How to Check Your SR-22 Status and Stay in Compliance
Following your SR-22 requirements makes it easier to restore your driving privileges.
Restoring your driving privileges isn’t just about paying fines or waiting for time to pass, it’s about proving you’re committed to turning things around. You can demonstrate this by maintaining your SR-22 insurance and keeping it in good standing. If you let your SR-22 coverage lapse, you risk losing your license, paying hefty fines, and even extending the time you’re required to carry SR-22 insurance.
Staying compliant with your SR-22 requirements shows the state, your insurance company, and yourself that you’re serious about making positive changes. By regularly checking your SR-22 status online, you can catch issues before they become major problems.
This guide will show you exactly how to check your SR-22 status online, avoid common pitfalls, and stay compliant every step of the way.
When Should You Check Your SR-22 Status?
Although your insurer is responsible for filing the SR-22 certificate, you need to check that you're following the rules. Here's when you should check your SR-22 status.
Right After Filing an SR-22
If your insurance company offers SR-22 coverage, you can call and request a certificate filing. However, your state may not process the form right away, so you should continue to follow up to ensure it is received and processed timely. For example, it takes the Texas Department of Public Safety up to 21 days to process an SR-22 form.
After Switching Insurance Providers
You're allowed to switch SR-22 insurance providers, but you need to maintain coverage. To stay compliant, you shouldn't cancel your old policy until you have a new one in place.
To check the new insurer has filed an SR-22 certificate for you, contact your state after making the switch.
If You've Received a Notice From the DMV
You should also verify your coverage if you receive a notice from the driver licensing bureau in your state. You may need to provide additional information or contact your insurance company for assistance.
Before Your SR-22 Requirement Ends
Most states require you to keep SR-22 coverage for 3 years. However, the exact duration depends on your state and your reason for an SR-22 certificate. To avoid an unintended lapse in coverage, verify your status at least once before the end of the minimum coverage period.
3 Ways to Check Your SR-22 Status
If you need to know how to check SR-22 status, there are three simple methods.
1. Check Through Your State DMV
Once the state DMV receives the filing from your insurer, a DMV representative can verify your status.
2. Ask Your Insurance Provider
Another option is to ask a representative from your insurance company. Many companies provide customer service by telephone, email and online chat.
3. Look for SR-22 Status in Your Online Accounts
You can easily find your SR-22 status through your online insurance account or driver record.
How Do You Check Your SR-22 Status Online?
If you have an account with your insurance company, log in and look for a page titled "SR-22 Filing Status." You may also find the information in your proof of insurance or policy documents.
Many states have online portals, giving residents access to their driver records. If your state is one of them, visit the DMV website. You may need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth or other information to verify your identity. Be cautious and make sure you are on a secure official government website when sharing sensitive information.
Once you log in, look for the option to download your driver record. If the SR-22 isn't listed in your driver record, look for a separate page titled "Driver's License Status" or "SR-22 status."
Common Issues When Checking Your SR-22 Status
When checking your SR-22 status, you may encounter a few common issues.
Status Not Showing as Active With the DMV
If the state doesn't have your SR-22, contact your insurance company. Ask the representative if someone filed a certificate on your behalf. If they say yes, make sure the information provided to the state matches the details in your driver record.
You may also have to wait a few days for your state to process the SR-22 filing. If the DMV still doesn't have your certificate, ask your insurance company to file the SR-22 a second time.
SR-22 Lapsed Without Notification
If you discover your SR-22 has lapsed without your knowledge, contact your insurer. In some cases, an SR-22 lapse occurs because you forgot to pay your premium. You may be able to get the certificate reinstated if you make the past-due payment and ask your insurer to file a new SR-22.
An SR-22 lapse may also be due to an administrative error. Follow up with your insurer to make sure someone corrected the error and filed a new SR-22 certificate for you.
Wrong State Filing
If your insurer filed the SR-22 in the wrong state, contact the company and ask a representative to file in the correct one. Sometimes this happens if you move from one state to another.
Insurance Company Didn't Submit the Form
Some insurance companies don't offer SR-22 certificates. If your company doesn't provide them, you have to switch insurers. Otherwise, contact your insurer and ask them to file the SR-22 as required. Follow up with the DMV to verify you're compliant.
DMV or Insurance Portal Errors
Sometimes, a simple website error makes it difficult to check your SR-22 status. Instead of panicking, use a different method. You can also wait a day and try the website again.
What to Do If You Can't Confirm Your SR-22 Status
If you can't verify your SR-22 status, contact your insurance company and make sure someone filed the certificate. Ask your insurer to provide proof of filing.
Next, contact your state's DMV to determine if your driver's license is still active. If it is, ask a DMV representative to look for your SR-22 certificate. Don't drive until you confirm your state has a record of it.
What Happens if Your SR-22 Expires or Lapses?
If your SR-22 expires or lapses, you may face the following penalties:
- Vehicle registration suspension
- License suspension
- Fines
- Reinstatement fees
Need Help Understanding Your SR-22 Requirements? We've Got You Covered
Maintaining SR-22 coverage helps you follow your state's rules and keep your driving privileges in good standing. Breathe Easy has SR-22 licensed insurance agents to help you find the right policy for your needs.
Call us at (833) 786-0237 or request a free quote today. We’ll make sure you stay covered and compliant.
