The State-by-State Guide to Reinstating Your License after an SR-22 Filing

The State-by-State Guide to Reinstating Your License after an SR-22 Filing 

This comprehensive guide will take you through reinstating your license in each state after purchasing SR-22 insurance. Each state has its own requirements, and some states do not require an SR-22 filing at all. 

Alaska 

Show proof of your SR-22 filing by obtaining either: 

• A copy of the SR-22 insurance binder dated within 30 days. 

• Application for the binder dated within 30 days. 

These rules fall under Alaska state law AS 28.20.230. 

Alabama 

Once your insurer files the SR-22 form with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Department, you will have the opportunity to reinstate your license. 

Arkansas 

Arkansas does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22 after a DWI charge. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Arizona 

Arizona gives drivers the option of having their insurer file SR-22 or deposit cash or certificates worth $40,000 with the Arizona Treasury. 

Reinstating your license requires you to contact the court and pay all necessary penalties, obtain a court clearance receipt, and bring the receipt to your local MVD. 

California 

California has an online application to reinstate your license. Provide insurance documentation, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide additional information such as your license plate number and VIN. California also allows you to check the status of your suspension online. 

Colorado 

Apply for an application for reinstatement (form #DR 2870), pay the reinstatement fee, and provide evidence of insurance. 

Connecticut 

Reinstating your license requires you to: 

• Complete the requirements listed on your suspension notice. 

• Pay a reinstatement fee to the DMV online, over the phone, or by mail via check or money order. 

• Wait for your restoration notice delivered by mail. 

District of Columbia 

Washington D.C. will notify you by mail if you have received a license suspension. 

Reinstating your license involves: 

• Paying your reinstatement fee online. 
• Providing any necessary documentation such as alcohol awareness certificates or court disposition documents. 

• Attend a virtual hearing. 
• Complete all steps required to apply for a license for the first time, including taking a driving test, knowledge test, and vision test. 

Delaware 

Delaware does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Florida 

Florida classifies SR-22 suspensions as “financial responsibility suspensions.” 

• Pay the reinstatement fee indicated in the letter from FLHSMV. 
• Ensure your insurance company sends SR-22 to FLHSMV. 
• Reinstate your license online through the MyDMV portal, by mail, or in person at an office location. 

Georgia 

To reinstate your license in Georgia: 

• Complete DUI risk reduction course if applicable. 
• Purchase a policy with the minimum limits required to drive. 
• Show proof of insurance and submit a payment by mail or in person. 

Hawaii 

In Hawaii, follow these steps to reinstate your license: 

• Submit a request to the Driver’s License Section by mail, fax, or phone. 
• Address the cause of the suspension with the relevant documentation. 
• Pay the reinstatement fee after submitting financial responsibility documentation. 

Iowa 

Iowa’s DOT offers an online portal that will walk you through the steps to reinstate your license depending on the reason. 

Idaho 

Follow these steps: 

• Complete ITD 3786 – Reinstatement Application on the Idaho Transportation Department Services website. 
• Pay the reinstatement fee. This fee varies depending on the reason for suspension. 

• Submit SR-22 documentation if required. 

Illinois 

In Illinois, you should: 

• Pay the reinstatement fee. 
• Satisfy court-adjudicated requirements. 

You may need to pass another driving and written exam if you were convicted of a DUI as well as complete a remedial education program for alcohol abuse. 

The state may require an SR-22 filing. 

Indiana 

You can view your Viewable Driver Record (VDR) online for free on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website. Complete these steps: 

• Show proof of financial responsibility via an SR-22 form. 

• Pay the reinstatement fee. 
• Double-check your current driver status through your myBMV account ODR. 

Kansas 

• Complete an application to modify your driving status (DC-1015). 
• Pay the application fee. 

• Follow state guidelines on interlock devices and other restrictions if your application is accepted. 

Kentucky 

Kentucky does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Louisiana 

If your license was suspended due to a DUI: 

• Wait for your required suspension period to end. 
• Pay the appropriate reinstatement fee. 
• Install an interlock if applicable. 
• File proof of financial responsibility for at least 3 years if applicable. 

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles provides suspension tables and a fee schedule. 

Massachusetts 

To reinstate your license: 

• Check the status of your license online. 
• Pay the reinstatement fee. 
• Pass relevant tests if applicable. 

An SR-22 is not required since Massachusetts has liability insurance requirements. 

Maryland 

Maryland does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Maine 

After submitting SR-22 documentation, you may reinstate your license by paying the appropriate fee along with a request that includes your name, birth date, and address. 

Maine allows you to request court records online or over the phone. 

Michigan 

Michigan offers a program called “Road to Restoration” to help drivers understand what is needed to reinstate their driving privileges. Consider visiting this clinic to understand how to proceed. 

