SR-22 in Idaho

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

Idaho requires an SR-22 after serious violations such as DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving, or leaving the scene of a crash. Your insurer files it with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Since January 1, 2025, filings go through the State of Idaho Insurance Verification System.

For most cases, including DUI, you keep the SR-22 for 3 years, starting when your suspension ends. [1][2][3]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [3]
After a DUI: 3 years [1]
Base reinstatement fee: $85 [2]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/15 [4]

Does Idaho require an SR-22?

Yes. Idaho requires an SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility) filed by your insurer with the Idaho Transportation Department after serious violations; since January 1, 2025 filings go through the State of Idaho Insurance Verification System. [1]

Form: SR-22 (proof of financial responsibility); cancellations are reported on an SR-26 [2]

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

3 years starting on the last day of the suspension or revocation for conviction-based suspensions; 1 year from conviction for a first no-insurance conviction, 3 years for a second within 5 years [3]

After a DUI

3 years, beginning when the DUI suspension period ends [1]

What does reinstatement cost?

$85 for no-insurance and most mandatory suspensions (reckless driving, leaving the scene, driving without privileges); $285 for an Idaho DUI, $245 for an administrative (ALS) suspension, $25 for an SR-22 cancellation [2]

We couldn't confirm whether Idaho 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 accident, $15,000 property damage [4]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

Your insurer notifies ITD with an SR-26 when the policy is cancelled. Failing to keep the SR-22 for the required time reactivates the suspension until the SR-22 and fee requirements are met ($25 reinstatement fee for an SR-22 cancellation). [2]

Don't own a car?

Yes. Idaho law provides for an operator's policy covering vehicles you don't own. [5]

Who has to file one?

DUI convictions (including withheld judgments, under-21 and excessive-BAC DUI), driving without insurance, reckless driving, eluding police, leaving the scene of a crash, driving without privileges, vehicular manslaughter, using a vehicle to commit a felony, and unsatisfied crash judgments. Administrative (ALS) suspensions and test refusals do not require an SR-22. [2]

Who handles it

Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Division of Motor Vehicles - Driver Services [1]

Common questions

When does my 3 years start?

For DUI and other conviction-based suspensions, Idaho law starts the 3 years on the last day of your suspension or revocation, not on the day you're convicted or file. A first-offense DUI suspension can run 90 to 180 days, and a felony DUI suspension 1 to 5 years, so your total time with an SR-22 depends on your suspension. [1][2][3]

How long do I need an SR-22 for driving without insurance?

For a first no-insurance conviction, Idaho law requires proof for 1 year after the conviction. For a second conviction within 5 years, it's 3 years. [3]

I failed or refused a breath test. Do I need an SR-22?

Not for that alone. Administrative license suspensions and test refusals don't require an SR-22. A DUI conviction does, and so does a withheld judgment; the SR-22 and other reinstatement requirements stay on your record until the court issues a dismissal. [2]

How much does it cost to reinstate?

ITD charges $285 after an Idaho DUI and $245 after an administrative suspension. No-insurance, reckless driving, leaving the scene, and driving without privileges suspensions cost $85. If you have several suspensions you generally pay only the highest fee, but each separate criminal offense like a DUI has its own fee. [1][2]

What happens if my SR-22 is cancelled?

Your insurer notifies ITD with an SR-26. Your suspension is reactivated until you file a new SR-22 and pay a $25 reinstatement fee. [2]

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

Yes. Idaho law provides for an operator's policy that covers you when you drive vehicles you don't own, with the same limits as an owner's policy. [5]

Sources

Idaho Transportation Department - Driver Records and Suspensions (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
ITD Driver Services - A Guide to Understanding Driver Records (April 2024) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Idaho Code § 49-1208 Proof required upon certain convictions (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Idaho Code § 49-117 Definitions (proof of financial responsibility amounts) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Idaho Code § 49-1212 Motor vehicle liability policy (owner's and operator's policies) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)