If you’re researching SR-22 insurance Texas requires after a DWI or driving-without-insurance citation, here’s what to expect from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) specifically. (New to the topic entirely? Start with our full SR-22 guide first.)
Who Needs an SR-22 in Texas?
Texas DPS typically requires an SR-22 after:
- A DWI conviction (first offense or subsequent)
- Driving without insurance — this is the single most common trigger
- Multiple at-fault accident claims
- A civil judgment related to an accident
- Reinstating your license after certain suspensions
Courts can also order an SR-22 directly as part of sentencing for some offenses. If you’re unsure whether your situation requires one, TxDPS or the court handling your case will specify it.
How Long Do You Need an SR-22 in Texas?
Under Texas Transportation Code §601.231, most drivers need to maintain an SR-22 for two years from the date of their conviction (or, in crash-related judgment cases, from the date the judgment was rendered) — unlike some other states where the clock starts at license reinstatement.
As with every state, the rule that matters most in practice: coverage has to stay continuous. If your policy lapses, gets canceled, or you switch carriers without properly transferring the filing, your insurer must notify TxDPS — which usually means an automatic suspension and your two- or three-year clock starting over from day one.
How Much Does SR-22 Insurance Cost in Texas?
Two separate costs, same as everywhere else:
- The filing fee: typically $15–$50, a one-time or per-filing charge paid to your insurer to submit the certificate to TxDPS. It’s re-charged if you ever have to re-file (a lapse, switching carriers, changing vehicles).
- The liability premium itself: this is where the real cost sits. Estimates vary by source and by where in Texas you live, but liability-only SR-22 coverage tends to run roughly $85–$165 per month, with DWI-triggered policies often landing at the higher end (some sources put the DWI-specific average closer to $150/month, or around $1,800–$2,700 per year). Rural counties tend to run cheaper than urban areas like Dallas or Houston.
Texas’s minimum liability limits, which your policy must meet, are $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25) — note this is different from some other states, so don’t assume the same numbers carry over if you’re comparing states.
Don’t Own a Car? Non-Owner SR-22 in Texas
If you don’t own a vehicle, a non-owner SR-22 policy satisfies the TxDPS requirement and covers you when driving borrowed or rented cars. These tend to start meaningfully cheaper than owner policies — some providers advertise non-owner SR-22 starting around $28/month — though you should still compare a few quotes rather than assume that’s what you’ll pay.
How to Get an SR-22 in Texas
- Contact an insurer that files in Texas. Most standard carriers do, though some may decline to continue covering you after a DWI.
- Buy a policy that meets Texas’s 30/60/25 minimum (or your court-ordered limits, if higher).
- Your insurer files electronically with TxDPS, often within minutes, though it can take TxDPS 24–72 hours to reflect in your record.
- Keep the policy active for the full 2–3 year period. Set up autopay — a single missed payment is the most common way people accidentally restart their filing period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get SR-22 insurance the same day in Texas? Yes, in most cases. Many insurers can file electronically with TxDPS the same day you sign up.
Do I need an SR-22 if I don’t own a car in Texas? Yes, if TxDPS or a court has ordered one — a non-owner SR-22 policy satisfies the requirement.
Does an SR-22 itself raise my insurance rate? Not directly. The filing is just paperwork — the rate increase comes from being reclassified as a high-risk driver because of the violation that triggered the SR-22 requirement in the first place.
What if I get a second DWI while my SR-22 is active? Expect your filing period to extend (Texas law specifically calls for three years on a second DWI) and your rates to increase further.
This article summarizes general, publicly available information about Texas’s SR-22 requirements as of 2026 and isn’t legal or insurance advice. Requirements and costs can change and your specific case may differ — always confirm your exact requirement and timeline with the Texas Department of Public Safety or a licensed insurance agent.