What Is an SR-22 in Texas and How Much Does It Cost?

If you've been told you need an SR-22, you probably have a lot of questions. An SR-22 isn't actually insurance itself — it's a certificate of financial responsibility. It's a form that your insurance company files with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proving that you carry at least the state minimum liability coverage.

Texas DPS typically requires an SR-22 after certain violations: DUI/DWI convictions, driving without insurance, accumulating too many traffic violations within a short period, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or having your license suspended or revoked.

The SR-22 filing fee itself is relatively small — most insurers charge between $25 and $50 to file the form with the state. The real cost impact is on your insurance premiums. After a DUI conviction in Texas, drivers pay an average of $167 per month for minimum coverage and $320 per month for full coverage — roughly a 72% increase over what a clean-record driver pays.

You must maintain your SR-22 for two continuous years from the date of your most recent conviction. And "continuous" is the critical word here. If your policy lapses — even for a single day — your insurer is required to notify the Texas DPS, which will re-suspend your license, and the two-year clock starts over.

If you don't own a vehicle, you're not off the hook. Texas requires what's called a non-owner SR-22 policy, which provides liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. The process to get an SR-22 is simple — contact me, I set up a policy meeting Texas minimum requirements, and I file the SR-22 form electronically with DPS on your behalf. Most filings are processed within 24–48 hours.