Navigating California’s SR-22 Requirement After a Driving Violation

If you’ve been told you need an SR-22 in California, you might be wondering what it is, why it’s necessary, and how to get it. SR-22 is a special filing required for high-risk drivers—often after a DUI, reckless driving, or serious traffic violations.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about SR-22 in California, including who needs it, how much it costs, and how to get back on the road legally.

What is an SR-22?

First things first—SR-22 is not actually insurance. Instead, it’s a certificate of financial responsibility that your insurance provider files with the California DMV to prove that you have the required minimum auto insurance coverage.

It’s often required after serious traffic violations to reinstate a suspended or revoked license. The SR-22 guarantees that you’ll maintain continuous insurance coverage for a specified period—typically three years in California. Head to mis-insurance.com to get a free quote.

Who Needs an SR-22 in California?

In California, you may need an SR-22 if:

You’ve been convicted of a DUI or DWI


You were caught driving without insurance

You committed reckless driving or excessive speeding

You were involved in an accident without insurance


Your license was suspended due to multiple traffic violations

If any of these apply to you, the California DMV or court may require an SR-22 filing before allowing you to drive legally again.

How to Get an SR-22 in California

If you need an SR-22, follow these steps to get back on the road:

Contact Your Insurance Company

• Not all insurers offer SR-22 filings, so you may need to switch to one that does.
• If your insurer does provide an SR-22 certificate, they’ll file the certificate with the DMV on your behalf.

Purchase a Policy That Meets California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements

• $15,000 for injury or death of one person
• $30,000 for injury or death of multiple people
• $5,000 for property damage

Pay the SR-22 Filing Fee

• Most insurers charge a one-time fee of $25–$50 to file your SR-22 form.

Wait for DMV Approval

• Once your insurer submits the SR-22, the California DMV will process it and reinstate your driving privileges if all other requirements are met.

Maintain Continuous Coverage

• If your policy lapses or is canceled, your insurance provider must notify the DMV, which can result in a license suspension.

Can You Get an SR-22 Without a Car?

Yes! If you don’t own a vehicle but still need an SR-22 to reinstate your license, you can purchase a non-owner SR-22 policy. This covers you when driving rented or borrowed vehicles and is often cheaper than a standard auto policy.

How to Avoid an SR-22 in the Future

Once you’ve completed your required SR-22 period, you’ll want to keep your record clean to avoid needing it again. Here’s how:

Drive Safely – Avoid speeding, DUIs, and reckless driving.


Maintain Insurance – Never let your coverage lapse.


Take a Defensive Driving Course – This can lower points on your record.

Follow Traffic Laws – Even minor violations can add up over time.

What Influences the Price of Car Insurance?

The most common thing people want to know about when it comes to car insurance is how much they’re going to be paying. Generally, you can pay annually or monthly for this. Unfortunately, if you’ve been in an incident on the road, it’s going to be an additional amount you have to pay to get back behind the wheel. But, there are different elements that influence exactly how much you’ll pay for this. Let’s take a look at what they are.

Your Driving History

First, a big factor in how much you pay is going to be your driving history. In other words, if you have traffic violations or any convictions, this will impact the premium. Indeed, the provider is also going to take into account why you need an SR-22 in the first place. If you have something such as a DUI, this can mean that you pay a lot.

The Provider

Of course, there are various different providers for car insurance. They’re all able to set their own rates, which means that they can charge you more or less than others. Some are aimed at being affordable options, while others have a good reputation in the industry and rely on this to charge more.

Final Thoughts

An SR-22 is required for many high-risk drivers in California, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’ve been ordered to get an SR-22, the key is to act quickly, compare insurance options, and maintain continuous coverage.

By staying insured and driving responsibly, you can get through your SR-22 period and eventually lower your insurance rates again.