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- SR-16 comes from the courts, not you: Courts file the SR-16 directly with the BMV to report a conviction, missed appearance or unpaid citation — you cannot submit this form yourself.
- SR-22 is forward-looking proof of financial responsibility: Your insurer files it to confirm you’ll maintain minimum coverage, typically for three years after a qualifying violation.
- SR-50 is current-coverage proof: Also called the Affidavit of Current Insurance, it shows the BMV the start and end dates of your active policy — filed electronically by your insurer.
- The BMV can require all three: Drivers involved in certain violations may need an SR-16 from the court, an SR-50 to prove current coverage and an SR-22 for ongoing future financial responsibility — simultaneously.
- Reinstatement fees are tiered by offense count: Under Indiana Code § 9-25-6-15, fees run $250 for a first suspension, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third or subsequent suspension.
What is an SR-16 in Indiana?
An SR-16 is a court-generated form used to notify the Indiana BMV that a driver has been convicted of a motor vehicle law violation, failed to appear for a citation or failed to pay a traffic fine. It is also used to notify the BMV when any of those orders have been rescinded.
The SR-16 is filed exclusively by the court — specifically, the clerk of the court’s office. Drivers cannot submit an SR-16 themselves and it cannot be filed at a BMV branch.
If your license is being reinstated through a court order, the clerk’s office will produce the SR-16 and typically mail it to the BMV. Some courts allow you to hand-carry the form to a BMV special reinstatement center for an additional fee, which can expedite the process. Check with your local clerk’s office to confirm whether that option is available.
What is an SR-22 in Indiana?
An SR-22 is proof of future financial responsibility — a form your insurance company electronically files with the Indiana BMV to confirm that you carry at least the state’s minimum required liability coverage and that your policy cannot be cancelled without the BMV being notified.
The SR-22 is required when a driver is convicted of an offense that triggers a financial responsibility mandate. Common triggers include DUI/OWI convictions, driving without insurance, repeated at-fault accidents or other serious violations.
For insurance-related suspensions, the Indiana BMV requires the SR-22 to remain active for 180 consecutive days. For more serious violations — such as a DUI conviction — the SR-22 requirement typically runs three years from the date determined by the BMV. If the SR-22 lapses for any reason during the required period, the BMV will receive an SR-26 cancellation notice from your insurer and your driving privileges will be immediately suspended again.
To get an SR-22, you must first obtain an auto insurance policy that meets Indiana’s minimum liability limits. Your insurer then files the SR-22 electronically with the BMV through the state’s Electronic Insurance Forms Submission (EIFS) system.
What is an SR-50 in Indiana?
An SR-50 — formally the Affidavit of Current Insurance — is a form your insurance company files with the Indiana BMV to prove that you have active coverage right now. Unlike the SR-22, which is forward-looking, the SR-50 documents your current policy’s start and end dates.
The SR-50 is typically required when the BMV needs to verify that you were insured at the time of a specific incident — for example, if you were involved in an accident and the BMV received an accident report. Your insurer must submit the SR-50 electronically through the EIFS system; paper filings are not accepted and drivers cannot file it themselves.
The SR-50 is a one-time filing for the triggering event. However, if you are involved in another incident that requires it, you will need to file again.
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How SR-16, SR-22 and SR-50 forms compare
These three forms serve distinct purposes in Indiana’s financial responsibility system. The table below explains how they differ at a glance.
Indiana forms: SR-16, SR-22 and SR-50
| Form | What it does | Who files it | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SR-16 | Reports a court conviction, missed appearance or unpaid citation to the BMV | Court clerk → BMV | One-time per qualifying court action |
| SR-22 | Proves future financial responsibility after a qualifying violation | Insurance company → BMV | 180 days (insurance suspensions) or 3 years (serious violations) |
| SR-50 | Proves current insurance coverage (Affidavit of Current Insurance) | Insurance company → BMV | Current policy period (typically 6 months minimum) |
The BMV can require all three from the same driver. For example, a driver convicted of an uninsured driving offense might receive an SR-16 from the court, need to file an SR-50 to show current coverage and be required to maintain an SR-22 for an ongoing period. Failing to provide any required form can result in suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
Indiana’s minimum liability insurance requirements
To satisfy an SR-22 or SR-50 requirement, you must carry Indiana’s state minimum liability coverage. Indiana operates under a 25/50/25 standard, which is explained in the table below.
