What SR-22 Insurance Is and Why Georgia Requires It

SR-22 insurance is a certificate that proves you carry the minimum liability coverage Georgia requires. You do not buy "SR-22 insurance" as a separate product — instead, your regular auto insurance company files an SR-22 form with the Georgia Department of Driver Services on your behalf. The state requires this certificate when you have been convicted of certain driving violations, typically DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license.

Georgia law does not force you to carry more coverage than any other driver. The SR-22 straightforward documents that you have the state's minimum: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. What changes is that your insurance company must notify the state if your policy lapses or is cancelled for any reason, and the state will suspend your license again if that happens.

The SR-22 requirement typically lasts three years from the date you first file it, though the exact length depends on your violation and whether it was your first offense. You cannot remove the SR-22 early — you must wait out the full period, even if you move to another state.

Key Takeaways

  • SR-22 is a filing your insurance company makes with Georgia, not a type of insurance you purchase separately.
  • You need an SR-22 after a DUI conviction, reckless driving charge, or driving with a suspended license, among other violations.
  • Your insurance company must file the SR-22 before you can legally drive again, and the state will suspend your license if the policy lapses.
  • The SR-22 requirement lasts three years in most cases, and you cannot remove it early even if you move out of state.
  • Expect to pay a filing fee to your insurance company, usually between $15 and $25, plus higher premiums for the three-year period.

How to Get an SR-22 in Georgia

Contact your current auto insurance company and tell them you need an SR-22 filed. If you do not have an active policy, you will need to purchase one first — most insurers will not file an SR-22 without an active policy in place. When you call, have your driver's license number and the details of your violation ready, because the insurance company will need to know what triggered the requirement.

The insurance company will file the SR-22 form (Form DL-32) with the Georgia Department of Driver Services electronically. This usually happens within one to three business days. You do not file the form yourself — the insurance company handles it entirely. Once filed, you will receive a copy of the SR-22 certificate in the mail, though you do not need to carry it with you. The state's records are what matter.

If your current insurer will not file an SR-22 (some companies refuse to insure high-risk drivers), you will need to find a different company. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and are more willing to take on SR-22 cases. Your state insurance commissioner's office can provide a list of insurers licensed in Georgia, though they cannot recommend one over another.

What Happens If Your Policy Lapses or Is Cancelled

This is the most important rule to understand: if your insurance policy lapses for even one day, or if your insurer cancels your policy for non-payment, your insurance company must notify the Georgia Department of Driver Services. The state will then suspend your license again, and you will have to go through the reinstatement process a second time.

To avoid this, pay your premiums on time, every time. Set up automatic payments if your insurer offers them. If you are having trouble affording the premium, contact your insurance company before the due date — some will work out a payment plan rather than cancel your policy. Switching to a different insurer is also an option, but your new company must file a new SR-22 before your old policy ends, or there will be a gap.

If your policy is cancelled and your license is suspended again, you will need to file a new SR-22 and pay another filing fee. You will also have to pay the Georgia Department of Driver Services a reinstatement fee (currently $210) to get your license back. The three-year SR-22 requirement clock does not reset — you continue counting from your original filing date — but the suspension itself is a separate penalty.

Cost and Premium Increases

The SR-22 filing fee itself is usually $15 to $25, paid to your insurance company. This is a one-time charge when the SR-22 is first filed. However, your monthly or six-month insurance premium will increase significantly because you are now classified as a high-risk driver. How much the premium rises depends on your age, driving history, the type of violation, and the insurance company's own pricing.

There is no set amount — rates vary widely between insurers. Some companies charge 50 percent more; others charge double or triple the standard rate. This is why shopping around matters. Call at least three insurers that handle SR-22 cases and ask for quotes. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive option can be hundreds of dollars over the three-year period.

You will pay the higher premium for the full three years, even if you have a clean driving record during that time. Once the three years are up and the SR-22 requirement ends, your premium should drop back toward normal rates, though your violation will still appear on your driving record and may affect your rate for several more years.

