How long you must maintain a SR-22 filing of financial responsibility differs by state. In most states it is 3 years but in some it can be a longer or shorter period of time.

It also varies by state when the start date begins that you must obtain and maintain the SR22 from. In some states it is the conviction date while in others it may be 3 years from your suspension date and other states require the SR-22 to be filed for 3 years from the date of your driver's license reinstatement.

For instance in Florida an SR-22 is required to be carried for 3 years however the reason behind why the financial certificate must be maintained can change the amount of time it must be kept; sometimes the form must only be filed for 2 years or a judge can deem longer for DUI related cases.

In Florida to reinstate your license after a DUI conviction you must show the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMVR) certified proof of full liability on the SR-22 form for 3 years from the original suspension date. These three years begins from the date that you first obtain the SR-22 form maintain continuous coverage. So if during that 3 year period you canceled your SR-22 and the associated auto insurance coverages the 3 year period would start over from the day you reinstated the coverages

In Tennessee a SR-22 can be required for a total of five (5) years from your date of suspension. If the SR-22 is filed for a total of three (3) years (36 months) within the five (5) year period, the SR-22 may be cancelled provided it is not required on any other suspension. If 5 years pass from the date of suspension before you reinstate your privileges, then the SR-22 would not be required. If the SR-22 is cancelled before the required time and a new form is not filed, your driving privileges will be suspended.

In Washington State typically 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.

To find out how long your state requires you to carry the SR-22 after a DUI and from what date - offense date, conviction date, suspension date or reinstatement date - contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you need a quote on an auto insurance policy including a SR-22 click here.