SR-22 in Colorado

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

Colorado requires an SR-22 to reinstate after certain suspensions and revocations, including DUI and test-refusal revocations (with some first-offense exceptions), crashes while uninsured, and unpaid crash judgments. Your insurer files it with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

By law you keep it for 3 years from the date it was last required. A one-time DUI offender with no crash may need it for less time. [1][3][6]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [3]
After a DUI: 3 years [3]
Base reinstatement fee: $95 [4]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/15 [2]

Does Colorado require an SR-22?

Yes. Colorado requires an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility for the future) to reinstate after certain suspensions and revocations. Your insurer files it with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles. [1]

Form: SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility for the future). Colorado law names the SR-22 form as acceptable proof (C.R.S. 42-7-103(14)(b)). [2]

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

3 years. By statute, proof must be kept for three years from the date last required. After an uninsured-crash suspension, the DMV says to keep the SR-22 continuously for three years after your driving privileges are restored. [3]

After a DUI

Up to 3 years. A one-time DUI/DWAI offender with no crash keeps the SR-22 only as long as the license was under restraint, capped at 3 years (the DMV says 9 months for a typical first .08+ revocation). Repeat offenders, high-BAC (0.15+) cases, and cases involving a crash need 3 years. The clock starts when you reinstate. [3]

What does reinstatement cost?

$95 restoration fee for any suspension, cancellation, or revocation. After a DUI, DUI per se, DWAI, or UDD revocation you also pay a $25 fee, for $120 in total. [4]

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

What coverage do you need?

$25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per crash, $15,000 property damage per crash [2]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If your SR-22 coverage is cancelled or lapses, your insurer notifies the DMV and your license is suspended for that reason alone. It stays suspended until you file new proof (SR-22). If nothing else blocks reinstatement, the DMV says you may reinstate once you file a new SR-22. [1]

Don't own a car?

Yes. Colorado law recognizes an operator's policy of liability insurance, which covers you while driving vehicles you do not own, as certified proof of financial responsibility. [5]

Who has to file one?

License revocations under C.R.S. 42-2-125 (mandatory revocations, such as DUI convictions) and 42-2-126 (administrative BAC or test-refusal revocations), with some first-offense exceptions; license cancellations for physical or mental incompetence; cancelled probationary licenses; crash suspensions when you were uninsured; unpaid judgments from a crash; and letting required insurance lapse. [6]

Who handles it

Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (Driver Control / reinstatement unit) [1]

Common questions

How long do I need an SR-22 after a first DUI?

Some first-offense revocations don't require an SR-22 at all. If one is required and it's your only DUI, DUI per se, or DWAI and there was no crash, you keep it only as long as your license was under restraint, up to 3 years, starting when you reinstate. The DMV says that's 9 months for a typical first .08+ revocation. Repeat offenses, a BAC of 0.15 or higher, or a crash mean 3 years, and since DMV pages word these periods differently, confirm yours with the DMV. [3][6][7][8]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

The restoration fee is $95 for any suspension, cancellation, or revocation. After a DUI, DUI per se, DWAI, or UDD revocation you pay $25 more, for $120 total, though that $25 can be waived if you can't afford it. You also have to buy a new license, which is a separate fee. [4][7]

Do I need an SR-22 for a points suspension?

No. For a points suspension you only need to show current insurance, not an SR-22. But if you get a probationary license during a points suspension, that license does require an SR-22. [6][7]

I don't own a car. Can I still file an SR-22?

Yes. Colorado accepts an operator's policy, which covers you when you drive cars you don't own. If you register a vehicle while the requirement is in effect, you must file proof for that vehicle too. [3][5]

What happens if my SR-22 lapses?

Your insurer must notify the DMV within 10 days after the policy is cancelled, and your license is suspended for that reason alone until you file a new SR-22. If you switch insurers, have the new SR-22 filed before the old one expires. [1][9]

What if I move or go without a license for a while?

Time you spend unlicensed still counts toward the 3 years. If you get a license in another state, Colorado suspends the requirement, but it comes back if you apply for a Colorado license again before your period would have ended. [3]

Sources

Colorado DMV - SR-22 and Insurance Information (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
C.R.S. 42-7-103 - Definitions (proof of financial responsibility; SR-22) (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
C.R.S. 42-7-408 - Proof of financial responsibility: methods, duration, exception (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
C.R.S. 42-2-132 - Period of suspension or revocation; restoration fees (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
C.R.S. 42-7-413 - Motor vehicle liability policy (operator's policy) (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
C.R.S. 42-7-406 - Proof required under certain conditions (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Colorado DMV - Suspension and Reinstatement FAQs (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Colorado DMV - Reinstating After a DUI or Alcohol Offense (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
C.R.S. 42-7-416 - Notice required upon cancellation (official CRS 2024 text via colorado.public.law) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)