California SR-22 requirements after a DUI
California requires an SR-22 filing for 3 years after a DUI.
What California says
SR-22. DMV states a license is reinstated after a DUI suspension/revocation only on payment of the $125 reissue fee and filing proof of financial responsibility (insurance); the DMV DUI First Offenders flyer (DL 1046A) states 'You will be required to maintain the SR 22 for 3 years.'
“Your driver’s license will be reinstated at the end of the suspension or revocation, provided you pay a $125 reissue fee to the DMV and you file proof of financial responsibility (insurance).”
Ignition interlock statute (see the state page): Cal. Veh. Code § 23575.3
At a glance
| Filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Form | SR-22 |
| Filing period | 3 years |
| License reinstatement fee | $125 |
| Licensing agency | California Department of Motor Vehicles |
How an SR-22 filing works
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. The driver does not file it; the insurer does, electronically, with the state licensing agency, confirming that a policy meeting the state's minimum liability limits is in force. Most insurers charge a one-time filing fee, and a driver who needs one may find that fewer carriers offer it or that premiums are higher.
The filing must stay on file for the period the state sets. If the policy is cancelled or lapses during that period, the insurer notifies the state (an SR-26), and the license is typically suspended again until a new filing is made — which can restart the period.
The period usually starts at reinstatement, not at the arrest or conviction, though states differ; where the state specifies the start date, the note on this page says so.
Questions about SR-22 in California
- What does California charge to reinstate a license after a DUI?
- Cal. Veh. Code § 14905 sets a $125 fee before a license is reissued after an administrative (APS) suspension or revocation under §§ 13353 or 13353.2, and DMV states a license is reinstated after the suspension on payment of the $125 reissue fee and filing proof of financial responsibility. DMV's first-offender flyer lists a $55 reissue fee and $15 restriction fee for a post-conviction restricted license, and DMV notes $103 in additional administrative service fees for mandatory IID restrictions.
- Does California require an SR-22 after a DUI, and for how long?
- Yes. DMV states that reinstatement after a DUI suspension or revocation requires filing proof of financial responsibility (insurance), and its DUI First Offenders flyer (DL 1046A) states that full reinstatement requires proof of insurance (SR 22) and that the SR 22 must be maintained for 3 years.