What You Need to Know About SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 · Originally published October 19, 2015 · Updated November 2026

Getting a letter from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) that says you need an SR-22 can be stressful. The good news is that the insurance part is usually the most straightforward piece. This guide walks you through it in order, so you know what to do this week.

Before you call

Step 1: Read your DOR notice closely

Your notice is the most important document you have. Look for:

Why the SR-22 is required
The date your suspension or revocation started, or your reinstatement eligibility date
Any other requirements, such as fees, SATOP or an ignition interlock

The reason matters because it affects how long you need the SR-22. Missouri generally requires two years of proof in points, alcohol-related and accident-judgment cases, and three years from reinstatement eligibility in no-insurance and false-insurance cases. For details, see how long you need an SR-22 in Missouri.

Step 2: Decide what kind of policy fits

The SR-22 is attached to an auto policy, so first decide which kind:

Owner policy. You own or regularly drive a vehicle registered to you.
Non-owner policy. You don't own a car but need to meet the requirement or drive occasionally. See non-owner SR-22.

Either way, the policy must meet Missouri minimums: 25/50/25 liability plus uninsured motorist coverage.

Step 3: Gather your information

Having this ready makes the call faster:

Driver's license number (even if suspended)
Date of birth and current address
Vehicle information (year, make, model, VIN) if you own a car
Names of anyone else in your household who drives
Your DOR notice or case number

Getting the SR-22 filed

Step 4: Buy the policy and request the filing

When you call, tell the agent up front that you need an SR-22. Not every company files them, so this saves time. Once you buy the policy, the insurer files the SR-22 with the state, and we can email your proof of insurance. Our article on how fast an SR-22 files in Missouri covers timing.

After it is filed

Step 5: Finish the rest of reinstatement

The SR-22 is one piece. You still need to complete whatever else the DOR requires before your license is reinstated. Our license reinstatement page explains how the parts fit together. If you need to drive for work in the meantime, ask about a Limited Driving Privilege, which generally requires an SR-22 on file.

Step 6: Put the end date on your calendar

Write down when your requirement should end, and set a reminder a month or two before. Don't cancel anything on your own when you think the period is over. Confirm with the DOR first, then let your agent know.

Quick questions to ask your agent

Does this company file SR-22s in Missouri?
Is there a filing fee, and how is it charged?
What payment options help me avoid a lapse?
What happens if I switch companies later?

Talk to a local agent

Ready to get started? Call 417.865.4800 and we will help you buy the policy and get the SR-22 filed. More on our SR-22 insurance page.

Common questions

Can I buy SR-22 insurance over the phone?

Yes. Auto Insurance Express customers can buy auto insurance by phone, request the SR-22 filing, and receive proof of insurance by email.

Do I need my license to be valid to buy the policy?

No. Many people buy their SR-22 policy while suspended, because the filing is part of what they need to reinstate.

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Written by Auto Insurance Express. Reviewed by Philip Edwards, founder. Philip has run independent insurance agencies in southwest Missouri since 1997. More about the agency.

General information, not advice about your specific policy. Coverage, exclusions and eligibility are determined by the policy forms and endorsements your insurer issues, and state rules change. Confirm details with us before you rely on them.