SR-22 in Tennessee

Checked against official Tennessee sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Tennessee requires SR-22 insurance after a DUI and certain other violations. Your insurer files it electronically with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

The rules changed on January 1, 2024. Under current law, you generally keep the SR-22 for the length of your suspension or revocation. Before that date, the law required 3 years. [1][2][3]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: Varies [3]
After a DUI: 1 year [4]
Base reinstatement fee: $65 [5]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/25 [6]

Does Tennessee require an SR-22?

Yes. Tennessee requires SR-22 insurance (proof of financial responsibility) after certain violations. Your insurer files it electronically with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. [1]

Form: SR-22 (certificate of proof of financial responsibility) [2]

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

For the length of the suspension or revocation period. Example from the Department: a one-year revocation means a one-year SR-22 requirement. (Before January 1, 2024 the statute required 3 years.) [3]

After a DUI

For the length of the DUI revocation: 1 year for a first DUI, 2 years for a second, 6 years for a third, and 8 years for a fourth. [4]

What does reinstatement cost?

$65 restoration (reinstatement) fee per offense. DUI reinstatement is $103. The $50 SR-22 fee and a $75 failure-to-surrender-license fee may be added. [5]

Filing fee: $50 SR-22 fee paid to the Department of Safety when proof of financial responsibility is a condition of reinstatement (one fee per person, no matter how many licenses and registrations are reinstated). Insurers set their own charges. [5]

What coverage do you need?

$25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, $25,000 property damage (or a $65,000 single limit). Applies after December 31, 2022. [6]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If the SR-22 policy is cancelled or terminated before the requirement ends, the Department suspends your license and asks the Department of Revenue to suspend your registration, unless you file another policy first. You get at least 20 days' mailed notice. To reinstate you must file a new SR-22 dated after the notice, surrender your license, and pay a $65 reinstatement fee plus the $50 SR-22 fee. [3]

Don't own a car?

Yes. Tennessee law recognizes an operator's policy, which covers the insured when driving any motor vehicle not owned by the insured. [7]

Who has to file one?

The Department lists DUI; accident claim; unsatisfied judgment; accumulation of points/convictions; implied consent/refusal to test; underage driving while impaired; hit and run (fatality, injury, or property damage); felony reckless endangerment by vehicle; vehicular assault and aggravated vehicular assault; vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide; using a motor vehicle in a felony; theft of a vehicle or vehicle part; speed/contest racing; two reckless driving violations in 12 months; and driving while possessing methamphetamine. [2]

Who handles it

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (Driver Services, Financial Responsibility Division). Insurers licensed by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance file the SR-22 electronically. [1]

Common questions

How long do I need an SR-22 in Tennessee?

Generally, for the length of your suspension or revocation. The Department's example is that a one-year revocation means a one-year SR-22 requirement. If SR-22 is no longer listed in your reinstatement requirements on the Department's e-services site, you don't need it anymore. [1][2][3]

I was told 3 years before 2024. Does the new rule help me?

Possibly. Since January 1, 2024, anyone who was under an SR-22 requirement before that date can petition the Department to shorten the time left, if they meet conditions on convictions, suspensions, and judgments. [3]

How long is the SR-22 after a DUI?

It lasts as long as the DUI revocation, which is 1 year for a first DUI, 2 years for a second, 6 years for a third, and 8 years for a fourth. Reinstatement also requires an ignition interlock for at least 365 days, court certification, and surrendering your license. [4]

How much does it cost to reinstate?

Tennessee charges a $50 state SR-22 fee, paid once per person, plus a $65 restoration fee for each offense. A DUI reinstatement is $103 instead, and a $75 fee applies if you didn't surrender your license. Installment payment plans are available. [4][5]

What happens if my SR-22 policy is cancelled?

The Department mails you a notice at least 20 days ahead, then suspends your license and asks to suspend your registration unless you file another policy first. To reinstate, you need a new SR-22 dated after the notice, plus the $65 reinstatement fee and the $50 SR-22 fee. [3]

I don't own a car, or I live in another state. What then?

If you don't own a car, an operator's policy covers you when you drive vehicles you don't own. If you live out of state, you can ask Tennessee for an SR-22 waiver, which needs approval from your home state's driver services office. [1][7]

Sources

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security - Reinstatements (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security Support - Do I need SR-22 Insurance? (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-12-126 - Minimum duration of proof requirement; suspension for premature cancellation (FindLaw, current as of Jan 2, 2024) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security - Financial Responsibility Laws (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-12-129 - Fees for reinstatement of license and registration (FindLaw, current as of Jan 2, 2024) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-12-102 - Definitions (proof of financial responsibility) (FindLaw, current as of Jan 2, 2024) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Tenn. Code Ann. 55-12-122 - Owner's and operator's policies (FindLaw) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)