Minnesota 

Minnesota does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Missouri 

Follow these three steps: 

1. Identify the reason for the suspension by requesting your driving record at a DOR office or via phone. 

1. If you are outside the minimum suspension period, follow DOR guidelines on which documents to submit. 

1. Submit proof of liability insurance via an SR-22 form. 

Mississippi 

Follow these steps: 

• Wait out the minimum suspension phase. 
• Pay any applicable court fines and reinstatement fees. 
• Attend an alcohol treatment program if applicable. 

• Submit proof of financial responsibility. 

Montana 

There are two primary steps: 

1. Pay any fines and restoration fees. 

1. Complete a sobriety program for a DUI violation and provide proof of liability insurance. 

North Carolina 

To reinstate your North Carolina license: 

• Visit an NC DMV office in person to pay service fees. 
• Meet the suspension reinstatement requirements. 
• Submit proof of insurance via SR-22. 

North Dakota 

To reinstate your North Dakota license: 

• Request a copy of your driving record and an administrative hearing. 
• Pay any applicable fees. 
• Complete a sobriety program if applicable and submit SR-22 proof of financial responsibility. 

Nebraska 

To reinstate your Nebraska license: 

• Consider appealing your suspension. 
• Request a petition for an administrative hearing. 

If this fails, then: 

• Complete a driver education course. 
• Provide proof of insurance using an SR-22 from your insurer. 
• Pay fees and retake any necessary tests. 

New Hampshire 

To reinstate your New Hampshire license: 

• Wait until the end of your suspension period. 
• Submit SR-22 via your insurer to the NH DMV Financial Responsibility Division. 
• Submit proof of your impaired driver care management program completion. 
• Pay the reinstatement fee. 

New Jersey 

New Jersey does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

New Mexico 

New Mexico does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Nevada 

To reinstate your Nevada license: 

• For DUI revocations, you must install an interlock device. 
• Submit a certificate of compliance to the DMV in person. 
• Pass any additional testing as well as submit SR-22. 

New York 

New York does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Ohio 

To reinstate your Ohio license: 

• Ensure your insurance company has filed an SR-22. Electronic applications usually process within three business days. 
• Pay any required fees. 
• Request an administrative hearing if needed. 

Oklahoma 

Oklahoma does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Oregon 

To reinstate your Oregon license: 

• Determine which requirements you need to fulfill (accident reporting, at-risk, ignition interlocks). 

• Pay the reinstatement fee. 
• Submit your SR-22 via your insurer. 

Pennsylvania 

Pennsylvania does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Rhode Island 

Rhode Island does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

South Carolina 

South Carolina offers several types of reinstatement options, including provision licenses for drivers convicted of a first DUI and route-restricted licenses for commuting to and from work. 

To apply, you should mail the SCDMV’s Driver Records department your completed DL-127 form. A license fee applies. 

South Dakota 

Following a suspension or revocation, South Dakota requires drivers to complete vision, knowledge, and driving tests. In addition, you will need to pay the standard reinstatement fee and an application fee for your license. 

Tennessee 

Tennessee offers several ways to reinstate your license, including online, in-person, or at a driver service center in the state. 

The government recommends you have the following information available when you reach out: 

• Full Name 

• Date of Birth 
• Driver’s License ID Number 
• SSN 

Texas 

To reinstate your Texas license: 

• Submit a current SR-22 to the Department of Public Safety. 
• Pay the reinstatement fee plus any additional fees required by the department. 

Utah 

You can schedule a reinstatement appointment online through the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Ensure you have paid any required reinstatement fees over the phone or in person. 

Virginia 

To reinstate your Virginia license, provide a certificate of insurance from your insurer, attend a driver improvement clinic, comply with any court orders, visit the DMV with proof of ID, and take any applicable tests. You can also pay fees online through the DMV website. 

Vermont 

You can complete your license reinstatement on Vermont’s Department of Motor Vehicles website through the Privilege to Operate Reinstatement Service. Before completing this form, you should ensure you have received written notification from the DMV. 

Washington 

The reinstatement process takes place online through Washington’s License Express program. Acceptable forms of financial responsibility proof are: 

• SR-22 insurance from an approved company. 
• A certificate of deposit (CD) for at least $60,000. 
• A $60,000 liability bond. 

Wisconsin 

You can check whether you are eligible for reinstatement on Wisconsin’s DOT website. If eligible: 

• Determine whether you can reinstate online or if you must visit an office in person or by mail. 
• Complete any requirements issued by WDOT and pay the reinstatement fee. 
• Check your status online on the WDOT website. 

West Virginia 

West Virginia does not require that drivers have their insurer file form SR-22. However, other license reinstatement requirements for reckless driving or speeding may apply. 

Wyoming 

After completing your suspension period, complete the following items: 

• Ensure no other suspensions remain pending. 
• Have your insurer file an SR-22 form with the state. 
• Pay the reinstatement fee in person, by mail, or by phone. 

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