SR-22A in Georgia: Who Needs It and for How Long
Georgia's version is the SR-22A, and it's narrower than most people expect: the Department of Driver Services requires it after repeat no-insurance convictions, not after a first DUI.
Who needs an SR-22A in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) requires an SR-22A to reinstate a license suspended for a second or later conviction for no proof of insurance (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-10). DDS Rule 375-3-3-.17 says the SR-22A must be filed and maintained for three years from the date of conviction.
Two common situations that, per the DDS reinstatement FAQs, don't call for one:
| Situation | What DDS requires to reinstate |
|---|---|
| First no-insurance offense | A 60-day suspension, then proof of insurance and the reinstatement fee. A nolo contendere plea, if the court allows it, avoids the suspension for a first offense within five years. |
| First DUI (21 and over, first in 5 years) | A 12-month suspension, with reinstatement possible after 120 days by completing a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program and paying the fee. No SR-22A is listed. |
| Second or later no-insurance conviction | At least a 90-day suspension, the reinstatement fee, and an SR-22A kept for 3 years. No limited permit is available. |
What the SR-22A certifies
The SR-22A is Georgia's Safety Responsibility Insurance Certificate. The insurer certifies a motor vehicle liability policy with limits of $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. You can have the insurer fax it directly to DDS.
DDS also accepts a standard SR-22 if it's marked "Paid In Full". An out-of-state SR-22 must come with a receipt showing you paid the insurer and proof the policy carries at least Georgia's minimum limits.
No car? You still need a policy
DDS is explicit: everyone convicted of a second or later no-insurance offense must buy and maintain an SR-22A policy. If you don't own a vehicle, you need an SR-22A non-owner's policy for 3 years from the conviction date, prepaid in full every 6 months.
If the policy is cancelled
Your insurer reports a cancellation to DDS during the three years, and that results in the cancellation of your driver's license. Keep the policy paid for the full period.
Related: When does my SR-22 end? (calculator) · Driving with a suspended license in Georgia · Reckless driving in Georgia · Driving without insurance in Georgia · SR-22 requirements in every state
Sources
- Georgia DDS, "Reinstatement FAQs - No Proof of Insurance (Multiple Convictions)" and "(First Offense)" — accessed September 2026
- Georgia DDS, "Reinstatement FAQs - Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (First Offense) Drivers Age 21 and Over" — accessed September 2026
- Georgia DDS Rule 375-3-3-.17, Reinstatement Procedures for Suspensions Based on Second or Subsequent Convictions for No Proof of Insurance — accessed September 2026
Every requirement on this page was checked against the official source above. See our methodology and disclaimer — this page is general information, not legal advice. Your suspension notice from the state is the final word on what you personally need.