SR-22 insurance in Colorado
What Colorado requires after a DUI, a lapse or driving uninsured, how long the filing lasts, what it costs the state, whether a non-owner filing works, and which companies in Colorado write the policies that carry it, from the state's own pages and the insurance company directory.
Colorado uses the SR-22 filing. Who needs it: DUI/DWAI convictions, BAC .08+ revocations, test refusal, Persistent Drunk Driver status, repeat under-21 alcohol offenses, driving uninsured, unpaid judgments, and probationary (work) licenses. How long: 9 months to 3 years depending on the offense (Persistent Drunk Driver: at least 2 years; uninsured driving: 3 years from conviction). The insurer files it electronically with the state once the policy is bound; a non-standard auto policy with the filing is often cheaper than people expect. 445 companies write personal auto in Colorado; the ones used to filings are tagged below.
By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker · Every state
What Colorado requires
From Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles; sources at the bottom.
| Filing | SR-22 |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | DUI/DWAI convictions, BAC .08+ revocations, test refusal, Persistent Drunk Driver status, repeat under-21 alcohol offenses, driving uninsured, unpaid judgments, and probationary (work) licenses. |
| How long | 9 months to 3 years depending on the offense (Persistent Drunk Driver: at least 2 years; uninsured driving: 3 years from conviction). |
| State fees | No state SR-22 filing fee stated; your insurer provides the form. Reinstatement: $95 per suspension or revocation, plus $25 for alcohol/drug actions. Probationary license: $6.00. |
| Non-owner filing | Accepted by statute: if you don't own a vehicle, an operator's policy is enough and the certificate need not list vehicles. DMV pages don't address it. |
| How it's filed | Get the SR-22 from your insurer and submit it to the DMV: upload at myDMV.Colorado.gov, mail it with form DR 2870 and fees, or email it. The insurer may also file it directly. |
| If the policy cancels | Your insurer notifies the DMV of any cancellation, and your license is suspended for that reason alone until proof is filed again. Whether the period restarts: not stated by the state. |
| Minimum liability limits | 25/50/15 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage) |
| Who handles it | Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles |
How to get it today
- Send the quote request with the reason for the filing (DUI, lapse, uninsured accident) and the date the state gave you; that goes to the companies above that take it.
- Bind the policy; the insurer sends the SR-22 to the state electronically the same day in most cases.
- Keep the policy paid for the whole period: a cancellation is reported to the state and usually restarts the suspension.
I'm licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and your request stays with my agency, not passed to another agent. In Florida and Washington, where my licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime.
Questions people ask
How long do I need an SR-22 in Colorado?
9 months to 3 years depending on the offense (Persistent Drunk Driver: at least 2 years; uninsured driving: 3 years from conviction).
Who needs an SR-22 in Colorado?
DUI/DWAI convictions, BAC .08+ revocations, test refusal, Persistent Drunk Driver status, repeat under-21 alcohol offenses, driving uninsured, unpaid judgments, and probationary (work) licenses.
Can I get a non-owner SR-22 in Colorado?
Accepted by statute: if you don't own a vehicle, an operator's policy is enough and the certificate need not list vehicles. DMV pages don't address it.
What happens if my policy cancels during the SR-22 period?
Your insurer notifies the DMV of any cancellation, and your license is suspended for that reason alone until proof is filed again. Whether the period restarts: not stated by the state.
Sources
- https://dmv.colorado.gov/sr-22-and-insurance-information
- https://dmv.colorado.gov/reinstatement-frequently-asked-questions
- https://dmv.colorado.gov/alcohol-dui
- https://dmv.colorado.gov/process-reinstate-driving-privilege
- https://dmv.colorado.gov/reinstatements
- https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-42.pdf
Send it once. It gets filed.
A few minutes to request the quote; the companies that file SR-22 answer by email, and the filing goes to the state when you bind.
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.