SR-22 in District of Columbia

Checked against official District of Columbia sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

In DC, a conviction for DUI, operating while impaired, hit-and-run, aggravated reckless driving, or another serious vehicle offense suspends your license and registration for 6 months. To get them back, you must provide and keep proof of financial responsibility, which DC DMV calls an SR-22 or "high risk insurance." Your insurer files it with DC DMV.

DC changed these rules in March 2026, so older guides may be out of date. [1][5][6][7]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: Not confirmed
After a DUI: Not confirmed
Base reinstatement fee: $115 [2]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/10 [3]

Does District of Columbia require an SR-22?

Yes. DC DMV requires drivers licensed in the District to provide proof of SR-22 insurance at reinstatement if the conviction was within the last three years. [1]

Form: SR-22. DC DMV also calls it "high risk insurance". The DC Code calls it a certificate of insurance as proof of financial responsibility for the future. [1]

How long do you need an SR-22 in District of Columbia?

We haven't confirmed this from an official District of Columbia source yet. Check with DC Department of Motor Vehicles. Adjudication Services / Driver Improvement Office handles reinstatement applications and hearings..

After a DUI

What does reinstatement cost?

$115 driver license reinstatement fee (DC DMV fee schedule). Note: D.C. Code 50-1301.38, as amended in 2026, sets a $100 fee for suspensions after DUI and other serious convictions. [2]

We couldn't confirm whether District of Columbia 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 per accident, $10,000 property damage. DC also requires uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 bodily injury and $5,000 property damage ($200 deductible). [3]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

Insurers must notify DC DMV of any cancellation or termination. If continuous insurance isn't kept on a DC-registered vehicle, the registration is suspended and you are fined, with fines increasing over time. When filed proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) no longer fulfills its purpose, the law requires other proof. The DMV does not publish a specific SR-22 lapse rule. [3]

Don't own a car?

Yes. Under D.C. law, the insurer's certificate need not list any vehicles when the policy is issued to a person who does not own a motor vehicle. [4]

Who has to file one?

Convictions for DUI, commercial-vehicle DUI, or operating while impaired; any homicide involving a motor vehicle; leaving after colliding (hit-and-run); aggravated reckless driving; any felony using a motor vehicle; or an equivalent out-of-state offense. These lead to a 6-month license and registration suspension, and reinstatement requires providing and maintaining proof of financial responsibility (D.C. Code 50-1301.37, .38). [5]

Who handles it

DC Department of Motor Vehicles. Adjudication Services / Driver Improvement Office handles reinstatement applications and hearings. [6]

Common questions

What do I need to get my license back after a DUI in DC?

You must serve the 6-month suspension, provide and keep proof of insurance, and pay the reinstatement fee. For alcohol or drug offenses, DC DMV also wants a certificate from a state-certified alcohol counseling program. MADD Victim Impact panels and driver improvement courses don't count. [6][7][8]

Do I need an SR-22 if my conviction was years ago?

DC DMV says drivers licensed in DC must show SR-22 proof at reinstatement if the conviction was within the last three years. If your conviction is older, or you're licensed elsewhere, ask DC DMV. [1]

How much does it cost to reinstate my license?

DC DMV's fee schedule lists a $115 license reinstatement fee. A 2026 change to DC law sets a $100 fee for reinstating after these conviction suspensions, so confirm the amount with DC DMV. You also have to clear any unpaid tickets, child support, or insurance-lapse fines first. [2][6][7]

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

Yes. DC law says the insurer's certificate doesn't have to list any vehicles when the policy is issued to someone who doesn't own one. [4]

How much coverage does the policy need?

DC requires at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage. You also need uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage, with a $200 deductible. [3]

What happens if my insurance is cancelled?

Insurers must tell DC DMV when a policy is cancelled, and the DMV will send you an insurance verification notice to answer through DCIVS.org. If a DC-registered car goes uninsured, the registration is suspended and fines grow over time. DC DMV does not publish a specific rule for what happens when an SR-22 lapses. [3]

Sources

DC DMV - Reinstatement Application (updated March 2026) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
DC DMV - Driver License Fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
DC DMV - Vehicle Insurance (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
D.C. Code 50-1301.54 - Certificate of insurance as proof (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
D.C. Code 50-1301.37 - Suspension of license and registration upon conviction of certain offenses (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
DC DMV - License Reinstatement (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
D.C. Code 50-1301.38 - Requirements for reinstatement of license and registration (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
DC DMV - Driver Improvement Services (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)