Suspension After a Crash
If your driving privileges were suspended because of a car crash, Texas DPS may require an SR22 before reinstatement. You may also need to satisfy other requirements associated with the suspension.
Crash Suspension SR22 →
Quick Reference
Texas SR22 Requirements in Short
Texas requires certain drivers to maintain an SR22 financial responsibility certificate. Your insurer provides the filing to Texas DPS, and you must maintain qualifying liability coverage for the applicable period.
Who Needs It
Drivers with certain crash suspensions,
repeat no-insurance convictions, civil
judgments, and other qualifying cases.
Minimum Coverage
Texas liability limits of 30/60/25.
How Long
Generally two years from the qualifying
conviction date or applicable judgment date.
Who Files It
Your insurance company provides the
SR22 filing to Texas DPS.
Reinstatement Fee
$100 for applicable reinstatements,
plus any other outstanding fees.
If It Lapses
Your insurer notifies DPS, and your
driving privileges may be suspended.
Understanding SR22
What Is an SR22 in Texas?
An SR22 — also written SR-22 — is a Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate. It isn't a separate insurance policy. It's a form your insurance company provides to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to certify that you carry at least the state's minimum liability coverage.
Texas requires an SR22 from certain drivers before restoring their driving privileges. The certificate provides proof of financial responsibility while the insurance policy remains active. If the policy is canceled, terminated, or lapses, the insurance company notifies DPS.
You obtain an SR22 through an insurance agent or company, rather than purchasing a separate SR22 product from DPS. If you don't own a vehicle, ask about a non-owner policy. The right option depends on your driving circumstances and access to vehicles.
Eligibility & Violations
Who Needs an SR22 in Texas?
Texas DPS identifies several situations in which drivers must maintain an SR22. The requirement depends on the reason for your suspension or other enforcement action.
Repeat No-Insurance Convictions
A second or subsequent conviction for operating a vehicle without the required motor vehicle liability insurance can trigger an SR22 filing requirement. A special exception may apply when the vehicle was actually insured.
No-Insurance SR22 →Civil Judgment After a Crash
If a civil judgment arising from a vehicle crash has been filed against you, Texas DPS may require an SR22. For qualifying judgments, the required two-year period is measured from the date the judgment was rendered.
Security Deposit with DPS
Drivers who place a security deposit with Texas DPS as compliance for a crash or crash-default suspension must also file an SR22. Your DPS notice can help clarify the remaining conditions for reinstatement.
Important exception: If you received a second or subsequent no-insurance conviction but the vehicle was insured at the time of the offense, Texas DPS may waive the SR22 requirement when you submit acceptable proof of insurance.
What About an SR22 After a DWI?
Certain DWI-related suspensions also require an SR22 as part of license reinstatement. Not every case has identical requirements, and the filing may be only one part of the reinstatement process.
Review your official DPS notice and license eligibility information to determine exactly what applies. A licensed agent can discuss the insurance filing portion of the process.
SR22 After a DWI in Texas →
Required Liability Limits
Texas SR22 Minimum Coverage Requirements
Your Texas SR-22 must certify that you maintain at least the minimum motor vehicle liability insurance required by state law. These limits are commonly called 30/60/25.
Coverage Type
Minimum Required
Bodily injury or death of one person in one crash
$30,000
Bodily injury or death of two or more people in one crash
$60,000
Damage to another person's property in one crash
$25,000
These amounts represent the legal minimums, not necessarily the amount of coverage appropriate for every driver. Liability claims can exceed minimum policy limits, so some drivers choose higher coverage for additional financial protection.
A licensed insurance agent can explain available limits and help you evaluate an owner or non-owner policy that satisfies your filing requirements.
Filing Duration
How Long Is an SR22 Required in Texas?
For qualifying convictions, Texas generally requires drivers to maintain an SR22 for two years beginning on the date of the conviction that created the requirement.
If the SR22 requirement comes from a civil judgment related to a crash, the two-year period generally begins on the date the judgment was rendered. Other circumstances may have additional requirements, so verify your case with Texas DPS.
Coverage must remain active for the entire required period. Missing payments or canceling your policy early can result in a lapse, which your insurer reports to DPS. This can lead to another suspension and additional reinstatement steps.
