SR-22 in Louisiana

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

Louisiana requires an SR-22 after a DWI or underage DUI conviction, a refusal to take a chemical test, a conviction for driving without a valid license, or an unpaid judgment from a crash. Your insurer files it with the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV).

State law says you must keep it for 3 years. [1][2][5]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [2]
After a DUI: 3 years [1]
Base reinstatement fee: $100 [1]
Minimum liability coverage: 15/30/25 [3]

Does Louisiana require an SR-22?

Yes. Louisiana requires proof of financial responsibility, which the Office of Motor Vehicles calls SR-22 insurance, for DWI and chemical-test-refusal suspensions, among other cases. [1]

Form: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility) [1]

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

3 years. Louisiana law says anyone required to give proof of financial responsibility must maintain it for three years. [2]

After a DUI

3 years. OMV says to file SR-22 for 3 years from the date of conviction for DWI/UDUI, or 3 years from the date of arrest for a chemical-test refusal. [1]

What does reinstatement cost?

$100 for a first DWI ($200 with two DWI convictions on record, $300 for each conviction after the second). A chemical-test refusal is $50. Other suspension types carry their own fees. [1]

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

What coverage do you need?

$15,000 bodily injury per person, $30,000 bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage per accident [3]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If the proof on file no longer does its job (for example the policy is cancelled), Louisiana law requires OMV to demand new proof and suspend your license and registration until it is filed. [4]

Don't own a car?

Yes. After a DWI or refusal, Louisiana law requires you to show financial responsibility 'individually as a non-owner', and the law defines an operator's policy that covers you in vehicles you do not own. [5]

Who has to file one?

A DWI or underage DUI conviction, refusing a chemical test, and unpaid judgments from a crash [5]

Who handles it

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) [1]

Common questions

When do the 3 years start?

OMV says to keep the SR-22 for 3 years from the date of your conviction for a DWI or underage DUI, or 3 years from the date of arrest for a test refusal. State law measures the 3 years from the date proof was required, and lets OMV end the requirement only if it hasn't received a new conviction or bail forfeiture in the previous 3 years that could lead to a suspension, so a new violation can keep you on it longer. [1][6]

I took the breath or blood test. Do I still need an SR-22?

OMV's reinstatement steps for a suspension after you took the test don't list an SR-22. If you are later convicted of DWI, the conviction requires one for 3 years from the conviction date. [1]

How much does it cost to get my license back after a DWI?

The DWI reinstatement fee is $100 for a first conviction, $200 with two DWI convictions on record, and $300 for each conviction after that. A test refusal or a suspension after taking the test is $50, and an underage DUI is $60. Each suspension has its own fee, so you may owe more than one. [1][7]

I don't own a car. Do I still need an SR-22?

Yes. After a DWI or refusal, state law requires proof for every vehicle registered to you and for you as a non-owner. An operator's policy covers you when you drive vehicles you don't own, at the same limits as an owner's policy. [3][5]

What happens if my SR-22 lapses?

If your proof stops doing its job, for example because the policy is cancelled, state law requires OMV to demand new proof. Your license and registration are suspended until you file it. [4]

Does bankruptcy clear a suspension for an unpaid crash judgment?

No. Your license and registration stay suspended until the judgment is put on hold or paid and you give proof of financial responsibility. Louisiana law says a bankruptcy discharge doesn't remove this requirement. [8]

Sources

Louisiana OMV - Driver Reinstatement: Suspensions (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
La. R.S. 32:909 - Proof to be maintained for three years (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
La. R.S. 32:900 - Motor vehicle liability policy defined (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
La. R.S. 32:907 - Other proof may be required (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
La. R.S. 32:896 - Proof required upon certain convictions (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
La. R.S. 32:908 - Duration of proof; when proof may be cancelled or returned (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
La. R.S. 32:414 - Suspension, revocation, renewal, and cancellation of licenses (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
La. R.S. 32:893 - Suspension to continue until judgments paid and proof given (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)