SR-22 in Maine

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

Maine requires an SR-22 in certain cases, such as being found guilty of driving without insurance or being convicted of OUI with another OUI in the past 10 years. Your insurer files it with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), part of the Secretary of State.

State law says you must keep it for at least 3 years after your license is reinstated. [1][2][5]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [2]
After a DUI: 3 years [2]
Base reinstatement fee: $50 [3]
Minimum liability coverage: 50/100/25 [4]

Does Maine require an SR-22?

Yes. Maine requires proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 insurance certificate in certain cases, such as being found guilty of failing to show proof of insurance. [1]

Form: SR-22 insurance certificate (proof of financial responsibility) [1]

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

At least 3 years after your license and registration are reinstated [2]

After a DUI

At least 3 years after reinstatement (same as the standard period). By statute, proof is required before reinstatement after a repeat OUI within 10 years. [2]

What does reinstatement cost?

$50 reinstatement fee paid to the Secretary of State, the same for OUI/test-refusal suspensions and other suspensions [3]

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

What coverage do you need?

$50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage. The policy must also include $2,000 medical payments and $500 towing/storage coverage. [4]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

We haven't confirmed this from an official Maine source yet. Check with The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), part of the Secretary of State.

Don't own a car?

We haven't confirmed this from an official Maine source yet. Check with The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), part of the Secretary of State.

Who has to file one?

Being found guilty of failing to show proof of insurance; an OUI conviction with a prior OUI within 10 years; other motor vehicle violations, at the Secretary of State's discretion; a crash where the records give reasonable grounds; and unsatisfied crash judgments [2]

Who handles it

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), part of the Secretary of State [5]

Common questions

I was found guilty of driving without insurance. What happens now?

Thirty days after the court's decision, the Secretary of State must suspend your license and registration until you file proof of insurance. The BMV says this proof is an SR-22. The violation itself carries a fine of $100 to $500. [1][6]

Do I need an SR-22 after a second OUI?

Yes. If you're convicted of OUI and had another OUI within 10 years, Maine law says your license can't be reinstated until you file proof of financial responsibility. You then keep it for at least 3 years after reinstatement. [2]

I caused a crash without insurance. Can I keep driving?

Not if the crash caused injury or $1,000 or more in damage. The BMV says an uninsured driver who causes injury or $1,000 or more in damage can't drive until they show proof of financial responsibility or insurance. An unpaid court judgment from a crash also leads to a suspension. [1][2]

How much is the reinstatement fee?

The reinstatement fee is $50, the same for OUI, test refusal, and other suspensions. If you have more than one suspension, each can carry its own fee. Paying online adds a $5 processing fee. The BMV also lists a $200 fee for a major offense on a juvenile provisional license. [3][7]

Can my insurer cancel my SR-22 right away?

No. Your insurer can't cancel a certified policy until at least 10 days after it files a cancellation notice with the Secretary of State. If you switch insurers, the new certified policy replaces the old one from its start date. [8]

Who do I contact about my SR-22 requirement?

The BMV's financial responsibility unit handles SR-22 matters. You can reach it at 207-624-9000, extension 52108. [5]

Sources

Maine BMV - Motorist Handbook and Study Guide (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
29-A M.R.S. §1603 - Suspension (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
29-A M.R.S. §2486 - Reinstatement fee (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
29-A M.R.S. §1605 - Proof of financial responsibility (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Maine BMV - Financial Responsibility (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
29-A M.R.S. §1601 - Required maintenance of financial responsibility (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Maine BMV - Driver's License Reinstatement Fees FAQ (online payment) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
29-A M.R.S. §1606 - Filing (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)