In Washington if a driver is required to obtain an SR-22 then him or her normally must maintain it for 3 years. The reason that you are required to acquire the SR-22 may change the amount of time you are required to carry it though.

You can be mandated by the state to get a SR22 for a variety of reasons from a driver's license suspension reinstatement due to a DUI, accident without insurance or a second or subsequent offense of leaving a child unattended in a running vehicle, to name a few.

Typically in WA when you are eligible to reinstate your driver license, you must file future proof of financial responsibility, also known as an SR-22, for 3 years from the date you are eligible to reinstate your driver license for that incident.

Revised Code of Washington 46.29.600 titled Duration of proof – When proof may be canceled or returned states the following

(1) The department shall upon request consent to the immediate cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance, or the department shall direct and the state treasurer shall return to the person entitled thereto any money or securities deposited pursuant to this chapter as proof of financial responsibility, or the department shall waive the requirement of filing proof, in any of the following events:

(a) At any time after three years from the date such proof was required when, during the three-year period preceding the request, the department has not received record of a conviction, forfeiture of bail, or finding that a traffic infraction has been committed which would require or permit the suspension or revocation of the license of the person by or for whom such proof was furnished; or

(b) In the event of the death of the person on whose behalf such proof was filed or the permanent incapacity of such person to operate a motor vehicle; or

(c) In the event the person who has given proof surrenders his license to the department;

(3) Whenever any person whose proof has been canceled or returned under subdivision (1)(c) of this section applies for a license within a period of three years from the date proof was originally required, any such application shall be refused unless the applicant shall reestablish such proof for the remainder of such three-year period.

Your can contact the Washington State Department of Licensing for more information. The phone line for SR22/26 insurance certificate information from the WA DOL is 360-570-7040.