Which States Require an SR-22 (and Which Do Not)

An SR-22 is a state-required certificate of financial responsibility that proves a driver carries the minimum auto liability insurance. It's commonly required after serious violations such as a DUI, driving without insurance, license suspension, or repeated traffic offenses.

This guide breaks down which states require an SR-22, which don't, and where the FR-44 rule applies instead.

What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is not insurance. It's a form filed by your auto insurer with the state to confirm you meet minimum liability coverage requirements.

Common reasons an SR-22 is required:

• DUI / DWI conviction
• Driving without insurance
• License suspension or revocation
• Multiple at-fault accidents
• Excessive traffic violations

Most SR-22 filings must be maintained for 3 years, though requirements vary by state and offense.

States that require an SR-22

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Most U.S. states require SR-22 filings in some form following serious driving violations. Check with your state's DMV for the current rule where you live.

States that do not require an SR-22

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

These states typically enforce compliance through license suspensions, fines, or proof of insurance at reinstatement rather than ongoing SR-22 monitoring.

FR-44 states (higher limits than SR-22)

Two states use an FR-44 instead of an SR-22, requiring higher liability limits, usually after a DUI conviction:

• Florida
• Virginia

FR-44 policies are generally more expensive because of the higher required coverage. See our FR44 page for Virginia and Florida for the exact limits, or the full SR22 vs FR44 comparison.

How long do you need an SR-22?

Most states require an SR-22 for:

• 3 years (most common)
• 2–5 years, depending on severity and state law

If your policy lapses, your insurer must notify the state, your license may be re-suspended, and the SR-22 clock may restart.

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