An SR-22 is a document or form required as proof of financial responsibility by the court or under state law for persons convicted of certain traffic violations. It will depend on state laws the reason for the SR-22, certificate of financial responsibility, is needed. For many states this filing is needed to reinstate a driver's license, especially after serious violation convictions such as a license suspension for driving without insurance.

The SR-22 does not go on driving record but the offense that caused you to have to file this document with the state showing that you are complying with their mandate to carry certain auto insurance coverages is what goes on your motor vehicle record (MVR).

How long you will be required to carry the SR-22 differs by state and even than your state may require a different time period depending upon the reason you are mandated to maintain it. In general the SR-22 is held for 3 years but to find out about your specific situation contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

As for your driving record, how long the violation that you were convicted of (and is the reason the state requires you to carry the SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility) will stay on your record will again vary by state. Some states keep violations for 2, 3, 4, 5 or up to 10 years while others never take violations off of a person's MVR. Your DMV can give you information about how long the violation and any points associated with it will remain on your driving record.

If you are worried about how long the violation will affect your insurance rates, you should check with your DMV and/or state's insurance regulator. In some states even if the violation is still on your record it is not permitted to affect your rates after a certain time period (for example 3 years in some states). In other states it is up to the guidelines of your insurance company and their how long they look back on your MVR that determines how long a violation will affect your rates.

Get a quote here for a car insurance policy that will fulfill your needs.