SR-22 in North Dakota

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

North Dakota requires some drivers to keep an SR-22 on file with the Department of Transportation (NDDOT). Common reasons are a conviction for DUI, actual physical control, or driving without insurance, driving while revoked, or an unpaid crash judgment.

State law sets a 1-year period. When you ask, NDDOT can release the requirement 1 year after it began, if you had no new conviction serious enough to revoke your license in that year and the other conditions below are met. [1][2][3]

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

Does North Dakota require an SR-22?

Yes. North Dakota requires some drivers to keep proof of financial responsibility on file with NDDOT, usually as an insurer's certificate (SR-22). [1]

Form: SR-22 (state law calls it a "certificate of insurance" filed as "proof of financial responsibility for the future"). A bond or a $25,000 deposit is also accepted. [2]

How long do you need an SR-22 in North Dakota?

1 year. After a no-insurance violation, the insurance certificate must stay on file for one year. In general, NDDOT may release the proof one year after it was first required, as long as there were no new revocation-level convictions in that year. [3]

After a DUI

1 year under the general release rule. DUI and actual physical control convictions require proof of financial responsibility, and state law lets it be released one year after it was required if there were no new revocation-level convictions in that year. [1]

What does reinstatement cost?

$50 reinstatement after most suspensions; $100 for DUI/APC and implied-consent suspensions; $25 for medical, vision, and testing suspensions [4]

We couldn't confirm whether North Dakota 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 crash, $25,000 property damage [1]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

Your insurer must notify NDDOT within 10 days after the certified policy is cancelled or terminated. If the proof on file no longer meets the requirement, NDDOT will require new proof and suspend your license if you don't provide it. [1]

Don't own a car?

Yes. State law accepts an "operator's policy" covering you in any vehicle, or a limited operator's policy. If coverage applies only to certain vehicles, NDDOT restricts your license to those vehicles. [1]

Who has to file one?

A conviction for driving without liability insurance; a conviction for DUI or actual physical control; driving while under a suspension of at least 91 days or under revocation; any other license revocation; an unpaid judgment from a crash; or applying for a temporary restricted license after an alcohol offense [1]

Who handles it

North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver License Division [2]

Common questions

Does the SR-22 come off automatically after a year?

State law says NDDOT must agree to end it when you ask, any time after 1 year from the date proof was first required. It can't be released while a damage lawsuit covered by the proof is pending, while a crash judgment is unpaid, or if you were in an injury or damage crash in the past year. [1][3]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

Reinstatement is $50 after most suspensions and $100 after a DUI, actual physical control, or test refusal suspension. After a no-insurance violation, you also buy a $50 duplicate license that notes you must keep proof of insurance on file, and removing that note later costs another $50. [3][4]

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

Yes. State law accepts an operator's policy that covers you in any vehicle you drive. If your coverage applies only to certain vehicles, NDDOT restricts your license to those vehicles. A vehicle owner can also file proof for an employee or a family or household member. [1]

What happens if my SR-22 policy is cancelled?

Your insurer must tell NDDOT within 10 days after the policy is cancelled or ends. NDDOT will then require new proof and suspend your license if you don't provide it. [1]

Do I need an SR-22 for a work permit after a DUI?

You need proof of financial responsibility, which is usually an SR-22. To get a temporary restricted license after an alcohol offense, including through the 24/7 Sobriety Program or treatment court, you must submit that proof. [1][5][6]

Are there alternatives to an SR-22?

Yes. State law also accepts a surety bond, or a certificate from the Bank of North Dakota showing a $25,000 deposit of cash or securities. [1][2]

Sources

N.D. Century Code ch. 39-16.1 - Proof of Financial Responsibility for the Future (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
NDDOT - Driver Record Services and Suspensions (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
N.D. Century Code ch. 39-08 - Reckless Driving, Driving Under the Influence, and Other Offenses (39-08-20, driving without liability insurance) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
N.D. Century Code ch. 39-06 - Operators' Licenses (39-06-35, 39-06-49 fees) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
N.D. Century Code ch. 39-20 - Chemical Tests (implied consent; temporary restricted licenses) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
N.D. Century Code ch. 39-06.1 - Uniform Traffic Fines (temporary restricted licenses) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)