What is an SR-22?

An SR-22 is an endorsement (certificate) of insurance that is issued by an insurer to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or to the Secretary of State. An SR-22 is generally required after a driver has been cited for driving without proper insurance. It can also be required for traffic-related offenses such as DUIs and those that involve negligence or severe endangerment of other drivers or pedestrians. Your license may be suspended for failure to submit an SR-22 within 30 days after the state's request for proof that you comply with the state's financial-responsibility (insurance) requirements.

The following states do not require SR-22s:

• Delaware
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania

An SR-22 certificate is issued in one of the following forms:

1. The Operator's Certificate is issued if the driver does not own the vehicle(s).
2. The Owner's Certificate is issued if the driver owns the vehicle(s). The type(s) of vehicle must be listed on the SR-22, or the certificate may be issued for "all owned vehicles".
3. The Operator’s/Owner’s Certificate is issued for all vehicles, whether or not owned by the driver.
   

If your SR-22-endorsed auto-insurance policy has expired or has been canceled, your insurer is required to file an SR-26, which states that you no longer comply with the state's insurance laws.

The state can then suspend your license, which can be reinstated after your insurer issues another SR-22.