Reader’s Question:

I live in California and my license was suspended because of a DWI conviction. What is the process I have to go through to reinstate my driver’s license?

Sarah

Anaheim, CA

Hi Sarah, thanks for asking. An SR22 Filing is a form issued by an insurance company that is required in order to remove a suspension placed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles on your driving privileged. This is caused by receiving a DUI / DWI, too many tickets, reckless driving or having an uninsured accident.

This document from the Insurance Company in California provides a guarantee to the California Department of Motor Vehicles that you have obtained the California required minimum liability coverage. The insurance company will notify the California DMV should the insurance lapse for any reason. A person cannot receive an SR22 filing without buying insurance, because an SR22 filing is evidence of liability insurance in force.

To get the reinstatement process started, you have to be eligible to get your license back. If you are not sure contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles and ask for the date you are eligible to receive your license back. Also, ask them what other fees are needed to reactivate (usually a reinstatement fee, and payment of all other outstanding parking/moving violation fines).

So the next step is to find the lowest price auto insurance quote from the best carriers in California. There are many options on the Internet, so you just have to make sure you are choosing the most beneficial for you. If their price is OK with you, they will fax or mail you the paperwork to start your policy, and upon receipt, issue the SR22 Filing which will permit you to go to your local DMV office to reinstate your license.