--- title: "Georgia SR-22 Insurance: The SR-22A Form, Who Needs It, How Long It Lasts, What It Costs and How to File" description: "Georgia DDS requires an SR-22A for three years after a second no-insurance conviction. See who needs SR-22 or SR-22A, the limits, the fees and how to file it." url: "https://riskado.com/georgia-sr22-insurance/" lang: "en" published: "2026-10-13" modified: "2026-10-13" tags: ["sr22-insurance","license-reinstatement","driving-without-insurance","georgia-auto-insurance"] image: "https://riskado.com/og/default.jpg" alternates: es: "https://riskado.com/es/sr22-en-georgia.md" --- # Georgia SR-22 Insurance: The SR-22A Form, Who Needs It, How Long It Lasts, What It Costs and How to File Riskado Oct 13, 2026 · 10 min read ![A car parked outside a low brick government services building on a sunny Georgia morning](https://riskado.com/blog/georgia-sr22-insurance/featured.jpg) Which Georgia filing you need depends on why your [license](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/insurance-license/) was suspended. After a second or later conviction for driving without proof of insurance, the Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires an SR-22A, the Georgia Safety Responsibility Insurance Certificate, and you must keep it in place for three years from the conviction date, under [DDS Rule 375-3-3-.17 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). A DUI-related reinstatement uses an [SR-22](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/sr-22/) instead, also kept for three years from the conviction, under [Rule 375-3-3-.24 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). If you don't own a car, an SR-22 or SR-22A non-owner [policy](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/policy/) can satisfy DDS. Your [insurance company](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/insurer/) files the certificate, and if the policy is canceled during the required period, the insurer reports it to DDS and your license is canceled, according to the [DDS multiple-conviction FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof-0). ### Key takeaways - **SR-22A**Required by DDS after a second or later no-proof-of-insurance conviction, kept for three years from the conviction date. - **SR-22**Used for DUI-related reinstatement, also for three years, with higher liability limits. - **No car**An SR-22 or SR-22A non-owner policy can satisfy DDS, prepaid every six months. - **Who files**Your insurance company files the certificate and can fax it to DDS. - **If it lapses**The insurer reports the cancellation to DDS, and your license is canceled. ## What is the difference between SR-22 and SR-22A? Both are certificates, not a separate kind of insurance. An authorized insurance company files the form to certify that a [liability](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/liability-insurance/) policy is in effect for you, under [DDS Rule 375-3-3-.02 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). The policy is what protects other people; the certificate is how DDS knows it exists. Georgia uses the two forms for different situations. The SR-22A is the green form titled "Georgia Safety Responsibility Insurance Certificate," and [Rule 375-3-3-.17 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3) requires it for reinstatement after a second or later no-proof-of-insurance conviction under [O.C.G.A. § 40-6-10 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t40-ch6-16-%28v29%29-pdf.pdf). The SR-22 covers other proceedings, including DUI-related reinstatement under [Rule 375-3-3-.24 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). DDS also accepts an SR-22 for a second or later no-insurance suspension if it's marked "Paid in Full," according to the [DDS multiple-conviction FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof-0). ## Who needs an SR-22A in Georgia? The clearest trigger is a second or later conviction for no proof of insurance. A first conviction works differently. After a first no-proof-of-insurance offense, the license must be suspended for 60 days before you're eligible, and you reinstate by showing proof of insurance and paying the fee, with no SR-22A, according to the [DDS first-offense FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof). An insurance [lapse](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/lapse/) on a car's registration is a separate matter handled by the Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division, not DDS. DOR sends a letter when a registered vehicle shows no valid insurance for 10 or more consecutive days in the state database, and the result is a lapse fine and possible registration suspension, according to [DOR's insurance letters FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dor.georgia.gov/insurance-letters-faqs). That letter on its own doesn't call for an SR-22A. Our article on the [Georgia insurance lapse fee](https://riskado.com/georgia-insurance-lapse-fee/) covers that process. A crash can lead to a different kind of suspension. If you don't satisfy a claim for crash damage and the claim is filed under Georgia's Safety Responsibility Law, DDS issues a suspension order, according to the [DDS Safety Responsibility Law page (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/section-10-continued-safety-responsibility-law). You can avoid it by having your insurer file Form SR-21 if you had liability coverage at the time, by filing a release signed by the claimant, or by posting security along with an SR-22A. You can request a hearing within 10 days of receiving the order. ## Does a DUI require an SR-22 in Georgia? Yes, for DUI-related reinstatement. [Rule 375-3-3-.24 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3) requires