Indiana’s state minimum limits
| Coverage type | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $25,000 |
Under Indiana Code § 27-7-5-2, all new auto liability policies must include uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage at limits equal to your liability coverage — unless you reject those coverages in writing. UIM coverage must be made available at a minimum of $50,000. Insurers cannot sell UIM coverage for less than that amount.
Rejecting UM/UIM coverage is allowed but rarely advisable. Roughly 14% of Indiana drivers are uninsured, meaning about one in seven vehicles on Indiana roads carries no coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
What happens if your license is suspended in Indiana?
If your driving privileges are suspended for an insurance-related violation, the Indiana BMV will mail a Reinstatement Requirements Notice to your address on file. This notice outlines exactly what the BMV needs before your privileges can be restored, including which forms must be filed and how to pay any reinstatement fees.
Under Indiana Code § 9-25-6-15, the reinstatement fee is:
- First suspension: $250
- Second suspension: $500
- Third or subsequent suspension: $1,000
Reinstatement fees can be paid online at myBMV.com, by phone at (888) 692-6841 or by mail. Insurance documents required for reinstatement must be submitted electronically by your insurance provider — they cannot be mailed by you directly.
How to get an SR-16, SR-22 or SR-50 in Indiana
The path to each form is different:
- SR-16: You cannot initiate this form. Contact the clerk of the court that handled your case. They will file it directly with the BMV or in some jurisdictions, produce it for you to hand-deliver to a BMV special reinstatement center for a fee.
- SR-22: Contact your auto insurance company or agent. You must have an active policy meeting Indiana’s minimum liability requirements. Your insurer will then file the SR-22 electronically with the BMV. If your current insurer does not offer SR-22 filings, you’ll need to shop for a carrier that does.
- SR-50: Contact your insurance company or agent. As with the SR-22, your insurer files the SR-50 electronically through the EIFS system. If you don’t own a vehicle, ask about a non-owner auto insurance policy — your insurer can attach the SR-50 to that policy and file on your behalf.
In all cases, the BMV only accepts insurance documents submitted electronically by licensed insurance providers. Explaining the specific requirement to your agent — whether SR-22, SR-50 or both — will ensure the correct form is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions: SR-16s in Indiana
What is an SR-16 in Indiana?
An SR-16 is a court-generated form that notifies the Indiana BMV of a driver conviction, failure to appear or unpaid citation for a motor vehicle violation. It can also notify the BMV when those orders are rescinded. Only the court can file it — drivers cannot submit an SR-16 themselves.
What is the difference between an SR-22 and an SR-50 in Indiana?
An SR-22 is proof of future financial responsibility — your insurer files it to show you will maintain minimum coverage going forward, typically for three years after a serious violation. An SR-50 (Affidavit of Current Insurance) proves you have active coverage right now. The BMV can require both from the same driver simultaneously.
How long do you need an SR-22 in Indiana?
For insurance-related suspensions, the SR-22 requirement is satisfied after 180 consecutive days. For more serious violations such as a DUI/OWI conviction, the BMV typically requires three years of continuous SR-22 coverage. If coverage lapses at any point, your driving privileges would be suspended again.
How much does it cost to reinstate a suspended license in Indiana?
Under Indiana Code § 9-25-6-15, reinstatement fees are $250 for a first suspension, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third or subsequent suspension. These are in addition to any court fines or insurance costs.
Can I file an SR-50 or SR-22 myself in Indiana?
No. Both forms must be electronically submitted to the Indiana BMV by your insurance provider through the state’s EIFS system. Paper submissions and driver-initiated filings are not accepted.
What happens if my SR-22 lapses?
If your insurance policy is cancelled or lapses while an SR-22 is required, your insurer must file an SR-26 cancellation notice with the BMV. Your driving privileges will be immediately suspended until an active SR-22 is restored.
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