Reinstating Your License After an SR-22 Suspension

Before you can drive again, you must complete several steps in order. First, obtain your SR-22 certificate from your insurance company. Second, pay the Georgia Department of Driver Services reinstatement fee (currently $210, though this amount can change). Third, visit a Georgia Department of Driver Services office in person with your SR-22 certificate and proof of payment.

You cannot reinstate your license online or by mail — you must appear in person. Bring your driver's license (even though it is suspended), your SR-22 certificate, and a photo ID if your license has expired. The office will verify that your SR-22 is on file with the state, process your reinstatement, and issue you a new license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.

If you moved out of state during your suspension, you can still reinstate your Georgia license in person at any Georgia Department of Driver Services office. However, if you want to get a license in your new state, that state may have its own SR-22 requirements or may recognize Georgia's filing — this varies by state. Contact your new state's licensing authority before you move to understand what you will need.

What Violations Trigger an SR-22 Requirement in Georgia

The most common reason is a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction. Georgia also requires an SR-22 for reckless driving convictions, driving with a suspended or revoked license, accumulating too many points on your driving record in a short time, and hit-and-run accidents. Some insurance companies may also require an SR-22 if you have multiple at-fault accidents or traffic violations within a certain period, even if the state does not legally require it.

The length of the SR-22 requirement depends on the violation. A first DUI typically requires three years; a second DUI within ten years may require five years. Reckless driving and suspended license violations usually require three years. If you are unsure whether your specific violation triggers an SR-22 requirement, contact the Georgia Department of Driver Services or ask your insurance company — they will know based on your driving record.

Moving Out of State With an Active SR-22

You can move to another state while your SR-22 is active, but the requirement does not end. Your Georgia SR-22 remains in effect for the full three-year period, even if you obtain a license in your new state. Some states will recognize your Georgia SR-22 and allow you to transfer it; others require you to file a new SR-22 with them.

Before you move, contact your new state's licensing authority and ask whether they recognize Georgia SR-22 filings or require their own. If they require their own, your insurance company can file it in the new state, and you will need to surrender your Georgia license. The three-year clock continues from your original Georgia filing date, so you do not start over.

If you move back to Georgia before the three years are up, your original SR-22 is still active and you can straightforward reinstate your Georgia license. You do not need to file a new SR-22.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an SR-22 if I do not own a car?

Yes. You can purchase a non-owner auto insurance policy, which covers you when you drive a car you do not own. Your insurance company can file an SR-22 on a non-owner policy just as they would on a standard policy. This is often cheaper than insuring a car you own, though the coverage is limited to when you are driving someone else's vehicle.

What if I cannot afford the higher insurance premium?

Shop around — rates vary significantly between insurers. Some companies that specialize in high-risk drivers charge less than mainstream insurers. You can also ask your current insurer about discounts for bundling policies, paying in full upfront, or completing a defensive driving course. If you truly cannot afford any policy, you cannot legally drive, and driving without insurance while an SR-22 is required will result in criminal charges.

Does the SR-22 come off my record after three years?

The SR-22 requirement ends after three years, and your insurance company will stop filing it. However, the violation itself (DUI, reckless driving, etc.) remains on your driving record for much longer — typically seven to ten years depending on the violation. Your insurance rates will reflect this for years after the SR-22 requirement ends.

Can I remove the SR-22 early if I move to another state?

No. The three-year requirement is set by Georgia law and does not change if you relocate. You must maintain the SR-22 for the full period, even if your new state does not require it. However, your new state's insurance company can file it on your behalf once you obtain a license there.

What happens if I get another violation while the SR-22 is active?

A new violation can extend your SR-22 requirement or trigger additional penalties. For example, a second DUI within ten years of the first typically requires a five-year SR-22 instead of three years. The new violation may also result in license suspension, which means you would need to file a new SR-22 and pay reinstatement fees again.