SR-22 in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin requires an SR22, filed by your insurer with the Wisconsin DMV, to get an occupational license, to reinstate after most revocations, and after certain suspensions. A first-offense OWI by itself does not require one.

When you do need it, you keep it for 3 years from the date you're eligible to reinstate your driving privileges. [1]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [1]
After a DUI: 3 years [1]
Base reinstatement fee: $60 [2]
Minimum liability coverage: 25/50/10 [1]

Does Wisconsin require an SR-22?

Yes. Wisconsin requires an SR22 certificate, filed by your insurer with the Wisconsin DMV (WisDOT), in certain suspension, revocation, and occupational-license cases. [1]

Form: SR22 certificate (proof of financial responsibility) [1]

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

3 years from the date you are eligible to reinstate your driving privileges [1]

After a DUI

3 years, but only for repeat OWI revocations. No SR22 is required when the only reason for the revocation is a first-offense OWI. [1]

What does reinstatement cost?

$60 reinstatement fee ($50 reinstatement plus the $10 license issuance fee); $200 for OWI-related revocations or suspensions [2]

We couldn't confirm whether Wisconsin 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 [1]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If you fail to keep the SR22 during the required period, the DMV suspends or revokes your operating privilege until you file new proof or the original proof period runs out. The insurer must file the cancellation notice with the DMV at least 10 days before coverage ends. [3]

Don't own a car?

Yes. A certified policy can insure you while driving any vehicle with the owner's permission (an operator's policy). The SR22 must have the owner's and operator's policy boxes marked, or say "all owned and non-owned (vehicles)." [4]

Who has to file one?

To get an occupational license during a suspension or revocation; to reinstate after a revocation (except when the only reason is a first-offense OWI or noncompliance with a Driver Safety Plan); to reinstate after a damage-judgment or uninsured-motorist/safety-responsibility suspension; and for drivers under 18 instead of a sponsor [1]

Who handles it

Wisconsin DMV (Wisconsin Department of Transportation) [1]

Common questions

Do I need an SR22 after my first OWI?

Not if the first-offense OWI is the only reason for your revocation. But if you want an occupational license during the revocation, you must file one. A second or later OWI requires an SR22 for 3 years. [1]

How much does it cost to reinstate?

The base reinstatement fee is $60. For OWI-related revocations or suspensions it is $200. An occupational license costs $50, or $40 if a court ordered it. [2]

I don't own a car. How should my SR22 be written?

An operator's policy can cover you in any vehicle you drive with the owner's permission. The DMV requires the SR22 to have both the owner's and operator's policy boxes marked, or to say "all owned and non-owned (vehicles)." It rejects the wording "all owned and non-owned automobiles." [1][4]

What happens if my SR22 is canceled?

Your insurer must notify the DMV at least 10 days before coverage ends. The DMV then suspends or revokes your license until you file new proof or the original proof period runs out. An insurer can't cancel a certified policy for nonpayment in the first 90 days. [3][5]

Is there an alternative to an SR22?

In some cases, the DMV accepts a bond from an insurance company or a $60,000 cash deposit instead. [1]

Sources

Wisconsin DMV - SR22 / Proof of insurance (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Wisconsin DMV - DMV fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Wis. Stat. 344.40 - Revocation or suspension for failure to maintain proof (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Wis. Stat. 344.33 - "Motor vehicle liability policy" defined (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Wis. Stat. 344.34 - Notice of cancellation or termination of certified policy (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)