Thousands of Georgia drivers each year (whether it’s after a DUI conviction, a major traffic violation, or driving without insurance) are told they need SR-22 insurance before they can drive again.  

Luckily, the filing itself is simpler than the paperwork makes it sound. Most drivers can have the SR-22 filed through their insurer and then complete the remaining reinstatement steps through the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) once their specific requirements are met. Below, we've broken down what an SR-22 is, who needs one in Georgia, what it costs, and the steps to file it correctly the first time. Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) has experience helping Georgia drivers through the SR-22 process, so we'll also flag the mistakes that most often set people back.

What is an SR-22?  

An SR-22 is not actually a type of insurance. It's a certificate your insurance company files with the Georgia DDS to confirm that you carry the minimum auto liability coverage required by state law. Georgia refers to its version of the form as an SR-22A, but the function is the same. The filing is electronic, attaches to your existing auto policy, and remains in place until the state allows it to be removed. You don't need to carry a paper copy in your glove box, but you should keep the confirmation documents your insurer sends you for your own records.

Does GA require SR-22 insurance?  

Georgia does not require an SR-22 for every traffic violation. Unlike states such as Florida or Virginia, where certain offenses automatically trigger an SR-22, Georgia generally requires one only when a court orders it or when it's a condition of license reinstatement.

If an SR-22 applies in your case, it will be stated directly in your court documents or in correspondence from the DDS. If neither document mentions it, you likely don't need one. Regardless, it's worth confirming with the DDS or a licensed insurance agent before assuming.

Who needs to file an SR-22 in Georgia?

You may be required to file an SR-22 in Georgia if any of the following apply:

• A DUI or DWI conviction
• Driving without insurance
• Accumulating too many points on your license
• An at-fault accident while uninsured
• A court order following multiple traffic violations 

DUI convictions and driving uninsured account for the majority of SR-22 requirements in the state. If your court paperwork or a letter from the DDS mentions an SR-22, that's your signal to start the process. And the sooner the better, since your driving privileges can't be restored until the filing is on record.

What are Georgia SR-22 insurance requirements?

Georgia SR-22 filings are tied to the state's minimum liability coverage, known as 25/50/25:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident 

These are the same minimums required of any Georgia driver, but with an SR-22, continuous coverage becomes mandatory. A lapse, even a brief one, will reset your three-year clock.

How to file an SR-22 in Georgia

The filing itself is handled by your insurance company, not by you. The process usually looks like this:

1. Find the right insurer: Not every carrier offers SR-22 filings, so start by contacting an insurance company, with the help of an IIA agent, that handles non-standard or high-risk coverage.
2. Purchase a qualifying policy: Your auto policy must meet Georgia's 25/50/25 minimum at minimum. Higher limits are allowed and often recommended.
3. Request the SR-22 filing: Your insurer submits the SR-22 electronically to the Georgia DDS. You don't file anything yourself.
4. Pay the filing fee: Filing fees typically run from $0 to $50, depending on the insurer. This is separate from your premium.
5. Allow time for processing: Filing speed varies, meaning some insurers submit electronically the same day, while others take three to five business days. Carriers that mail filings on paper can take longer still.
6. Confirm the filing: Get written confirmation from your insurer and verify with the DDS that the SR-22 is on file before you assume your license is reinstated.

How long the full process takes depends largely on which insurer you choose. In most cases, the SR-22 is filed electronically the same day your payment is completed, and you can receive proof by email immediately after. Keep your confirmation in a safe place, either way, because if a question ever comes up about your filing date, that paperwork has the answer.

How much is SR-22 insurance in GA?

The SR-22 filing itself is a small fee, and tends to be anywhere from $25 to $50, depending on the insurer and your location.  

As for your auto premium, most Georgia drivers find that their premiums are higher than standard rates once an SR-22 is on file, and the reason is straightforward. Put briefly, the same violations that trigger an SR-22 requirement (a DUI, driving uninsured, repeated traffic offenses) also classify you as a higher-risk driver in the eyes of insurers, thus the higher rate.

Rates can also vary widely between carriers, especially for higher-risk drivers. That means shopping around is one of the most effective ways to keep costs manageable. Insurance companies that specialize in non-standard coverage often offer more competitive rates for drivers who need an SR-22 than standard carriers do. If you're shopping for auto insurance in Georgia specifically, our Georgia auto insurance page is a good place to start.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Georgia?

In Georgia, state regulations require maintaining your SR-22 for three years. The clock starts when you file it (or from the conviction date for some non-owner policies), not when the violation occurred. After three years of continuous coverage, your insurance company can remove the SR-22 filing.

However, if coverage lapses even briefly, the Georgia DDS resets your requirement. Always overlap policies by at least a week when changing companies to avoid this. For non-owner policies, some requirements specify three years from the conviction date with six month prepayments. Always check your DDS account for exact terms.

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If your SR-22 lapses, Georgia law requires your insurance company to notify the state immediately. The DDS will then suspend your license again, and you'll restart the entire process.  

Additional FAQs

Can I file my own SR-22 in Georgia?

No, the SR-22 must be filed by a licensed insurance company on your behalf. It's an electronic filing between your insurer and the state, so you can't just download a form and submit it yourself.

Will any insurance company file an SR-22 for me?

Not just any, no. You'll need to work with one that specializes in non-standard or high-risk coverage.  

What if I move out of Georgia during my SR-22 period?

You may still need to maintain the Georgia filing, even if you move, unless the state or court says otherwise. Check with the Georgia DDS before canceling. Some states have reciprocity agreements but always verify.

Can I get an SR-22 if I don't own a car?

Yes, this is called a non-owner SR-22, and it satisfies the SR-22 requirement and provides the minimum liability coverage the state requires when you're driving a borrowed or rented vehicle, without tying coverage to a specific car.  

Get a personalized SR-22 insurance quote

IIA works with insurance companies that specialize in SR-22 filings, so you can find coverage that meets Georgia's requirements without paying more than you have to. In most cases, your SR-22 can be filed electronically the same day your payment is processed, send your proof of insurance by email, and offer non-owner SR-22 options if you don't currently own a vehicle.  

Our Spanish-bilingual agents can walk you through the filing timeline, identify discounts you may qualify for, and confirm your SR-22 is on record with the DDS before you get back behind the wheel. Contact us, call 1-855-478-3705, or get a free estimate online, and don't let one violation keep you off the road longer than it has to.