SR22 State

SR-22 in California

Checked against official California sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

California requires a California Insurance Proof Certificate (form SR 22 / SR 1P) to end certain suspensions and revocations, including after a DUI, after a collision while uninsured, and when reinstating after other suspensions. Your insurer files it with the California DMV.

The DMV says you usually keep it for 3 years from the first date you file it to end the action. Repeat DUI offenders also keep it for 3 years. [1][2]

Uses SR-22?
Yes
How long
3 years [1]
After a DUI
3 years [2]
Base reinstatement fee
$55 [3]
Minimum liability coverage
30/60/15 [4]

Does California require an SR-22?

Yes. California requires a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22 / SR 1P) filed with the DMV to end certain suspensions and revocations. [1]

Form: California Insurance Proof Certificate (form SR 22 / SR 1P) [1]

How long do you need an SR-22 in California?

Usually 3 years from the first date you file insurance to end the action [1]

After a DUI

3 years, including for repeat DUI offenders [2]

What does reinstatement cost?

$55 reissue fee; DUI administrative per se (APS) suspensions carry a $125 fee instead [3]

We couldn't confirm whether California charges its own fee to file an SR-22. Your insurer may charge one.

What coverage do you need?

$30,000 injury/death to one person, $60,000 injury/death to more than one person, $15,000 property damage (since January 1, 2025) [4]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

Your insurer must notify the DMV if the policy is canceled, and the DMV suspends your driving privilege until you file new proof of insurance [5]

Don't own a car?

Yes. California accepts an operator's policy, which covers you when driving vehicles you don't own. If you have vehicles registered to you after a DUI or certain other suspensions, the certificate must cover all of them. [6]

Who has to file one?

DUI convictions and administrative DUI (APS) suspensions, being in a collision without insurance, and reinstating a license after other suspensions or revocations [1]

Who handles it

California DMV: the Mandatory Actions Unit handles DUI-related proof; the Financial Responsibility unit handles uninsured-accident suspensions [1]

Common questions

Do I need an SR-22 for 10 years after a second DUI?

No. The DMV says repeat DUI offenders keep the SR 22 for 3 years. The 10 years you may have heard about is the lookback period for counting prior DUIs, and it also affects how long ignition interlock restrictions last. [2][7]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

The DMV charges a $55 reissue fee. After a DUI administrative per se suspension or a chemical test refusal, you pay a $125 fee instead. An ignition interlock restricted license adds a $15 restriction fee plus administrative service fees. [2][3][8]

Did California's insurance minimums change?

Yes. Since January 1, 2025, the minimums are $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for injury or death, and $15,000 for property damage. They were $15,000 / $30,000 / $5,000 before, and state law raises them again to $50,000 / $100,000 / $25,000 on January 1, 2035. [4]

I don't own a car. Can I get a non-owner SR-22?

Yes. California accepts an operator's policy, which covers you when you drive cars you don't own. But if you have vehicles registered to you after a DUI or certain other suspensions, the certificate must cover all of them, and while proof is required you may drive only vehicles it covers. [6][9][10]

What happens if my SR-22 lapses?

Your insurer must tell the DMV in writing within 10 days after a cancellation becomes final. The DMV then suspends your driving privilege until you file new proof of insurance. [5][11]

I live in another state. How do I file?

Out-of-state drivers can file a certificate from an insurer authorized in their home state using DMV form DL 300. Residents of Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon can only use the SR-22 form in place of the California certificate. If you move to California while the requirement is active, you must file a California certificate. [1][9]

Sources

  1. California DMV - DL 300, California Proof Requirements for Non-Residents (REV. 12/2024) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. California DMV - DUI Repeat Offenders, Alcohol Involved, 21 and Older (flyer) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  3. California DMV - Suspensions (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  4. California Vehicle Code 16056 - Minimum liability coverage (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. California Vehicle Code 16484 - Suspension when proof no longer fulfills its purpose (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. California Vehicle Code 16452 - Operator's policy (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. California Vehicle Code Div. 6, Ch. 2, Art. 3 (13350-13392), incl. 13352, 13352.4, 13352.5, 13353.3, 13353.6, 13353.75 (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  8. California Vehicle Code 14905 - $125 fee after 13353 / 13353.2 (APS) actions (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  9. California Vehicle Code 16431 - Proof by insurance certificate (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  10. California Vehicle Code 16457 - Driving only vehicles covered by the certificate (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  11. California Vehicle Code 16433 - Notice of cancellation to the DMV (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)

Another state?