SR22 State

Does Rhode Island require an SR-22?

Checked against official Rhode Island sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

The Rhode Island DMV no longer requires an SR-22. It says that "Financial Responsibility (SR-22) is no longer required by the State of Rhode Island," and it dropped the requirement in 2018.

For insurance questions about a suspension, contact the DMV's Financial Responsibility Office in Cranston at 401-462-9246. [1][4]

Uses SR-22?
No
Base reinstatement fee
$150 [2]
Minimum liability coverage
25/50/25 [3]

Does Rhode Island require an SR-22?

No. The Rhode Island DMV says that "Financial Responsibility (SR-22) is no longer required by the State of Rhode Island." [1]

What does reinstatement cost?

$150 driver's license reinstatement fee by statute ($153.50 at the DMV including a $3.50 technology surcharge). DUI and refusal suspensions cost $350 ($353.50). [2]

What coverage do you need?

$25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage (or a $75,000 combined single limit) [3]

Who handles it

Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (Financial Responsibility Office, Cranston, 401-462-9246) [1]

Common questions

Do I need an SR-22 after a DUI or a refused breath test?

The DMV says SR-22 is no longer required. But an older state law still on the books calls for 3 years of proof of financial responsibility after a DUI or refusal suspension. Ask the DMV's Financial Responsibility Office what proof, if any, it needs in your case. [1][5]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

License reinstatement is $153.50 at the DMV, or $353.50 after a DUI or refusal suspension. Both include a $3.50 technology surcharge. Reinstating a registration or an insurance verification suspension is $253.50 each, and paying by card adds a third-party fee. [2][6]

What is a GU-1338? Is it the same as an SR-22?

No. The GU-1338 is an insurer certificate for drivers under 18 who register a vehicle and for certain business plates, such as dealers and taxis. It is not used for violations. [1]

What counts as proof of insurance?

A Rhode Island insurance ID card (paper or electronic), a binder, a policy, an endorsement, or a certificate of insurance. If you don't own a vehicle, your ID card may list you as a "named operator." [7]

What happens if I'm caught driving without insurance?

Your license and registration can be suspended, and you can be fined $500 for a first or second offense, or $1,000 for a third or later offense. A third or later offense can also bring up to a year in jail. [7]

Sources

  1. RI DMV - Minor & GU-1338 Insurance (GU-1338 Rhode Island Special Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. R.I. Gen. Laws 31-11-10 - Reinstatement after revocation or suspension (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  3. R.I. Gen. Laws 31-47-2 - Definitions (minimum liability for compulsory insurance) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  4. RI Secretary of State - 280-RICR-30-10-2 (regulation record incl. purpose statement) (regulation, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  5. R.I. Gen. Laws 31-32-4 - Proof required under certain circumstances (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. RI DMV - Adjudication Fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. 280-RICR-30-10-2 - Rules and Regulations Relative to Compulsory Insurance or Financial Responsibility (eff. 12/31/2018) (regulation, accessed Oct 5, 2026)

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