Washington SR-22 requirements after a DUI
Washington requires an SR-22 filing for 3 years after a DUI.
What Washington says
SR-22 (or a $60,000 certificate of deposit or liability bond). RCW 46.20.311(2)(c) bars issuance of a new license after a DUI revocation until the person gives and maintains proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW, and RCW 46.20.385(2) requires it for an Ignition Interlock Driver License. DOL states proof is required, in most cases, for 3 years from the date the person is eligible to reinstate; RCW 46.29.600(1)(a) allows cancellation after three years without a qualifying conviction.
“and until the person gives and thereafter maintains proof of financial responsibility for the future”
Ignition interlock statute (see the state page): RCW 46.20.720
At a glance
| Filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Form | SR-22 |
| Filing period | 3 years |
| License reinstatement fee | $170 |
| Licensing agency | Washington State Department of Licensing |
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 Washington
- Does Washington require an SR-22 after a DUI, and for how long?
- Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(c), after a revocation DOL will not issue a new license until the person gives and maintains proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW; RCW 46.20.385(2) requires it for an Ignition Interlock Driver License. DOL states acceptable proof is an SR-22, a $60,000 certificate of deposit or a $60,000 bond, required in most cases for 3 years from reinstatement eligibility.