In the state of Texas a SR-22 is required for 2 years from the date of crash, date of conviction or date the judgment was rendered per Texas Transportation Code Section 601.056. A SR-22 is normally needed to reinstate your driver’s license after a suspended for driving while intoxicated (DWI), a drug offense, driving with a suspended or invalid license or without insurance for a second or subsequent time. Most states are 3 years, but Texas is different of course. :)

Texas statute (TRC Ch. 601.340) also notes that Texas has a Safety Responsibility Law or Evidence of Financial Responsibility Law, for individuals whose driver license or privilege has been suspended or revoked. In order to reinstate driving privileges for this and the offenses we mentioned above, individuals are required to file and maintain insurance in the form of an SR-22.

The DPS states that the SR-22 is to be mandatory for a period of two (2) years from date of conviction. Within the two-year time frame, if the Department receives notice from the insurance company that insurance coverage has been canceled, suspension action will be taken.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) defines an SR-22 insurance policy as a certificate of insurance that shows them proof of insurance for the future, as required by law. SR-22 insurance is not necessarily "high risk" insurance. It is motor vehicle Liability insurance which requires the insurance company to certify coverage to DPS, and the insurance company must notify DPS anytime the policy is cancelled, terminated or lapses.

You do not need to own a car to buy this kind of insurance. If you do not own a car, you can obtain a non-owner SR-22 policy.

If the Texas DPS receives notification from the insurance company that the policy is cancelled, terminated, or lapses appropriate enforcement action may be taken. If the SR-22 is still required and there is not a valid SR-22 on file, the driving privilege and vehicle registration is suspended.

The SR-26 (cancellation of SR-22 insurance certificate) is the form submitted by an insurance company to notify the department that the SR-22 (insurance certificate) issued by that company has been canceled. The filing of form SR26 may initiate suspension action by the department if the individual’s driver record indicates that the SR22 (insurance certificate) is still required at the time the SR26 is received. If you time to hold the SR-22 is over than it just informs the DPS that you are removing the SR-22 from your policy.

To get a quote for Texas car insurance prices, click here.