Consider automatic payments and keep your contact information current with your insurer. Before ending SR22 coverage, confirm that DPS no longer requires the filing.
How Long You Need an SR22 in Texas →Not Sure What Your DPS Notice Requires?
Talk to a licensed agent familiar with Texas SR22 filings and available coverage options.
Keep Your Filing Active
What Happens If Your Texas SR22 Lapses?
Your insurance company must notify Texas DPS when an SR22 is canceled, terminated, or lapses. If DPS does not have a replacement filing before the original coverage ends, you may face additional consequences.
- Your driver license and vehicle registration may be suspended.
- You may need a new SR22 filing and may owe additional reinstatement fees.
- A lapse may complicate your reinstatement and the remaining required coverage period.
Avoid canceling a required policy before the SR22 period ends. If you're changing insurance companies, coordinate the replacement coverage and filing so there is no gap.
Switching insurance companies? Confirm that the new insurer can provide the required Texas SR22 and that DPS receives the replacement filing before the previous filing is canceled.
Step-by-Step Guidance
How to Get Your License Reinstated with an SR22 in Texas
Filing an SR22 is an important step, but it doesn't automatically restore your driving privileges. Follow the requirements listed by Texas DPS.
01
Review Your DPS Notice
Check the reason for your suspension, the required compliance documents, and any outstanding fees or additional conditions.
02
Get Qualifying Insurance
Speak with a licensed insurance agent about an owner or non-owner policy that meets Texas's 30/60/25 minimum liability limits.
03
Arrange the SR22 Filing
Have your insurer provide the required SR22 to Texas DPS. An ordinary insurance card or declarations page cannot replace the SR22 certificate.
04
Pay Reinstatement Fees
Pay the applicable $100 reinstatement fee, along with any other outstanding fees required for your case.
05
Confirm Eligibility with DPS
Verify that DPS has processed your compliance items and that your license status shows you're eligible before driving.
06
Maintain Your Coverage
Keep the required SR22 active throughout the filing period, generally two years from the qualifying conviction date.
Policy Options
Owner or Non-Owner SR22?
The type of policy you need depends partly on whether you own a vehicle.
If You Own a Car
Your SR22 is generally associated with your regular auto insurance policy covering your vehicle. The policy must meet Texas liability requirements and remain active throughout the filing period.
If You Don't Own a Car
A non-owner SR22 policy may provide qualifying liability coverage when you drive vehicles you don't own. Regular access to a household car may affect eligibility.
Common Questions
Texas SR22 Requirements FAQ
Find answers about filing rules, proof of insurance, reinstatement, and maintaining your SR22.
Does Texas require an SR22 for a first no-insurance ticket?
Texas DPS identifies a second or subsequent no-insurance conviction as a reason for an SR22 requirement. A first no-insurance offense alone is not listed under that particular trigger. Other suspensions may create separate requirements, so review your DPS notice.
Can I show my insurance card instead of an SR22?
No. Texas DPS does not accept an ordinary insurance card or policy in place of the required SR22. Your insurance company must provide the actual financial responsibility certificate.
Do I need an SR22 if I don't own a car?
If Texas DPS requires an SR22, not owning a vehicle does not automatically remove that requirement. Ask a licensed agent about non-owner SR22 insurance . Eligibility and policy restrictions apply.
What is the Texas license reinstatement fee?
Texas DPS lists a $100 reinstatement fee for the applicable SR22 reinstatement process. Other outstanding fees may also be due. Check your individual DPS license eligibility record for the total.
Who files the SR22 with Texas DPS?
Your insurance company provides the SR22 certificate to Texas DPS. Lone Star SR22 connects drivers with licensed insurance agents; we do not act as the insurer or file the certificate ourselves.
What if I move out of Texas?
Moving to another state does not necessarily end an existing Texas SR22 requirement. Confirm your remaining obligation with Texas DPS and ask a licensed insurance agent whether an insurer can maintain the required Texas filing while you live elsewhere.
Texas SR22 Assistance
Get Your Texas SR22 Filed
A licensed agent can help you explore coverage that meets Texas SR22 requirements and get your filing process started.
☎ Call 888-577-7217
Source:
Texas Department of Public Safety,
Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22)
.
Requirements and fees may change.
Confirm your individual case with DPS.