirements.

What Is an SR 22?

An SR-22 may look different from state to state, but it’s often just a generic one-page, black-and-white document.

An SR-22 isn’t a type of car insurance. Rather, it’s a document that some high-risk drivers (such as those convicted of drunk driving) might be required to file with a state agency through their car insurance company. The certificate proves the motorist who’s listed carries the minimum amount of car insurance mandated by their state.

Typically, an SR-22 is mandated after a serious traffic or insurance violation, such as being convicted of DWI.

In some states, SR-22s go by different names, such as S-22 bonds, FR-44s or certificates of financial responsibility.

The Form and Format of an SR-22

In general, SR-22s look similar, and they’re pretty simple to fill out.

Document Structure and Sections

Here’s a general breakdown of what appears on an SR-22 certificate, although this might differ from one insurer to another:

• Name and address of insured driver
• Insurance policy number
• Driver’s license number of certificate holder
• Birthdate of certificate holder
• Effective date of SR-22
• Trade name, model year and vehicle identification number (VIN) of insured vehicle
• Check boxes to note whether the certificate is for a vehicle owner or a vehicle operator (non-owner)
• Name of insurance company
• Insurance company’s official identification number from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
• Signature of authorized representative of insurance company

Structure of an SR-22

As mentioned previously, the look of an SR-22 might differ from insurer to insurer. Here’s an example of the structure of one SR-22:

• At the top of the form, you’ll see “SR-22” in the lefthand corner and the words “Financial Responsibility Form” center in the middle.
• Under that, you’ll see a horizontal box with four columns. The first column is designated for your case number, the second for your driver’s license, the third for your date of birth, and the fourth for your Social Security number.
• Beneath that box are the words “Current Policy Number,” followed by a line for filling in that number.
• To the right of the policy number is a similar spot for filling in the effective date of the SR-22.
• Next, you’ll see a section where you’ll check a box indicating whether the SR-22 applies to an owner’s policy or an operator’s (non-owner’s) policy.
• If you check the owner’s policy box, you’ll fill in information in a three-column box, with the first column indicating the model year, the second column indicating trade name and the third column indicating the VIN for any vehicle or vehicles covered by the policy.
• If you check the operator’s policy box, you won’t need to fill in any information.
• Below the owner’s and operator’s section is a line followed by the words “Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate.” On this line, you’ll put the name of your state.
• The final section will be completed by your insurance company. You’ll see a place for listing the name of the insurance company and the company’s NAIC code. Beneath that information, a representative of your insurance company will put the date and their signature.

Why and When Is an SR-22 Needed?

The reasons for needing an SR-22 vary from state to state. They include driving without insurance, having your license suspended, being convicted of DWI, racking up too many traffic offenses or causing an accident when you weren’t carrying insurance.

Typically, a court or a state department of motor vehicles will inform you if you need to obtain an SR-22.

“An SR-22 assures the state that a driver has sufficient insurance coverage. Not all drivers are required to file an SR-22. Usually, this form is necessary because the state has determined a driver to be high risk,” according to insurance provider USAA.

Keep in mind that not all states require SR-22s (or similar forms). The eight states that don’t require them are:

• Delaware
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania

Obtaining an SR-22: Process and Requirements

To get an SR-22, your best bet is to reach out to a company that specializes in SR-22 coverage. Many insurers, and perhaps even your current insurer, don’t provide SR-22 coverage.

The minimum amount of coverage you’ll need with an SR-22 depends on where you live. Most states require a minimum amount of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage, and some may insist that you carry other kinds of coverage (such as personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage).

Texas, for example, requires at least $30,000 in liability coverage for each injured person, up to a total of $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This basic coverage is known as 30/60/25.

Information and Fees Required for an SR-22

A driver will need to have the following information on hand when they’re obtaining an SR-22 from an insurance company, according to USAA:

• Driver’s date of birth
• Driver’s Social Security number
• Driver’s license number and state
• License suspension date
• Expiration date or relief date, also referred to as the date the SR-22 is no longer required
• Reason for SR-22 and any related conviction information

This information is needed whether you’re requesting an SR-22 for yourself or another driver on your policy.

