The step-by-step Guide to SR-22 Filing in Texas After a DUI
Facing the consequences of a DUI in Texas can be a stressful and complicated ordeal. With so much paperwork to complete, discovering the proper protocol for filing an SR-22 in the Lone Star State can be a challenge. Knowing what you need and how to do it in advance can help stop the confusion and make filing that much easier. Read on for our helpful guide on filing an SR-22 in Texas after a DUI offense, but keep in mind that any questions or concerns should be directed to your traffic court.
First off, applicants must make sure their drivers license is valid and that the status is eligible for reinstatement. This involves filing out Form DL-77 and paying all applicable reinstatement fees, which you can do on the DPS website. Once the license is reinstated, applicants may then purchase an SR-22 insurance policy and file the SR-22 with the DPS.
Before hitting the open market, applicants should first be aware that not all insurance companies in Texas provide SR-22 insurance coverage. Do some shopping around to ensure youre getting the best deal. Keep in mind that some providers will charge an additional fee when filing the SR-22, so make sure to include it in the total cost of the policy before making the final decision on who to go with.
Once you have a policy in place, the insurer will file the SR-22 electronically with the Texas DPS on your behalf. The DPS will then review the information and, if all is correct, approve the SR-22 to become an active policy. The policy must be kept active for a minimum of three years and, if you fail to make any payments or cancel the policy outright, the DPS will be notified and you may risk having your license suspended.
When filing for an SR-22 after a DUI in Texas, applicants must also complete an approved DUI education course. This number of hours will vary depending on your blood-alcohol level and how many previous convictions, if any, you have on your record. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation offers a number of courses online, but each applicant must also ask their local traffic court what Course of Action they should take.
In order to keep their license, applicants must provide proof of financial responsibility when initially filing for an SR-22. This typically involves proving that you have a minimum level of automobile insurance liability coverage. It is important that the applicant check with the Texas DPS to make sure exactly what is necessary to prove that you have the requisite level of coverage.
Last but not least, your license will have to be monitored by a designated agent with the Texas DPS. This person will receive all your records from the court as well as records of your continued compliance with the SR-22 regulations. Typically, this agent will be someone assigned to you through your driver improvement course.
// Expanding the Topic in 4 sections//
Section 1: After the initial filing, applicants must now maintain their license in order to keep the SR-22 policy active. The SR-22 must remain active for a three-year period, so applicants must commit to keeping the policy in tact. This means making timely payments, ensuring the policy does not lapse or become cancelled and keeping the DPS updated on any changes to their driving record. Failure to do this will result in having their license suspended.
Section 2: In addition to maintaining the policy, applicants must also take steps to ensure they keep their driving record free of any subsequent offenses. If a new offense is accrued, that will be reported to the DPS by the court and may result in your license getting revoked by the state. If this occurs, a new SR-22 will have to be filed once the original revocation period ends and the reinstatement fees paid in full.
Section 3: Once applicants have a policy in place, it is important that they stay on top of any updates from the Texas DPS. This includes any changes to policy coverage and fees, as well as any other information they might need to know in order to keep their policy in effect. Ignoring any messages or notifications may result in the policy lapsing or becoming cancelled, resulting in a possible suspension of the license and having to file for a new SR-22 policy.
Section 4: Despite the complicated nature of filing for and maintaining an SR-22 policy after a DUI in Texas, the process can go relatively smoothly with the right information and commitment from the applicant. It is important for applicants to be proactive and informed of the process and to familiarize themselves with the Texas DPS regulations and laws. Knowing what is needed and following the proper steps can help those seeking an SR-22 policy to complete the process with relative ease.
