SR-22 in Connecticut

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

Connecticut law no longer lists offenses that automatically require an insurance certificate. Since a 2004 law change, the DMV Commissioner decides case by case whether your driving record means you must file proof of financial responsibility, usually a certificate your insurer files with the DMV (the SR-22 equivalent).

The Connecticut DMV's Driver Services handles suspensions and reinstatement. [1][2][3]

Uses SR-22?: Yes (insurer certificate)
How long: Not confirmed
After a DUI: Not confirmed
Base reinstatement fee: $175 [2]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/25 [1]

Does Connecticut require an SR-22?

Yes, but only when the DMV Commissioner decides to require it. Connecticut law lets the Commissioner require proof of financial responsibility, usually a certificate filed by your insurer, from drivers whose record warrants it. Since 2004 the statute no longer lists offenses that automatically require it. [1]

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

We haven't confirmed this from an official Connecticut source yet. Check with Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (Commissioner of Motor Vehicles); Driver Services handles suspensions and reinstatement.

After a DUI

What does reinstatement cost?

$175 reinstatement (restoration) fee for a suspension of a driver's license, nonresident driving privilege, or privilege to obtain a license. Other fees may apply. [2]

We couldn't confirm whether Connecticut 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, $25,000 property damage (in effect since January 1, 2018) [1]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

The insurer must tell the DMV Commissioner at least 10 days before the certified policy is cancelled or terminated. If you don't keep the required proof, the Commissioner suspends or revokes your license (and can suspend registrations) until new proof is furnished, and you must return your registration and plates. [1]

Don't own a car?

Yes. The statute expressly covers certificates filed for an "operator's policy", which insures a driver rather than a specific vehicle. [1]

Who has to file one?

The Commissioner may require proof when your driving record is bad enough, in the Commissioner's opinion. It may also be required for motor vehicle theft over $10,000, or for a repeat violation within 12 months of certain laws: speeding (14-219), rules of the road (14-230 to 14-247), the mandatory insurance law (38a-371), brake equipment, plate misuse, school bus laws, and others. [1]

Who handles it

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (Commissioner of Motor Vehicles); Driver Services handles suspensions and reinstatement [2]

Common questions

When can the DMV require proof of insurance?

The Commissioner may require it when your driving record is bad enough, in the Commissioner's opinion. It may also be required for motor vehicle theft over $10,000, or for a repeat violation within 12 months of certain laws, such as speeding, rules of the road, or the mandatory insurance law. [1]

How long do I have to keep it?

State law doesn't set a fixed period. After 12 months, you can ask the Commissioner to remove the requirement, and the Commissioner may look into your case and remove it. [1]

How much does it cost?

The DMV charges a $175 fee to reinstate a suspended license, and other fees may apply, such as a $100 ignition interlock administration fee. By law, your insurer can charge no more than $10 for the filing, and it can't refuse to file while it has a valid policy in force on you. [1][2]

I don't own a car. Can I still file?

Yes. The law covers certificates for an operator's policy, which insures you as a driver rather than a specific vehicle. [1]

What happens if my coverage lapses?

Your insurer must tell the DMV at least 10 days before the policy is cancelled. If you don't keep the required proof, your license can be suspended or revoked, and your registrations suspended, until you file new proof, and you must return your registration and plates. [1]

Can I use something other than insurance?

Yes. Instead of an insurer's certificate, you can file a surety bond, or deposit money or collateral with the State Treasurer in an amount the Commissioner sets. [1]

Sources

Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-112 - Proof of financial responsibility (Chapter 246, current official text with history notes) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
CT DMV - Pay Your License Reinstatement Fee (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
CT General Assembly - OFA Fiscal Note / OLR Bill Analysis, sSB-27 (2004), An Act Concerning Efficiencies of the DMV (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)