SR-22 insurance in Texas
What Texas 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 Texas write the policies that carry it, from the state's own pages and the insurance company directory.
Texas uses the SR-22 filing. Who needs it: Crash-related suspensions, a second or later no-insurance conviction, civil judgments, DWI and other mandatory-conviction suspensions, occupational licenses, defaulted installment agreements, and cancelled-insurance suspensions. How long: 2 years from the conviction (judgments: from the judgment date); occupational license: while it is in effect. 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. 155 companies write personal auto in Texas; the ones used to filings are tagged below.
By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker · Every state
What Texas requires
From Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver License Division; sources at the bottom.
| Filing | SR-22 |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | Crash-related suspensions, a second or later no-insurance conviction, civil judgments, DWI and other mandatory-conviction suspensions, occupational licenses, defaulted installment agreements, and cancelled-insurance suspensions. |
| How long | 2 years from the conviction (judgments: from the judgment date); occupational license: while it is in effect. |
| State fees | $100 reinstatement fee, only once no matter how many licenses or registrations are reinstated. No separate state SR-22 filing fee; insurer charges vary. |
| Non-owner filing | Yes. If you don't own a vehicle, ask an insurer about a Texas Non-Owner SR-22 policy. |
| How it's filed | Get the SR-22 from your insurance agent or provider; it is filed with DPS. An insurance card or policy is not accepted instead. Electronic vs paper: not stated by the state. |
| If the policy cancels | Your insurer notifies DPS; your license (and registrations) are suspended until a new SR-22 is filed and $100 is paid. Whether the 2-year clock restarts: not stated by the state. |
| Minimum liability limits | 30/60/25 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage) |
| Who handles it | Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver License Division |
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 Texas?
2 years from the conviction (judgments: from the judgment date); occupational license: while it is in effect.
Who needs an SR-22 in Texas?
Crash-related suspensions, a second or later no-insurance conviction, civil judgments, DWI and other mandatory-conviction suspensions, occupational licenses, defaulted installment agreements, and cancelled-insurance suspensions.
Can I get a non-owner SR-22 in Texas?
Yes. If you don't own a vehicle, ask an insurer about a Texas Non-Owner SR-22 policy.
What happens if my policy cancels during the SR-22 period?
Your insurer notifies DPS; your license (and registrations) are suspended until a new SR-22 is filed and $100 is paid. Whether the 2-year clock restarts: not stated by the state.
Sources
- https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/financial-responsibility-insurance-certificate-sr-22
- https://www.dps.texas.gov/internetforms/Forms/DL-176.pdf
- https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/driver-license/reinstating-your-driver-license-or-driving-privilege
- https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/TN/htm/TN.601.htm
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.