SR22 State

Does North Carolina require an SR-22?

Checked against official North Carolina sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

North Carolina uses its own insurance form, the DL-123. To get most suspended or revoked licenses back, including after a DWI, you need proof of insurance, usually a DL-123 from an insurer licensed in North Carolina.

After your license is restored, you must keep that insurance in effect for at least 3 years. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) handles restoration. [1][2][5]

Uses SR-22?
No, uses DL-123
How long
3 years [2]
After a DUI
3 years [2]
Base reinstatement fee
$83.50 [3]
Minimum liability coverage
50/100/50 [4]

Does North Carolina require an SR-22?

North Carolina's official sources describe its own insurer certificate, DL-123, rather than the SR-22. Details below.

What North Carolina requires instead

To restore most suspended or revoked licenses you need proof of insurance from a North Carolina-licensed insurer, usually a Form DL-123 certification. A DL-123 is valid for 30 days after it is issued. [1]

Form: Form DL-123 insurance certification from a North Carolina-licensed insurer [1]

How long do you need it in North Carolina?

Financial responsibility must be kept in effect for at least 3 years after the date the license is restored [2]

After a DUI

3 years after restoration, the same as for other suspensions and revocations (the rule applies to DWI revocations too) [2]

What does reinstatement cost?

$83.50 restoration fee ($167.25 if the revocation was for a DWI conviction under G.S. 20-17(a)(2)); a separate $50 service fee may also apply [3]

What coverage do you need?

$50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per accident, $50,000 property damage (for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025; previously 30/60/25) [4]

What happens if your insurance lapses?

If you don't keep the required insurance in effect for 3 years after restoration, NCDMV can suspend your restored license for 30 days. [2]

Who has to file one?

Getting your license back after almost any suspension or revocation under North Carolina's driver license law, including DWI (failure-to-appear and failure-to-pay suspensions are excluded), and when a court grants a Limited Driving Privilege [2]

Who handles it

North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV), part of NCDOT [5]

Common questions

Does the DL-123 stay on file for the whole 3 years?

No. A DL-123 is good for only 30 days after your insurer issues it. It proves you have insurance when your license is restored, but you still have to keep the coverage in force for the full 3 years. [1][2]

Which suspensions require a DL-123?

Almost all suspensions and revocations under North Carolina's driver license law, including DWI. Suspensions for failing to appear in court or failing to pay a fine are the exception. You also need proof of insurance if a court grants you a Limited Driving Privilege. [1][2]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

The restoration fee is $83.50, or $167.25 if your license was revoked for a DWI conviction. NCDMV also charges a $50 service fee, unless you turned your license in to the court or mailed it to DMV before the suspension took effect. After a DWI, NCDMV also needs a certificate showing you finished a substance use assessment. [1][3][6]

I don't own a car. Do I still need a DL-123?

Not if you don't own a registered vehicle and don't drive private passenger cars owned by other people. In that case you sign an exemption certificate (DL-123A), and your license is restricted to "Fleet Vehicles Only." To remove that restriction later, you pay a $16.75 duplicate fee and show proof of insurance. [1][2]

What happens if my insurance lapses during the 3 years?

NCDMV can suspend your restored license for 30 days if you don't keep the required insurance in effect for the full 3 years. [2]

How much insurance do I need?

North Carolina raised its minimums on July 1, 2025. Policies issued or renewed on or after that date need at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $50,000 for property damage. Older policies were 30/60/25. [4][7]

Sources

  1. NCDMV - North Carolina Driver Handbook (Liability Insurance Requirement; Driver License Restoration) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-19 - Period of suspension or revocation; conditions of restoration (subsection (k)) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  3. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-7 - Issuance and renewal of drivers licenses (subsection (i1), restoration fee) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  4. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-279.21 - Motor vehicle liability policy (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. NCDMV - Proving Liability Insurance (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. NCDMV - License Suspension (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. NCDMV - Vehicle Insurance Requirements (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)

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