SR-22 in Washington

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

Washington requires proof of financial responsibility after certain convictions, including DUI, after an unpaid crash judgment, and after some uninsured crashes. This is usually an SR-22 that your insurer files with the Department of Licensing (DOL).

In most cases, you keep it for 3 years from the date you're eligible to reinstate your license. [1][3][8]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [1]
After a DUI: 3 years [3]
Base reinstatement fee: $75 [4]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/10 [5]

Does Washington require an SR-22?

Yes. Washington requires proof of financial responsibility for the future, usually an SR-22 insurance certificate filed by your insurer with the Department of Licensing (DOL). [1]

Form: SR-22 (certificate of insurance / proof of financial responsibility for the future); the insurer files an SR-26 to cancel it [2]

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

In most cases, 3 years from the date you're eligible to reinstate your license [1]

After a DUI

3 years, the same as the standard period. DUI-related suspensions and revocations require proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW, which can be released after three years. [3]

What does reinstatement cost?

$75 reissue fee after a non-alcohol suspension or revocation ($170 if alcohol- or drug-related) [4]

We couldn't confirm whether Washington 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, $10,000 property damage per accident [5]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

When DOL is notified by your insurer that the SR-22 insurance was canceled, it suspends your license until your insurance company notifies DOL that you are in compliance again. By statute, DOL also suspends the license and registration pending new proof. [6]

Don't own a car?

Yes. Washington law provides for an "operator's policy" that insures you while driving vehicles you don't own, which can be certified as proof of financial responsibility. [7]

Who has to file one?

Convictions or bail forfeitures for certain motor vehicle offenses, failing to pay a judgment from a crash, and being the driver or owner in a crash that requires a security deposit (typically an uninsured crash) [8]

Who handles it

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) [1]

Common questions

Do I need an SR-22 after a DUI?

Yes. A DUI-related suspension or revocation stays in effect until you file and keep proof of financial responsibility, which can be released after 3 years. DOL also lists an SR-22 as a step to apply for an ignition interlock license. [3][9]

Can the 3 years be extended?

Yes. By law, DOL can release your proof only if it has no record of a new conviction, bail forfeiture, or traffic infraction during those 3 years that could suspend your license. It also can't release it while a damages lawsuit is pending, a judgment is unpaid, or if you were in a crash with injury or damage in the past year. [1][10]

How much does it cost to get my license back?

DOL charges a $75 reissue fee after a suspension or revocation that isn't alcohol-related. If it was alcohol- or drug-related, the fee is $170. [4]

Is there an alternative to an SR-22?

Yes. DOL also accepts a certificate of deposit of at least $60,000 issued by DOL, or a liability bond of at least $60,000 from a surety company authorized in Washington. DOL says processing takes 7 to 10 business days after it gets your documents. [1]

I don't own a car. Can I still file?

Yes. Washington law allows an operator's policy, which covers you when you drive vehicles you don't own, and it can be certified as your proof. [7]

What happens if my SR-22 insurance is canceled?

Your insurer tells DOL, and DOL suspends your license until your insurer reports that you are covered again. You can ask for an administrative review within 15 days of the date on the suspension letter. [6]

Sources

Washington DOL - Financial responsibility (SR-22) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Washington DOL - Insurance SR22/26 online submissions (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
RCW 46.20.311 - Duration of license sanctions - Reissuance or renewal (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Washington DOL - Driver licensing fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Washington DOL - Mandatory insurance (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Washington DOL - Canceled insurance (suspension type) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
RCW 46.29.490 - Motor vehicle liability policy defined (owner's and operator's policies) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
RCW 46.29.250 - Application of sections requiring deposit of proof of financial responsibility for the future (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Washington DOL - Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
RCW 46.29.600 - Duration of proof - When proof may be canceled or returned (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)