SR-22 in Texas

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

If Texas suspended your license after a DWI, a second no-insurance conviction, or certain other offenses, you'll likely need an SR-22 to get it back. Your insurer files it with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

You keep it for 2 years, counted from the date of the conviction or court judgment that required it, not from the day you file. [1][2][6]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 2 years [2]
After a DUI: 2 years [3]
Base reinstatement fee: $100 [4]
Minimum liability coverage: 30/60/25 [5]

Does Texas require an SR-22?

Yes. Texas requires an SR-22 (Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate) filed by your insurer with the Department of Public Safety. [1]

Form: SR-22 (Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate) [1]

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

2 years from the date of the most recent conviction requiring it, or from the date a civil judgment was rendered against you [2]

After a DUI

2 years from the date of the DWI conviction (same as the standard period) [3]

What does reinstatement cost?

$100 Safety Responsibility (SR) reinstatement fee, paid to DPS; other suspension types carry their own separate fees [4]

We couldn't confirm whether Texas charges its own fee to file an SR-22. Your insurer may charge one.

What coverage do you need?

$30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 bodily injury per crash, $25,000 property damage per crash [5]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

Your insurer automatically notifies DPS when the SR-22 is cancelled, terminated, or lapses. Your license (and vehicle registration) can be re-suspended, and you must file a new SR-22 and pay another $100 reinstatement fee. [2]

Don't own a car?

Yes. If you do not own a vehicle you still must file an SR-22, and may use a Texas non-owner SR-22 policy. [2]

Who has to file one?

Convictions for DWI, drug offenses, or driving while license invalid (DWLI); a second or subsequent conviction for driving without liability insurance; a crash suspension under the Safety Responsibility Act; a civil judgment from a crash; and holding an occupational driver license [6]

Who handles it

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) [1]

Common questions

Does the 2 years start when I file my SR-22?

No. DPS counts the 2 years from the date of your most recent conviction that required an SR-22, or from the date of a civil judgment. If you file a year after your conviction, you only need to keep it for one more year. [2]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

The Safety Responsibility reinstatement fee is $100. DPS charges a separate fee for each type of suspension, so after a DWI you may owe more than one, such as $125 for an administrative license revocation plus $100. Paying online adds a $5.75 convenience fee, and DPS can't waive these fees or let you pay in installments. [4]

I don't own a car. Do I still need an SR-22?

Yes. Texas requires the SR-22 even if you don't own a vehicle. You can meet it with a non-owner SR-22 policy. [2]

What happens if my SR-22 lapses?

Your insurer tells DPS automatically. Your license, and possibly your vehicle registration, can be suspended again until a new SR-22 is filed and you pay another $100 reinstatement fee. [2]

Can I just show DPS my insurance card?

No. DPS doesn't accept an insurance card or policy in place of an SR-22. Processing can take up to 21 business days, and you can check the status through DPS License Eligibility. [1][2]

Sources

Texas DPS - Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Texas DPS - FAQ Section 9: SR-22 (Proof of Financial Responsibility) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Texas DPS - Alcohol-Related Offenses (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Texas DPS - FAQ Section 7: Reinstatement Fees and Special Licenses (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Texas Transportation Code Chapter 601 - Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Texas DPS - Driver License Enforcement Actions (DL-176, rev. 10/2025) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)