an SR-22 filed and maintained for three years from the conviction date, and it sets higher limits than the SR-22A: at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $50,000 for property damage after a first DUI, and $100,000, $300,000 and $100,000 after a second or later DUI. The same limits now appear in statute. Act 287 of 2025 enacted [O.C.G.A. § 33-7-16 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t33-ch1-22-%28v24%29-pdf.pdf), effective May 14, 2025, for convictions on or after that date, according to the [Georgia General Assembly's 2025 legislative summary (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/legislative-counsel-document-library/25sumdoc.pdf). A person convicted of DUI can't drive in Georgia without liability insurance at those minimums and must keep the coverage uninterrupted for three years from the conviction. Under [O.C.G.A. § 40-6-10 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t40-ch6-16-%28v29%29-pdf.pdf), the driver must also carry proof of that coverage, on paper or on a phone, whenever driving. Georgia SR-22A and DUI SR-22 compared Hover or tap a row to highlight it. | Item | SR-22A (second or later no-insurance conviction) | SR-22 (first DUI) | SR-22 (second or later DUI) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Bodily injury, one person | $25,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 | | Bodily injury, per crash | $50,000 | $100,000 | $300,000 | | Property damage | $25,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 | | How long | Three years from conviction | Three years from conviction | Three years from conviction | | Rule | [DDS Rule 375-3-3-.17 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3) | [DDS Rule 375-3-3-.24 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3) | [DDS Rule 375-3-3-.24 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3) | ## What limits back an SR-22A? The policy behind the SR-22A must pay at least $25,000 for bodily injury to or death of one person in any one crash, $50,000 for two or more people in one crash, and $25,000 for damage to the property of others, under [Rule 375-3-3-.17 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). Those match Georgia's general minimum liability limits, according to the [Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (OCI) (opens in a new tab)](https://oci.georgia.gov/insurance-resources/auto). They're the floor for the certificate. Higher limits are available, and our article on [Georgia car insurance requirements](https://riskado.com/georgia-car-insurance-requirements/) covers what the law requires of every driver. ## Can you use a non-owner policy? Yes. A driver who doesn't own a vehicle can maintain an SR-22 or SR-22A "Non-Owners" policy for three years from the conviction date, prepaying in full every six months, according to the [DDS multiple-conviction FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof-0). Not owning a car doesn't remove the requirement. DDS says everyone convicted of a second or later no-insurance citation must buy and maintain an SR-22A policy, and a driver without a vehicle must buy the non-owner version. Non-owner policies have their own exclusions and conditions. Before you buy, ask the agency to confirm in writing that the specific policy will be accepted for your DDS filing and what it excludes. ![A set of car keys on a table beside a closed folder](https://riskado.com/blog/georgia-sr22-insurance/non-owner.jpg) A driver without a car can meet the requirement with a non-owner policy, prepaid every six months. ## How do you get the certificate filed? 1. Check your DDS record through DDS Online Services and note the exact suspension or conviction. 2. Tell the insurance agency exactly what DDS requires: SR-22 or SR-22A, and owner or non-owner. 3. Give the insurer the information the form asks for. The SR-22A form includes your name, address, case number, driver's license number, date of birth, Social Security number, the policy number and the effective date. 4. Have the authorized insurer certify and file the form. DDS says your insurance company can fax the documentation directly to DDS. 5. Pay the DDS reinstatement fee and send any other required documents. 6. Confirm through DDS Online Services that your license shows as reinstated before you drive. Ask the agency how it will send the certificate and when, and keep a copy for yourself until DDS shows the filing on your record. ![An office fax machine with a sheet of paper feeding through, the page blank side up](https://riskado.com/blog/georgia-sr22-insurance/filing.jpg) Your insurer certifies the policy and can fax the SR-22A straight to DDS. ## How long does an SR-22A last in Georgia? Three years from the date of conviction, for a second or later no-proof-of-insurance conviction, under [Rule 375-3-3-.17 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3) and the [DDS multiple-conviction FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof-0). The clock runs from the conviction date, not from the day you reinstate. A DUI-related SR-22 also runs three years from the conviction under [Rule 375-3-3-.24 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). ## What happens if the policy is canceled or lapses? The insurer reports the cancellation to DDS, and the cancellation results in the cancellation of your driver's license, according to the [DDS multiple-conviction FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof-0). For an SR-22A, the insurer ends the filing with Form SR-26, and DDS must receive it at least 30 days before the cancellation takes effect, under [Rule 375-3-3-.17 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). For a regular SR-22, [Rule 