How Long Is SR-22 Insurance Required? State-by-State Guide
SR-22 insurance duration depends on a few factors, especially where you live.
If you’ve been told you need SR-22 insurance after a driving offense, you might be worried about how long you’ll have to keep it. SR-22 insurance duration depends on a few factors, especially where you live. Fortunately, once you understand the basics, the path to regaining full driving privileges can be a lot smoother.
General Duration of SR-22 Insurance Requirements
In most states, you need to maintain SR-22 insurance for around three years. Some locations only require two years or less, while others might stretch to five. Each state sets its own SR-22 insurance duration, which can change depending on the severity of your driving record.
Once your clock starts, avoid any coverage lapses. If your insurer cancels your SR-22 certificate or you forget to renew it, your state may reset the timer and your SR-22 filing duration will begin all over again. That’s why keeping yourself consistently covered is the most important step you can take to finish your SR-22 insurance duration on time.
If you’re ready to move forward with acquiring SR-22 insurance, reach out to our Breath Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agents. They can provide you a free quote for SR-22 coverage, but also auto and motorcycle insurance.
State-Specific SR-22 Insurance Mandates
Every state has its own rules about how long SR-22 is required. Below is a brief overview showing the SR-22 insurance period by state, as of April 2025.
Please note these are general guidelines and may not reflect every possible circumstance. Specific situations, like type and number of offenses or additional court orders, may affect how long you are required to maintain SR-22 insurance. Laws and regulations are also subject to change, so be sure to verify requirements with your state. Call a Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agent at (833) 786-0237 for more information.
| State | Might SR-22 be Required? | Minimum Filing Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | 3 years |
| Alaska | Yes | 3 years |
| Arizona | Yes | 1 to 2 years |
| Arkansas | Yes, except for DUIs | 3 years |
| California | Yes | Can vary at court’s discretion |
| Colorado | Yes | 9 months to 3 years |
| Connecticut | No | N/A |
| Delaware | No | N/A |
| Florida | Yes, in some cases* | 3 years |
| Georgia | Yes | 1 year |
| Hawaii | Yes | 3 years |
| Idaho | Yes | 3 years |
| Illinois | Yes, in some cases | May be required for 3 years with a Restricted Driving Permit |
| Indiana | Yes, in some cases | 3 years |
| Iowa | Yes | 1 to 2 years |
| Kansas | Yes | 1 year |
| Kentucky | No | N/A |
| Louisiana | Yes | 1 to 2 years |
| Maine | Yes, for repeat offenses. Case-by-case for first offense. | 1 to 2 years in some cases |
| Maryland | No | N/A |
| Massachusetts | No | N/A |
| Michigan | No | N/A |
| Minnesota | No | N/A |
| Mississippi | Yes | 3 years |
| Missouri | Yes, but not typically for DUIs | 2 years |
| Montana | Yes | 3 years |
| Nebraska | Yes | 3 years |
| Nevada | Yes | 3 years |
| New Hampshire | Yes | 3 years |
| New Jersey | No | N/A |
| New Mexico | No | N/A |
| New York | No | N/A |
| North Carolina | No | N/A |
| North Dakota | Yes | 1 year |
| Ohio | Yes, for repeat offenses. Case-by-case for first offense. | 3–5 years |
| Oklahoma | No | N/A |
| Oregon | Yes | 3 years |
| Pennsylvania | No | N/A |
| Rhode Island | No | N/A |
| South Carolina | Yes | 3 years |
| South Dakota | Yes | 3 years |
| Tennessee | Yes | 1 year for first DUI |
| Texas | Yes | Up to 2 years |
| Utah | Yes, but not for DUI offenses | N/A |
| Vermont | Yes | 3 years |
| Virginia | Yes, in some cases* | 3 years |
| Washington | Yes | 3 years, but can vary at court’s discretion |
| West Virginia | No | N/A |
| Wisconsin | Yes | 3 years |
| Wyoming | Yes | 3 years |
*In Florida and Virginia, drivers with DUI convictions are required to carry FR-44 insurance to reinstate their licenses. SR-22 is used for other violations, like driving without insurance.
Factors Influencing SR-22 Insurance Duration
A few common factors influencing SR-22 duration include:
- Violation Type - The nature of your violation plays a role in how long you’ll need SR-22 insurance. For example, a DUI or repeated traffic infractions can lead to longer SR-22 mandates. Minor lapses in coverage or first-time offenses tend to have shorter timelines. Requirements vary by state and situation, and other violations like reckless driving or license suspension can also trigger an SR-22 filing.
- Repeat Offenses - If you commit another violation, the SR-22 insurance requirements may be extended.
Staying violation-free is the best way to ensure your SR-22 timeline ends on schedule. Think of it as a probation period for your driving privileges. Follow the guidelines, and you’ll be free from SR-22 restrictions on time.
Consequences of Not Maintaining SR-22 Insurance
Unfortunately, if you don’t maintain your SR-22 insurance, you risk losing your license all over again. Your insurer notifies the state, which can lead to fees or a suspended license. Worse, you may have to restart your entire SR-22 term, adding years to your requirement.
Contact your insurance company right away if you think you might miss a payment. Open communication can help you prevent a lapse and avoid extra headaches.
How to Maintain Compliance with SR-22 Requirements
You have more control over this process than you might think. Here are two tips to help you succeed:
Stay on Top of Renewals
Mark your calendar for premium due dates and look to set up autopay and text alerts with your insurance carrier for extra peace of mind. An unexpected lapse can restart your entire SR-22 filing duration and jeopardize your driving privileges.
Ask About Options
If your rates feel too high, talk to your insurance provider about available discounts or potentially bundling policies to help lower your costs. A Breathe Easy Insurance Solutions licensed agent can walk you through affordable payment options.
Before moving to another state, confirm its SR-22 insurance requirements to correctly update your coverage. Some states only require an SR-22 if you already had that requirement in your previous state. Checking ahead can help you maintain continuous protection.
Filing for SR-22 insurance in California or any other state? It's a good idea to work with a provider familiar with the local process, like the team here at Breathe Easy Insurance.
Get Help with Your SR-22 Requirements
SR-22 insurance helps you regain your full driving privileges. By understanding your state’s requirements, staying on top of your payments, and keeping a clean driving record, you can get through your SR-22 period smoothly.
At Breathe Easy Insurance, we specialize in helping drivers navigate the SR-22 process with confidence. Call us at (888) 786-2037 or request a personalized quote today.
