FR44 Insurance, SR22 Insurance

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

Informational only. This article does not constitute insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage terms vary by carrier, policy, and jurisdiction. Full disclaimer.

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.

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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