375-3-3-.02 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3) sets that notice at least 20 days before cancellation. Payment terms are part of the filing. An SR-22A that isn't marked "premium financed" is accepted as paid in full. After the first six months of paid-in-full filings, DDS may accept a premium-financed SR-22A if the policy can't be canceled for nonpayment within 180 days of its effective date, under [Rule 375-3-3-.17 (opens in a new tab)](https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/375-3-3). If you switch insurers, have the new company file its certificate before the old policy ends, so DDS never sees a gap. Ask both companies for the dates in writing. ![A wall calendar with no readable dates hanging above a desk with a coffee mug](https://riskado.com/blog/georgia-sr22-insurance/cancellation.jpg) For an SR-22A, DDS must receive Form SR-26 at least 30 days before a cancellation takes effect. ## What does an SR-22 cost in Georgia? You pay two separate costs: the DDS reinstatement fee and the insurance premium. The current [DDS reinstatement fee table (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/reinstatement-fees-and-payment) lists: - No proof of insurance, first offense: $200 by mail, $210 in person. - No proof of insurance, second or later: $300 by mail, $310 in person. - DUI, first offense for age 21 and over: $200 by mail, $210 in person. DDS says your own fee can differ because of conviction dates, multiple convictions or other suspensions, so check your record before paying. Payment can be made online, by mail or in person; partial payments aren't accepted. By mail, include the Official Notice of Suspension, or your full name, date of birth, license number, address and Social Security number. In person, bring proof of identity. Privileges come back only after DDS processes the payment and every other requirement, including any other outstanding suspensions. The premium is set by the insurer. Insurers underwrite each applicant to assess risk and then rate the policy, and your driving record, where you live, prior insurance coverage, vehicle use and the make and model of the car are common rating factors, according to [OCI (opens in a new tab)](https://oci.georgia.gov/insurance-resources/auto). Ask each agency for a written quote that shows the premium, any fee for filing the certificate and the payment schedule, so you can compare them side by side. ## How do you reinstate a Georgia license after a second no-insurance conviction? Wait until the license has been suspended for 90 days, which is when you become eligible, according to the [DDS multiple-conviction FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof-0). Then pay the reinstatement fee, and present the SR-22A, or a qualifying SR-22, either yourself or by having your insurer fax it to DDS. Keep the coverage for three years. A limited driving permit isn't available during this suspension. Our article on [Georgia driving without insurance](https://riskado.com/georgia-driving-without-insurance/) explains how the conviction itself is handled in court. ### Reinstating after a second or later no-insurance conviction 1. ConvictionThe three-year SR-22A clock starts on the conviction date. 2. 90 days suspendedYou become eligible to reinstate; DDS issues no limited permit during the suspension. 3. Certificate filedYour insurer files the SR-22A, or a qualifying SR-22, and can fax it to DDS. 4. Fee paid$300 by mail or $310 in person, paid in full. 5. Three yearsKeep the policy in force until three years from the conviction date. ## What if your policy is from another state? DDS accepts an out-of-state SR-22 policy when it comes with a receipt showing valid payment to the insurance company and proof that the policy maintains Georgia's minimum coverage limits, according to the [DDS multiple-conviction FAQ (opens in a new tab)](https://dds.georgia.gov/georgia-licenseid/violations-suspensions-revocations/violations-and-suspensions-faqs/no-proof-0). If you plan to move out of Georgia during the filing period, ask Georgia DDS and the new state's licensing agency before you move whether the Georgia filing must continue, transfer or be replaced. The Georgia requirement runs from your conviction date, so a gap can cost you the license you just reinstated. ![Moving boxes stacked beside a car in an open garage](https://riskado.com/blog/georgia-sr22-insurance/moving.jpg) An out-of-state SR-22 needs a payment receipt and proof the policy meets Georgia minimum limits. ## Checking an agent and filing a complaint Insurance agents, agencies and companies must be licensed to do business in Georgia, according to [OCI's agent and agency licensing page (opens in a new tab)](https://oci.georgia.gov/agents-agency-licensing). Use the [Georgia insurance license lookup (opens in a new tab)](https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/?jurisdiction=GA) to confirm the agent, agency and insurer before you buy. Keep copies of the quote, the application, your certificate request, the policy and every message. If a filing is wrong or an insurer won't help, contact the agency or insurer first. If that doesn't resolve it, file a complaint with OCI's Consumer Services Division through its [Consumer Complaint Portal (opens in a new tab)](https://oci.georgia.gov/file-consumer-insurance-complaint), which OCI calls the most efficient way to file, and include copies of your supporting documents. ## Questions to ask an agency - Does my DDS record call for an SR-22 or an SR-22A? - Is the filing for a no-insurance conviction, a DUI, a crash-related suspension or something else? - Can a non-owner policy satisfy my DDS requirement, and what does it exclude? - What information do you need for the certificate? - How