Louisiana SR-22 requirements after a DUI
Louisiana requires an SR-22 filing for 3 years after a DUI.
What Louisiana says
SR-22. The OMV Suspensions page lists, for reinstatement after a DWI/UDUI conviction, 'File Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for 3 years from the date of conviction', and for a chemical-test refusal suspension 'for 3 years from the date of arrest'. The Disqualifications page states the reinstatement fee and SR22 requirements for disqualifications and suspensions are the same.
“The Department shall suspend the driving privileges of any person upon receiving satisfactory evidence of conviction for a charge of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) [...] File Proof of Financial Responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for 3 years from the date of conviction Pay Fee”
Ignition interlock statute (see the state page): La. R.S. 32:378.2
At a glance
| Filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Form | SR-22 |
| Filing period | 3 years |
| License reinstatement fee | $100 (DWI 1st) |
| Licensing agency | Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office 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 Louisiana
- What does Louisiana charge to reinstate a license after a DWI?
- The Louisiana OMV Suspensions page lists reinstatement fees of $100 for a first DWI, $200 for a second, $300 for a third or subsequent, and $60 for underage DUI, after serving the mandatory suspension and filing proof of financial responsibility (SR-22). Administrative 'submit' and refusal suspensions carry a $50 fee, and an ignition interlock installation agreement is required where the interlock is a condition of reinstatement.
- Does Louisiana require an SR-22 after a DWI, and for how long?
- Yes. The Louisiana OMV Suspensions page states that reinstatement after a DWI or UDUI conviction requires filing proof of financial responsibility (SR-22 insurance) for 3 years from the date of conviction; after a chemical-test refusal suspension, the SR-22 runs 3 years from the date of arrest. OMV's Disqualifications page states the SR-22 requirements for disqualifications and suspensions are the same.