SR-22 & FR-44 by State (Requirements, Duration, & Costs in 2025)

② Getting (and Keeping) Your Filing: Step-by-Step
A. How to obtain an SR-22/FR-44
- Wait for the letter/court order. Your state or the court will tell you if/when it’s required and for how long. State Farm
- Call an insurer that files SR-22/FR-44. Not all carriers do; when they issue your policy, they file the form with the state electronically. Expect a small filing fee. State Farm
- Choose correct policy type:
- Owner policy if you have a car.
- Non-owner SR-22 if you don’t (allowed in many states, e.g., Alaska). アラスカ州自動車局
- Confirm limits:
- FR-44 (FL): Must be 100/300/50 (and associated PIP/PD rules in Florida). flhsmv.gov
- FR-44 (VA): Must be 2× current state minimums (note the 2025 increase). dol.wa.gov
B. Reinstatement checkpoints (varies by state)
- California (DUI): Pay reissue fees, complete DUI program, and maintain SR-22 for 3 years. カリフォルニア州車両管理局
- Colorado (DUI/various): File SR-22 and keep it 3 years after reinstatement. dmv.colorado.gov
- Missouri: Requirements differ (points, administrative alcohol, uninsured crash); SR-22 commonly 2 years, sometimes 3 years depending on action. ミズーリ州歳入省+2ミズーリ州歳入省+2
- Georgia (2nd+ No Insurance): Prepay 6-month blocks on SR-22A and maintain 3 years. Lapse cancels license. Georgia Department of Driver Services
C. Continuous coverage is everything
- Do not let coverage lapse. Insurer must file a cancellation (e.g., SR-26/FR-46), which the DMV treats as a red flag and may suspend you—even if you didn’t drive. flhsmv.gov+1
- Colorado example: “If you don’t keep the SR-22 current… your driver license will be suspended for that reason alone.” dmv.colorado.gov
Smart setup to reduce total costs
- Bundle to meet high limits affordably. If FR-44 requires 100/300/50, consider umbrella/stacking strategies or shopping carriers that are competitive at higher limits. (Premium increases are driven by risk & limit level; the filing fee itself is small.) State Farm+1
- Pick the right start date. Some states start the clock at eligibility (WA), others on reinstatement. Ask the DMV exactly when your 3-year window begins so you don’t accidentally extend it.
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③ Most-Common Pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
1) Treating SR-22/FR-44 like a “type of insurance”
It’s a certificate your insurer files. You still need an active auto policy (or non-owner policy). Misunderstanding this leads to gaps—and suspensions. dmv.colorado.gov
2) Buying the wrong limits (FR-44)
If you’re in Florida or Virginia for DUI-related actions, standard state minimums aren’t enough. You must hit 100/300/50 (FL) or double Virginia’s minimums (which increase to 50/100/25 on Jan 1, 2025). flhsmv.gov+1
3) Letting the policy cancel mid-term
Even a short lapse triggers an insurer cancellation notice to the DMV (e.g., SR-26/FR-46) and you can be re-suspended. Set auto-pay and calendar reminders. flhsmv.gov
4) Assuming “3 years” is always 3 calendar years
Some states key off eligibility to reinstate (WA) or specify 2 years for certain actions (MO) vs 3 years for others. Confirm your exact start and end dates. ミズーリ州歳入省
5) Moving states during your requirement
If you relocate, your original state’s requirement can still control your driving privilege status. Coordinate filings with both DMVs; non-resident proof rules exist (e.g., CA’s non-resident proof instructions). カリフォルニア州車両管理局
Quick FAQs
Is SR-22 the same as “high-risk” insurance?
No. It’s a filing attached to an insurance policy that proves you carry required limits; the policy itself (and your record) drive the price. dmv.colorado.gov
How much does it cost?
The filing fee is typically modest (around $25), but your rate may rise due to the violation and, for FR-44, higher liability limits. State Farm+1
Do all states use SR-22?
No. A handful do not (e.g., Pennsylvania commonly noted as not using SR-22 filings), but they still enforce financial responsibility. Always follow your notice from the DMV/court. パブリックアドミニストレーション+1
What’s SR-22A?
A variant used by some states (e.g., Georgia, Missouri, Texas references) with stricter prepayment/maintenance rules (like GA’s 6-month prepaid blocks). Georgia Department of Driver Services+2ミズーリ州歳入省+2
Can I get SR-22 without a car?
Yes—ask for a non-owner SR-22 (available in many states such as Alaska). アラスカ州自動車局
Compliance checklist (copy/paste friendly)
- ✅ Read your state/court letter for exact dates & required limits.
- ✅ Shop a carrier that files SR-22/FR-44; confirm limits (FL FR-44 100/300/50; VA FR-44 = 2× minimums). flhsmv.gov+1
- ✅ Set auto-pay + renewal reminders to avoid lapses (insurer will notify DMV if you cancel). dmv.colorado.gov
- ✅ Mark your end date correctly (e.g., WA’s clock from eligibility; MO 2–3 years depending on action). ミズーリ州歳入省
- ✅ Keep proof handy; for CA, SR-22/SR-1P accepted in many situations. カリフォルニア州車両管理局
Editorial notes for your SEO page
- Target keywords sprinkled naturally: SR-22 insurance requirements by state, how long SR-22, FR-44 Florida Virginia, SR-22 cost, SR-22 vs FR-44, SR-22A.
- Internal linking ideas: “DUI insurance cost,” “how to get car insurance after a suspension,” “non-owner car insurance.”
- Include a state dropdown module for quick jumps (good UX + EPMV).