SR-22 in South Dakota

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

South Dakota law requires "proof of financial responsibility for the future" after a conviction for DUI, vehicular homicide, a second reckless driving offense within a year, or failing to keep required insurance, or after an unpaid crash judgment. The proof can be a certificate your insurer files with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

You keep it for 3 years from the date it was first required, as long as you have no new conviction that could suspend your license. [1]

Uses SR-22?: Yes (insurer certificate)
How long: 3 years [1]
After a DUI: 3 years [1]
Base reinstatement fee: $75 [2]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/25 [1]

Does South Dakota require an SR-22?

Yes. South Dakota requires "proof of financial responsibility for the future" after certain convictions and unpaid crash judgments. It can be an insurer's certificate filed with the Department of Public Safety. [1]

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

3 years. DPS must release the proof after three years from the date it was required, if it has received no record of a suspendable conviction during those three years (SDCL 32-35-95). [1]

After a DUI

3 years (same rule). A DUI conviction (SDCL 32-23-1) is one of the offenses that require future proof of financial responsibility. [1]

What does reinstatement cost?

$75 reinstatement fee plus a license application fee for a financial-responsibility suspension, and for any revocation not listed at a higher amount. DUI revocations cost $100 to $200 depending on offense level. [2]

We couldn't confirm whether South 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 accident, $25,000 property damage [1]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If a certified policy is cancelled or terminated, the insurer must notify the Department of Public Safety within 15 days. If the proof on file no longer meets the requirement, DPS must suspend your license and registration until you file new proof (SDCL 32-35-80, 32-35-94). [1]

Don't own a car?

Yes. South Dakota law provides for an operator's policy covering vehicles you don't own, and the certificate need not list vehicles when the insured owns none (SDCL 32-35-65, 32-35-71). [1]

Who has to file one?

A conviction (or bail forfeiture) for vehicular homicide (22-16-41), DUI (32-23-1), a second reckless driving conviction within one year (32-24-3), failure to maintain financial responsibility (32-35-113), or giving false evidence of financial responsibility (32-35-120). Also failing to pay a judgment arising from use of a vehicle (SDCL 32-35-43). [1]

Who handles it

South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) [1]

Common questions

When can I stop carrying proof?

DPS releases the requirement 3 years after the date proof was first required, if it has no record of a new suspendable conviction during those 3 years. Release can also be held up while a lawsuit or unpaid judgment from a crash is pending, or if you had a crash with injury or damage in the past year. [1]

Do I need this after a DUI?

Yes, if you are convicted. A DUI conviction is one of the offenses that require future proof, for the same 3 years. Getting your license back after a DUI revocation costs $100 for a first or second offense, $150 for a third, and $200 for a fourth or later, plus a license application fee, and you must pass the knowledge test again. [1][2]

How much is the reinstatement fee?

For a suspension under the financial responsibility law, the fee is $75 plus a license application fee. A 2026 law change applies this fee to financial responsibility suspensions. [2][3]

I don't own a car. What do I file?

You can use an operator's policy, which covers you when you drive vehicles you don't own, at the same 25/50/25 minimums. The certificate doesn't have to list a vehicle if you don't own one. [1]

What happens if my policy is cancelled?

Your insurer must notify DPS within 15 days. DPS then suspends your license and registration until you file new proof. [1]

Is there an alternative to an insurance certificate?

Yes. State law also accepts a surety bond, a deposit of money or securities, or self-insurance as proof. [1]

Sources

SDCL Chapter 32-35 - Financial Responsibility of Vehicle Owners and Operators (incl. 32-35-1, -43, -43.1, -47, -65, -70, -71, -80, -94, -95, -96) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
SDCL 32-12-47.1 - Renewal or restoration after suspension, revocation or disqualification; fee (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
SDCL 32-35-47.1 - Suspended license; fee for reinstatement (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)