and when will you send the certificate to DDS, and how will I confirm it arrived? - What liability limits will the certificate show? - Is the policy marked paid in full or premium financed? - What happens if I miss a payment or replace the policy? - What notice will you send before any cancellation? - If the policy is written in another state, does it meet Georgia's minimum limits? - Are the agent and the insurer licensed in Georgia? - What documents should I keep, and what happens if DDS rejects the filing? To find agencies that write non-owner and other auto policies near you, browse [Riskado's Georgia agency directory](https://riskado.com/agencies/georgia/) by city and category. For how other states handle the same filing, see [South Carolina SR-22 insurance](https://riskado.com/south-carolina-sr22-insurance/) and [Virginia FR-44 insurance](https://riskado.com/virginia-fr44-insurance/). **Quiz: Check what you know about Georgia SR-22 insurance** 1. Which filing does DDS require after a second or later no-proof-of-insurance conviction? - SR-21 - SR-22A **(correct answer)** - SR-26 2. How long must the SR-22A stay in place? - One year from reinstatement - Three years from the conviction date **(correct answer)** - Five years from the suspension 3. Can a driver who doesn't own a car satisfy the requirement? - No, only vehicle owners can file - Yes, with an SR-22 or SR-22A non-owner policy **(correct answer)** - Only by posting a cash bond 4. What are the SR-22A liability limits? - $25,000, $50,000 and $25,000 **(correct answer)** - $50,000, $100,000 and $50,000 - $100,000, $300,000 and $100,000 5. What happens if the SR-22A policy is canceled during the required period? - Nothing until the next renewal - The insurer reports it to DDS and the license is canceled **(correct answer)** - DOR suspends the vehicle registration only ## Frequently asked questions ### Does a first no-insurance conviction require an SR-22A? No. For a first offense, DDS asks for proof of insurance and the reinstatement fee after the 60-day suspension. The SR-22A requirement starts with a second or later conviction. ### Who can update my insurance record if DOR shows the car as uninsured? Only your insurance company. DOR says the county tag office can't change the record; the insurer must send the information electronically to the state's insurance database. ### Can I get a limited permit while I wait to reinstate? No. DDS doesn't issue a limited driving permit for a first or a second or later no-insurance suspension. ### Can I cancel the policy once my license is back? Not until the three years from your conviction date are up. A cancellation reported to DDS during that period cancels your license, so line up any replacement filing before the old policy ends. ## Keeping the filing in place Mark the end date, three years from your conviction, on your calendar. Keep the policy paid, keep the certificate copy with your records and confirm through DDS Online Services that your license stays valid. If anything changes, a new car, a move or a new insurer, talk with your agency before the change takes effect. ### Key terms Tap a term to see what it means. **SR-22A.** The green Georgia Safety Responsibility Insurance Certificate an insurer files with DDS after a second or later no-proof-of-insurance conviction. ## More articles - [South Carolina SR-22 Insurance: The Form, What It Costs, How Long You Need It and How to File With the SCDMV](https://riskado.com/south-carolina-sr22-insurance/): An SR-22 is proof your insurer files with the SCDMV. See the $100 and $700 fees, the three-year filing period, the 25/50/25 limits and how to avoid a lapse. - [Georgia Motorcycle Insurance: Required Coverage, What It Costs, Helmet and License Rules and What to Ask Your Agent](https://riskado.com/georgia-motorcycle-insurance/): Georgia requires 25/50/25 liability on a motorcycle, a Class M license and an approved helmet. See registration, lapse, cost and uninsured motorist rules. - [Georgia Golf Cart Insurance: Whether It Is Required, Registration, Peachtree City and Community Rules and What a Policy Covers](https://riskado.com/georgia-golf-cart-insurance/): Georgia doesn't register or title motorized carts, but LSVs need registration and insurance. See Peachtree City and Jekyll Island rules and homeowners limits. - [Georgia Boat Insurance: Whether It Is Required, What a Policy Covers, Coastal and Lake Rules and What to Ask Your Agent](https://riskado.com/georgia-boat-insurance/): Georgia doesn't require boat insurance, but marinas and lenders may. See DNR registration, homeowners limits, coastal and lake rules and what a policy covers. ## Newest guides 1. [1Additional Insured: What It Means, How It Differs From a Certificate, and What It Costs](https://riskado.com/additional-insured/) 2. 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[1Alabama Boat Insurance: Whether It Is Required, Marina and Lender Requirements, What a Policy Covers, Registration and Marine Patrol Rules](https://riskado.com/alabama-boat-insurance/) 2. [2Alabama Car Insurance Requirements: The 25/50/25 Minimums, Proof of Insurance, the Uninsured Motorist Offer and How Alabama Fault Rules Affect a Claim](https://riskado.com/alabama-car-insurance-requirements/) 3. [3Alabama Driving Without Insurance: The Ticket and Fine, Whether Jail Is Possible, License and Registration Suspension and What to Do After a Stop](https://riskado.com/alabama-driving-without-insurance/) 4. [4Alabama Insurance Lapse Fine: How the Online Insurance Verification System Finds a Lapse, the Notice, Fees and Reinstatement, Stored Vehicles and How to Pay or Appeal](https://riskado.com/alabama-insurance-lapse-fine/) 5. 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