Unless you fill out an SR-22 form on your own, your insurance company will send it to you and your state’s department of motor vehicles.

The fee for filing an SR-22 is around $25.

Aside from that fee, you may be required to pay your entire premium, rather than paying it month to month, once your insurer issues an SR-22. If that’s the case, expect to come up with six or 12 months’ worth of premiums all at once.

How Long Does an SR-22 Stay on Your Record?

Each state sets its own rules regarding how long an SR-22 stays on your record. Generally, you should expect it to be on your record for three years, although this period may range from one to five years. An SR-22 in Texas, for instance, is required for two years.

“If you need an SR-22, it’s important to know when the clock starts ticking,” says the Investopedia personal finance website. “For example, the window of time you’re required to have the certificate may begin on the date your license was initially suspended. Or it may not begin until the date you’re eligible to reinstate your license, as is the case in Washington.”

Removing an SR-22 From Your Insurance Policy

Keep in mind that an SR-22 won’t automatically be dropped from your insurance policy once it’s no longer needed. Instead, you’ll need to ask your insurer to remove it from your policy.

After your infraction, it’s likely your auto insurance rate increased. However, the SR-22 itself likely didn’t directly affect your rate.

Once the SR-22 is removed, your auto insurance rate might decrease. However, it’s not guaranteed that your rate will fall once the SR-22 is removed from your policy, insurance provider Progressive says.

“If your policy is canceled or lapses while you’re carrying an SR-22, your insurance company will alert the DMV and your license will be suspended,” Progressive warns.

Legal Implications and Compliance With SR-22 Requirements

Failing to comply with an SR-22 requirement can cause serious consequences.

If you’ve got an SR-22 and skip an auto insurance payment, you might wind up with a gap in coverage. If this sort of gap occurs regularly, your insurer might cancel your policy.

The impact might be even more serious if a law enforcement officer catches you driving without a valid SR-22. Among the potential consequences are:

• Being sentenced to jail
• Being hit with fines
• Having your car impounded
• Having your driver’s license suspended or revoked
• Being prevented from registering your vehicle

The Significance of Legal Representation in SR-22 Compliance

It can be tough to navigate all of the requirements for an SR-22 if you’re required to get one. Furthermore, you might be confused about what it takes to maintain SR-22 compliance. That’s why you might want to explore hiring a knowledgeable attorney to help guide you through obtaining and maintaining an SR-22.

In many cases, drivers are required to get an SR-22 following a DWI conviction. Therefore, a driver with a DWI conviction might already have hired an attorney who can assist with SR-22 requirements. However, a lawyer can’t file an SR-22 on your behalf; this typically is done by an insurance company.

FAQs About SR-22 Forms

Can I Obtain SR-22 Coverage Through My Regular Insurance Provider?

We recommend that you do not go through your primary insurance company to get an SR-22. Why? Because it will likely cause your premiums to go up significantly. Instead, you should shop around for a third-party insurance company that offers SR-22 at a lower rate.

Not all auto insurance companies issue SR-22s for policyholders, since SR-22s are issued to high-risk drivers. If that’s the case with your current insurer, you’ll need to look for an insurer that does issue SR-22s.

Will Securing SR-22 Insurance Lead to a Rise in My Insurance Rates?

An SR-22 itself won’t necessarily lead to a rise in your insurance rates. Rather, it’s more likely your rates will go up due to the infraction, such as a DWI, that prompted your SR-22 filing.

How Long Does an SR-22 Stay on Your Record?

Each state that requires SR-22s has different rules regarding how long an SR-22 stays on your record. On average, you can expect an SR-22 to remain on your record for three years, but it can range from one to five years. Texas, for example, imposes a two-year requirement.

What Happens if I Fail to Maintain an SR-22 When Required?

If you fail to maintain a required SR-22, you could face consequences such as jail time, fines, license suspension or revocation, or cancellation of your insurance policy.

Can I Remove an SR-22 From My Insurance Once the Requirement Is Over?

Once your SR-22 requirement has ended, you can remove an SR-22 from your insurance. However, you must ask your insurer to do so, as the company won’t do it automatically.