The state of Washington uses the SR-22 form to help protect its citizens against problem drivers by monitoring their insurance. It requires the auto insurance company to file the SR-22 form as a proof of a problem driver's financial responsibility, stating that his/her auto insurance liability is in effect. The state does not send notifications and it is the responsibility of the driver and the auto insurance company to submit the form as well as the renewals, to the state, if required.

WHAT IS AN SR-22 FORM?

There are three different types of SR-22 forms:

1. The Operator's Certificate covers the financial responsibility in the case the motorist does not own a vehicle.
2. The Owner's Certificate covers the financial responsibility for vehicles owned by the motorist.
3. The Operators-Owners Certificate covers financial responsibility for all the vehicles that are owned or non-owned by the motorist.

WHEN IS SR-22 REQUIRED?

The SR-22 financial responsibility Insurance form is required in the following cases:

1. If you have any safety responsibility suspensions. For example, if an uninsured driver was involved in an accident in the past but did not pay the requisite compensation then he or she needs to fill the SR-22.
2. If you have any unsatisfied judgment suspensions. For example, if a driver involved in an accident in the past has an unsatisfactory judgment entered against him then he or she needs to fill the SR-22.
3. In case of revocations of license.
4. In the case of mandatory insurance supervisions.
5. For individuals who have received more than three convictions for mandatory insurance violations.

FILING FOR THE SR-22

1. Contact a state-authorized insurance agency to request for a SR-22 filing.
2. Pay the correct processing fee to the agency. The fee amount may vary between agencies. You can request an insurance quote from our Washington auto insurance page and companies such as Esurance will allow you to request a SR-22 filing automatically.
3. As per the State laws of Washington, the minimum mandatory amount of coverage should be $25,000 for bodily injury for one person in one accident, $50,000 for two or more persons in one accident and $10,000 for property damage in one accident.
4. Upon receiving the request from the agent the central office then sends the SR-22 directly to the Department of Licensing in about 30 days.
5. If accepted, you will receive the SR-22 from the agency along with a letter from the Department of Licensing.
6. The SR-22 has to be maintained for a minimum period of 36 months. If the motorist does not renew it at least 15 days before the expiration date the agency notifies the State. The State may then suspend the driving record of the motorist until the insurance is reinstated. So it is advisable to renew the SR-22 at least 45 days in advance.

FOR OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS

1. If you are not residing in Washington State, but have had some issues in the past, you still have to file a non-owner SR-22 to release your license, regardless of your current state of residence.
2. No vehicles are covered in this type of policy, but you need to have a local insurance on all the vehicles that you own. This would be a Washington State SR-22 policy with an out-of-state mailing address

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• An amount of $60,000 in cash or approved collateral of equal value can be deposited with the State Treasurer in place of the SR-22.
• As a proof of financial responsibility, a surety bond can be executed by the person giving proof and a surety company authorized to do business in Washington State, or by the person giving proof and two individual sureties. This surety bond also can be used in place of SR-22
• For related information, see Auto Insurance, DUI/ DWI Lawyers, DUI/DWI Information and Suspended License.
• If you need more information for SR-22 filing in Washington, please contact:

  Washington Department of Motor Vehicles    

Driver's Responsibility
1125 Washington Street SE
PO Box 9020
Olympia WA 98505-9020