How long do you need an SR-22 in Texas, California and Arizona?

If a court or the state told you that you need an SR-22, your first question is probably how long you need an SR-22 and what it will do to your car insurance bill. The answer depends on your state and on why you need it.

This guide walks through the rules in Texas, California and Arizona, and the things that affect what you pay. If you are new to SR-22s, start with our guide What is an SR-22? and come back here for the timing and cost details.

How long do you need an SR-22?

In most cases, you need to keep an SR-22 on file for a set number of years. In Texas, that period is usually 2 years. In California and Arizona, it is usually 3 years. The clock usually starts on a date the state sets, such as the date of your conviction or the date the state first required proof.

Your exact period can be different. Your court order or the state can require a different period, so always check the letter or order you received. If you are not sure, contact the state agency listed below.

SR-22 requirements in Texas, California and Arizona

How long do you need an SR-22 in Texas?

Texas DPS says you must keep coverage for 2 years from the date of the conviction that requires the SR-22. If the SR-22 is because of a civil judgment from a crash, it is 2 years from the date of the judgment. Common reasons include a DWI conviction, a second conviction for driving without insurance, and some other serious driving convictions.

If you need an SR-22 but do not own a car, Texas DPS suggests asking about a non-owner SR-22 policy. Our guide to non-owner car insurance explains how that works.

How long do you need an SR-22 in California?

California calls it a California Proof of Insurance Certificate (SR 22). After a DUI, the DMV says you must keep the SR 22 for 3 years to fully reinstate your driving privilege. After a suspension for having no insurance in a reportable crash, the DMV says proof of insurance must be filed and kept on file for 3 years once the suspension ends.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Arizona?

In Arizona, the SR-22 is filed with ADOT. Arizona law lets ADOT waive the filing requirement at any time after 3 years from the date the proof was required. Until then, keep your policy active and your payments current.

What happens if your SR-22 coverage stops?

This is the part that trips up a lot of drivers. An SR-22 only works while the policy behind it is active. If you miss a payment and your policy cancels, your insurance company has to tell the state. Then:

• Your license can be suspended again.
• Your vehicle registration can be suspended in some states, like Texas.
• You may need to file a new SR-22 and pay another reinstatement fee.
• Depending on your state and case, your required period may start over.

The easiest way to avoid this is to pick a payment plan you can keep. If money gets tight, call your agent before a payment is due. Our guide on missed car insurance payments explains what to expect.

What affects the cost of SR-22 insurance?

An SR-22 is a form, not a type of coverage. What you pay is mostly the price of the car insurance policy behind it. Here is what usually affects that price:

• The reason for your SR-22. A DUI or DWI is usually rated differently than a single ticket or a crash without insurance.
• Your driving record. Recent tickets, accidents and convictions all count. Time without new violations usually helps.
• The coverage you choose. A liability-only policy that meets your state minimum costs less than adding collision and comprehensive. Your state minimum is 30/60/25 in Texas, 30/60/15 in California and 25/50/15 in Arizona.
• Your vehicle. The year, make and model, and what it costs to repair, all play a part. If you do not own a car, a non-owner policy may be an option.
• Where you live. Rates change by ZIP code, based on things like traffic and theft in your area.

Some insurance companies also charge a filing fee for the SR-22. Whether there is a fee, and how much it is, varies by company and state. Ask about it when you get your quote so there are no surprises.

Can you lower what you pay while you have an SR-22?

You cannot skip the SR-22, but you can shop. Insurance companies look at SR-22 drivers in different ways, so prices can vary a lot from one company to the next. A few things that can help:

• Compare quotes from more than one insurance company.
• Choose coverage that fits your car and budget, and ask what each option adds.
• Ask about discounts, like paying in full or taking a defensive driving course. See our guide to defensive driving discounts.
• Keep a clean record from here on. That matters most over time.

Rules vary by state

The rules in this guide come from official state sources. Always confirm your own case with the agency that handles your record.

• Texas: Texas DPS, Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) and the Driver License Enforcement Actions chart (DL-176).
• California: California DMV, Financial Responsibility (Insurance) and DUI First Offender Restriction Options (PDF).
• Arizona: Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and Arizona Revised Statutes 28-4088 (duration of proof), 28-4081 (notice of cancellation) and 28-4087 (other proof required).

Your court order or the state can require a different period than the typical one shown here.

How A-MAX can help

A-MAX has helped drivers with SR-22s for over 20 years. We shop multiple insurance companies that accept SR-22 drivers, and we file your SR-22 for you, usually the same day. We shop. You choose. Learn more on our SR-22 insurance page.

Walk into one of our 240+ offices in Texas, California and Arizona, call 1-800-921-AMAX, or start a quote online. Our licensed agents speak English and Spanish. A-MAX Has Your Back.