SR-22 Cost by State: Filing Fees, Duration, and Tips
If a court or DMV told you to file an SR-22, you are not buying a special policy. You are asking your insurer to file proof of financial responsibility with your state so your license can be reinstated or kept in good standing. The filing itself is modest, commonly in the $15 to $50 range, but the violation that triggered it can raise your premium for years. [ref]
Quick take
Many carriers charge about $15 to $50 per filing period. Some bill it each term while the SR-22 remains on file. [ref]
About three years is common, though exact timing depends on your state and violation. In Washington, for example, it is typically three years from the date you are eligible for reinstatement. [ref]
Letting your policy cancel can trigger a notice to the DMV and a re-suspension, and it can restart your compliance clock. [ref]
What the SR-22 fee actually covers
An SR-22 is an electronic filing your insurer sends to the state licensing agency confirming you maintain at least the state-minimum liability limits. It is not a coverage type. The small filing fee is separate from your premium, which is what usually rises because of the underlying violation and risk classification. [ref]
Plain English: your auto policy pays claims. The SR-22 is paperwork that proves you carry the minimum coverage your state requires. [ref]
Where the money goes
- Insurer processing and e-filing: The SR-22 fee compensates the insurer for setting up the filing and monitoring it. Typical consumer guides list about $25 as a common fee, with ranges from $15 to $50 depending on the insurer and state. [ref]
- DMV reinstatement fees: These are separate from the SR-22 filing fee and depend on your state and situation. For instance, Florida outlines reinstatement consequences for insurance-related suspensions on its insurance page. [ref]
How long you need an SR-22
Most states require approximately three years of continuous filing. Specific offenses or forms can change that timing.
- SR-22: Commonly around three years. Washington’s Department of Licensing notes three years from the date you are eligible to reinstate in most cases. [ref]
- FR-44 in some states: Certain offenses trigger FR-44, which sets higher liability limits than SR-22. Virginia’s DMV explains that FR-44 limits are double the SR-22 minimums in that state. [ref]
Tip: Ask your insurer and DMV when your clock starts. In some states it starts at eligibility for reinstatement, not the conviction date. Keep coverage continuous so the clock does not reset. [ref]
Selected state snapshots
The table below shows example patterns you will see in many states. Treat them as typical guidance to plan your steps. Always verify details on your state DMV site.
| State | Filing fee (insurer-set) | Common duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $15 to $25 typical | ~3 years | DOL guidance references three years from eligibility for reinstatement. [ref] |
| Florida | Often around $25 | ~3 years is common | Separate DMV reinstatement fees may apply after suspension. [ref] |
| Virginia | $15 to $25 typical | ~3 years | Serious offenses can require FR-44 with higher limits than SR-22. [ref] |
Fees above are insurer-set administration charges, not state filing taxes, and can vary. The premium increase mostly comes from your violation, not the SR-22 form itself. [ref]
A quick visual and a practical tip
When you bind your policy, ask your carrier when they transmit the SR-22. Many insurers batch e-file overnight and states process the next business day. Checking your DMV portal the morning after helps you confirm acceptance quickly and avoid delays due to typos. [ref]
Ways to keep premiums lower during the SR-22 period
You cannot delete the past violation, but you can control price inputs while you comply.
Pricing for higher-risk drivers varies widely by company. Even with the same filing, one carrier can be far cheaper than another.
Safe-driving programs can offset surcharges over time if you plan to keep the policy. See our guide: Telematics & Usage-Based Insurance.
If you carry comprehensive and collision, pick a deductible that balances premium with cash comfort. Use our deductible guide to model tradeoffs.
Other easy wins:
- Bundle with renters or homeowners if available to trim your premium. See Auto + Renters bundle.
- If you do not own a vehicle and only need to satisfy the state, ask if a non-owner SR-22 fits your situation. Start with Non-Owner SR-22.
- Keep your policy active. A lapse can trigger a rejection notice to the DMV and a fresh suspension. [ref]
FAQ
Is the SR-22 itself expensive
No. The form is inexpensive compared with the premium change from the underlying violation. Typical filing fees cluster around $25, with ranges from $15 to $50. [ref]
Do I need full coverage to file an SR-22
Not necessarily. The filing proves you meet state minimum liability. Your lender may still require comprehensive and collision if you have a loan or lease. For coverage differences, see Comprehensive vs Collision.
How soon will the DMV see it
Insurers commonly e-file and states process the next business day. Ask your carrier for their transmit schedule and confirm in your DMV portal. [ref]
What about states that use FR-44
A few states use FR-44 for certain offenses and require higher liability limits than SR-22. Virginia explicitly states FR-44 limits are double the SR-22 minimums. [ref]
Related guides to finish the process
- SR-22: Step-by-Step Filing Checklist
- How Long Does an SR-22 Stay on Your Record
- Non-Owner SR-22: Step-by-Step
- Need to bind fast and get proof now? Try Same-Day Car Insurance and grab cards with Instant Auto Insurance ID Cards.
External references
- Progressive: SR-22 overview and fees. [ref]
- Virginia DMV: Financial Responsibility Certifications - SR-22 and FR-44. [ref]