What an SR-22 is and why Texas requires it
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves to the Texas Department of Public Safety that you carry the minimum car insurance required by law. You do not file it yourself — your insurance company files it on your behalf. Texas requires an SR-22 when you have been convicted of certain driving violations, such as driving without insurance, a DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or accumulating too many traffic violations in a short time.
The SR-22 is not insurance itself. It is proof that your insurance company has confirmed you are insured at the state's minimum limits. Without it, your driver's license will remain suspended, and driving with a suspended license carries criminal penalties in Texas.
The requirement typically lasts three years from the date your license is reinstated, though the exact length depends on your violation. Some violations require five years instead. Your insurance company will track this timeline and can tell you when the requirement ends.
Key Takeaways
- Your insurance company files the SR-22 form with the Texas Department of Public Safety — you do not file it yourself.
- You must carry at least the state minimum liability insurance ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury; $25,000 for property damage) to obtain an SR-22.
- The SR-22 requirement usually lasts three years, though some violations require five years.
- If your insurance lapses or is cancelled while you have an SR-22, your license suspension will be reinstated automatically.
- Not all insurance companies write SR-22 policies, so you may need to contact multiple insurers to find one that will cover you.
How to get an SR-22 in Texas
First, contact insurance companies that write SR-22 policies. Not every insurer offers them, so you may need to call several. Once you find a company willing to insure you, tell them you need an SR-22. They will file the form with the Texas Department of Public Safety at no extra charge — the cost is built into your insurance premium.
Your insurance company will give you a copy of the SR-22 form for your records. Keep it safe. You do not need to carry it with you while driving, but you should have it at home in case you need to show proof to the court or the Department of Public Safety.
After the SR-22 is filed, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to request reinstatement of your driver's license. You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on your violation. Once your license is reinstated, you can legally drive again as long as your insurance remains active.
What happens if your insurance lapses or is cancelled
If you miss a payment and your insurance lapses, or if your insurance company cancels your policy for any reason, the insurer must notify the Texas Department of Public Safety. When that happens, your driver's license suspension is automatically reinstated — you do not have to do anything for it to happen, and you will not receive a warning.
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Texas. A first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, which carries a fine up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. Subsequent offenses carry harsher penalties.
To avoid this, set up automatic payments with your insurance company if possible. If you cannot afford your premium, contact your insurer about payment plans or ask about discounts you may may have access to for. Some companies offer discounts for bundling policies, completing a defensive driving course, or maintaining a clean driving record during your SR-22 period.
Insurance costs with an SR-22
SR-22 insurance is more expensive than standard insurance because insurers view drivers with serious violations as higher risk. The exact cost depends on your age, driving history, the type of violation that triggered the requirement, and the insurance company you choose. Rates vary significantly between insurers, so comparing quotes from multiple companies is worth the time.
Some companies specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer better rates than major national insurers. You can also reduce your premium by choosing a higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket if you have an accident), though this means you will pay more if you need to file a claim.
What to do if you cannot find an insurance company
If you have been rejected by multiple insurers, you may be able to obtain coverage through the Texas FAIR Plan, which is a shared market mechanism that requires insurers to write policies for drivers they would otherwise reject. Contact the Texas Department of Insurance for information about how to access the FAIR Plan in your area.
You can also contact an insurance agent who specializes in high-risk drivers. These agents have relationships with multiple companies and may be able to place you with an insurer that will accept your process when you have been turned down elsewhere.
When your SR-22 requirement ends
Your insurance company will track when your SR-22 requirement is set to expire. As the end date approaches, you can contact the Texas Department of Public Safety to confirm the requirement has been satisfied. At that point, you can switch to a standard insurance policy if you wish, though you must maintain continuous coverage — you cannot let your insurance lapse between the SR-22 and a regular policy.
Once the requirement ends, your insurance rates may decrease, though they will likely remain higher than they were before your violation for several more years. The length of time a violation affects your rates depends on the insurer and the type of violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an SR-22 if I do not own a car?
Yes. You can obtain an SR-22 through a non-owner policy, which covers you when you drive a car you do not own. This is less expensive than a standard policy and is designed for people in your situation. You will still need to maintain the policy for the full duration of your SR-22 requirement.
What if I move out of Texas while I have an SR-22?
You will need to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety and your insurance company. Some states have different SR-22 requirements, and your Texas SR-22 may not satisfy another state's rules. Your insurance company can help you understand what you need to do to remain in compliance with both states.
Do I have to tell my employer about the SR-22?
No. An SR-22 is between you, your insurance company, and the state. However, if your job involves driving, your employer may conduct a background check that reveals your violation. The SR-22 itself is not visible to employers — only the underlying violation is.
Can I remove the SR-22 early?
No. The requirement is set by the court or the Texas Department of Public Safety based on your violation. You cannot remove it before the time period ends, even if you have a clean driving record during that time. Once the period expires, the requirement automatically ends.
What if I get another traffic violation while I have an SR-22?
A new violation can extend your SR-22 requirement or trigger additional penalties. Contact a lawyer when ready if you are cited for another offense, as the consequences can be serious. Some violations may result in license suspension on top of your existing SR-22 requirement.