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- Two-year requirement — Texas law mandates SR-22 coverage for two years from the triggering event (crash date, conviction date, or judgment date).
- Not “high-risk” insurance — An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility, not a separate policy type; your existing liability insurer files it with the DPS.
- Lapse = suspension — If your insurer notifies DPS that your policy was canceled or lapsed, your license and vehicle registration are automatically suspended.
- No car required — You don’t need to own a vehicle; insurers can file a non-owner SR-22 on your behalf.
- Cost impact — Texas drivers with one DUI pay an average of $2,701 per year for SR-22 coverage — about 64% more than a standard policy, based on CarInsurance.com rate data.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Texas?
In Texas, you are required to carry an SR-22 for two years. That clock starts from the date of the crash, the date of conviction, or the date a court judgment was rendered against you — whichever applies to your situation. This timeline is set by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and does not reset unless your coverage lapses.
Your insurer must notify the DPS anytime your policy is canceled, terminated, or lapses. If that happens while you’re still in your required filing period, your driver’s license and vehicle registration will be suspended.
Sophie’s tipTexas SR-22 = two years of continuous coverage, filed by your insurer with the DPS. A single lapse restarts the clock on consequences.
Gaps in coverage — even a single day — can trigger suspension and complicate your reinstatement timeline.
What is an SR-22 in Texas?
An SR-22, also called a certificate of financial responsibility, is a document your car insurance company files with the Texas DPS to certify that you carry at least the state’s minimum required liability coverage. It is not a separate insurance product — it is a filing attached to your existing auto insurance policy.
Texas minimum liability requirements are:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
If you don’t already have an active policy that meets these minimums, you’ll need to get one before the SR-22 can be filed.
What triggers an SR-22 requirement in Texas?
The Texas DPS requires an SR-22 as part of the driver’s license reinstatement process after several serious violations. You may be required to file if your license was suspended due to:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI/DWI)
- A drug-related offense
- Driving while your license was suspended or invalid
- Driving without insurance
- An uninsured crash that resulted in a license suspension
- An unsatisfied court judgment arising from a traffic crash
In each case, you cannot legally reinstate your license until you have an SR-22 on file — and you must keep it on file continuously for the full two-year period.
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How much does an SR-22 in Texas cost?
The SR-22 filing itself typically costs between $15 and $50 as a one-time fee charged by your insurer. The real cost impact comes from the underlying violation that triggered the requirement.
Based on CarInsurance.com’s rate analysis, Texas drivers with one DUI pay an average of $2,701 per year for SR-22 coverage — roughly 64% more than the same driver would pay without a DUI on their record.
Because insurers weigh violations differently, your rate can vary significantly from one company to the next. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the most reliable way to find the most competitive rate while still meeting the SR-22 requirement.
Visit our state page to find out more about Texas car insurance.
Do you need a car to get an SR-22 in Texas?
No. If you don’t own a vehicle but still need to drive legally, you can get a non-owner SR-22 policy. This type of policy provides liability coverage when you drive someone else’s car and satisfies the DPS filing requirement without requiring vehicle ownership.
You’ll still need to work with an insurer authorized to write liability insurance in Texas. Not all insurers offer non-owner SR-22 filings, so it’s worth asking upfront.
What happens if your SR-22 lapses in Texas?
If your insurer cancels, terminates, or allows your policy to lapse while your SR-22 is required, they are legally obligated to notify the Texas DPS. Once notified, the DPS will suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
To avoid this:
- Set up autopay or calendar reminders for your policy renewal date.
- Keep your insurer updated on your contact information.
- If you need to switch insurers, make sure your new policy and SR-22 are active before canceling your old one.
How do you get an SR-22 removed in Texas?
After your two-year required filing period is complete, contact your insurance company and ask them to remove the SR-22 filing. Most insurers will not remove it automatically — you have to request it.
Before requesting removal, confirm with the Texas DPS that your filing period is officially over and that your record is clear. You can verify your SR-22 status on the Texas DPS website.
Once the SR-22 is removed, your insurance rate may decrease — though the underlying violation (such as a DUI) may still affect your premium for several more years.
Frequently Asked Questions: SR-22 requirements in Texas
How long is SR-22 required in Texas?
Texas requires most drivers to maintain an SR-22 for two years from the date of the triggering event — such as a crash, conviction, or court judgment. The two-year period must be continuous; a lapse can result in license suspension and may restart consequences.
What happens if I let my SR-22 lapse in Texas?
Your insurer must notify the Texas DPS of any cancellation or lapse. Once notified, the DPS can suspend your driver’s license and vehicle registration. To stay compliant, make sure your policy remains active throughout the entire required period.
Can I get an SR-22 in Texas if I don’t own a car?
Yes. A non-owner SR-22 policy provides liability coverage when you drive a car you don’t own and satisfies the Texas DPS filing requirement without needing a registered vehicle.
How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Texas?
The SR-22 filing fee itself is typically $15-$50. However, the higher cost is the rate increase tied to the violation that triggered it. Texas drivers with one DUI pay an average of $2,701 per year — about 64% more than a standard policy, based on CarInsurance.com data.
How do I remove my SR-22 in Texas?
After your two-year required filing period ends, contact your insurer and request removal of the SR-22 filing. Verify with the Texas DPS that your record is clear before making the request. Removal is not automatic — you must initiate it.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates. The rates are based on the sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers carrying full coverage policies with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.
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