SR-22 in Mississippi

Checked against official Mississippi sources · Last reviewed October 6, 2026

If Mississippi suspended your license under its Implied Consent Law (a DUI conviction, a DUI non-adjudication, or a refused chemical test), you need proof of insurance to get it back. Your insurer files a certificate of insurance with the Department of Public Safety (DPS). State law calls it a "certificate of insurance" rather than using the name SR-22.

State law also requires this proof after some other suspensions, such as one based on a conviction or an unpaid crash judgment. In general you must keep it for 3 years. After a DUI suspension, the law says at least 3 years after the certificate is issued. [1][2][7][8]

Uses SR-22?: Yes (insurer certificate)
How long: 3 years [2]
After a DUI: 3 years [1]
Base reinstatement fee: $100 [3]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/25 [4]

Does Mississippi require an SR-22?

Yes. Mississippi requires proof of financial responsibility in the form of an insurer's certificate of insurance filed with the Department of Public Safety, for example to reinstate after an implied-consent (DUI) suspension. [1]

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

3 years. Mississippi law says anyone required to furnish proof of financial responsibility must keep it for 3 years. The requirement can be released after 3 years from the date proof was required if, during those 3 years, the state received no record of a conviction or bail forfeiture that would require or permit a suspension. [2]

After a DUI

At least 3 years after the certificate is issued, for reinstatement after a suspension under the Implied Consent Law (DUI) [1]

What does reinstatement cost?

$100 standard reinstatement fee paid to DPS; DUI and drug suspensions cost $175 instead [3]

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

What coverage do you need?

$25,000 bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 bodily injury or death of two or more people, $25,000 property damage, per accident [4]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If the proof you filed no longer meets the requirement, state law requires the Department of Public Safety to suspend your license until you file other proof. [5]

Don't own a car?

Yes. The law allows proof of financial responsibility for a person who doesn't own a vehicle, through an operator's (non-owner) policy; the certificate doesn't have to list vehicles in that case. [6]

Who has to file one?

Reinstating after a license suspension under Mississippi's Implied Consent Law, which covers DUI convictions, DUI non-adjudications, and chemical-test refusals [1]

Who handles it

Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau (Driver Records Division) [3]

Common questions

When do the 3 years start?

It depends on why you need the certificate. After a DUI suspension, state law says you must keep it for at least 3 years after it is issued, so the clock runs from when your certificate is issued, not from your arrest or conviction. The general rule for other cases lets the requirement be released 3 years after the date proof was first required. [1][2]

Does the requirement end on its own after 3 years?

Not automatically. State law says DPS will agree to cancel the certificate on request once 3 years have passed since proof was required, as long as DPS has received no record of a conviction or forfeited bail in those 3 years that would require or allow a suspension. It can also end if you die, become permanently unable to drive, or surrender your license. If you surrender your license and apply again within the 3 years, you have to file proof again for the rest of that period. [2]

What happens if my insurance is cancelled?

Your insurer can't cancel a certified policy until at least 10 days after it sends a cancellation notice to DPS. If the proof you filed no longer meets the requirement, state law requires DPS to suspend your license until you file new proof. [5][9]

Do I need this for anything besides a DUI?

Possibly. Under state law, when DPS suspends or revokes a license because of a conviction or forfeited bail, the license can't be renewed or reissued until you file proof and keep it in place, and your vehicle registrations can be suspended too. If your license was suspended for an unpaid judgment from a crash, you also need to file proof once the judgment is dealt with. [7][8]

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

DPS lists three things. You need proof of current insurance, proof you completed MASEP, and the $175 reinstatement fee. DPS also says hardship licenses aren't available for DUI. [10][11]

How much does reinstatement cost?

The reinstatement fee is $175 for DUI and drug suspensions and $100 for most other suspensions. If you get an ignition-interlock-restricted license, DPS charges a $175 interlock fee plus $56 for the license. If you pay by mail, use a certified cashier's check or money order, because DPS doesn't take personal checks. [3][10][11]

I don't own a car. Can I still get the certificate?

Yes. Mississippi law allows proof for someone who doesn't own a vehicle, through an operator's (non-owner) policy. In that case the certificate doesn't have to list any vehicles. [6]

Are there other ways to give proof besides insurance?

Yes, though they are less common. State law also accepts a surety bond or a bond backed by real estate, or a certificate from the State Treasurer that you have deposited $15,000 in cash or qualifying securities. Self-insurance is only available to someone with more than 25 vehicles registered in their name. [6]

I live in another state now. Can my insurer there file it?

Yes, if you're a nonresident. State law accepts a certificate from an insurer in your home state, as long as that insurer files a power of attorney with Mississippi and agrees its policies will meet Mississippi law. [6]

Sources

Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-69 (current text reproduced in 2020 Regular Session HB 319, As Introduced; Mississippi Legislature) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-61 - Duration of maintenance of proof of financial responsibility; cancellation, return or waiver (FindLaw mirror, current as of January 1, 2025) (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau - Reinstatement (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-3 and 63-15-43 (brought forward unchanged in 2026 Regular Session HB 682, As Introduced; Mississippi Legislature) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-59 - Requirement of new proof of financial responsibility (FindLaw mirror, current as of January 1, 2025) (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-37, 63-15-39, 63-15-41, 63-15-43, 63-15-49, 63-15-51, 63-15-53 (brought forward in 2023 HB 1003, as signed by the Governor; Mississippi Legislature) (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-35 - Proof of financial responsibility upon conviction or bail forfeiture (FindLaw mirror, current as of January 1, 2025) (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-29 - Suspension until judgments satisfied and proof given (FindLaw mirror, current as of January 1, 2025) (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Miss. Code Ann. 63-15-45 - Cancellation or termination of certified policy (FindLaw mirror, current as of January 1, 2025) (statute, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau - DUI Department (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau - Frequently Asked Questions Related to DUI Offenses and Driving Privileges (8/26/2025) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)