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SR-22 Financial Responsibility in Massachusetts

The term SR-22 refers to a Certificate of Financial Responsibility—a document issued by an insurance company that confirms a driver has the minimum required liability coverage. This coverage ensures that funds are available to pay for personal injury or property damage caused by the driver. While SR-22 certificates are a common requirement in some states for drivers convicted of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Massachusetts does not require them.

SR-22 Form

SR-22 Requirements in Massachusetts vs. Other States

Because Massachusetts has compulsory liability insurance laws, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) does not require SR-22 certificates—even when a driver is applying for a hardship license. However, other states such as New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and California may require SR-22 certificates as a condition of reinstating driving privileges after a DUI arrest or conviction. These states use SR-22 forms to verify that high-risk drivers maintain continuous insurance coverage for a set period, typically three years.

In certain cases, a state may require a SR-44 certificate instead of an SR-22. The SR-44 confirms that the driver carries higher levels of liability insurance, which may be required for repeat offenders or for more serious driving violations.

Obtaining an SR-22 in Massachusetts

Although SR-22 certificates are not required within Massachusetts, they may be needed to reinstate driving privileges in another state. Massachusetts insurance companies can issue SR-22 certificates, but complications often arise because most insurers will not issue a policy to someone with a suspended or revoked license. This creates a difficult situation—drivers need proof of insurance to reinstate their license, but cannot obtain insurance without a valid license.

To overcome this, it may be possible to request a temporary license reinstatement from the Massachusetts RMV. A temporary reinstatement, often valid for up to thirty (30) days, allows a driver to purchase insurance and obtain the SR-22 certificate needed by the other state.

Temporary Reinstatement and the AAMVA Withdrawal

Drivers seeking a temporary reinstatement must go through the RMV’s hearing process. In many cases, the RMV must override an indefinite AAMVA Withdrawal, which is a nationwide revocation triggered when a driver is listed as Not Eligible in the National Driver Register due to an out-of-state suspension. To secure this override, the RMV will require documentation from the state that imposed the suspension, confirming that the only reason the driver’s privileges are suspended is the lack of an SR-22 certificate.

Because this process involves communication between state agencies and specific documentation requirements, it is often advisable to work with an attorney familiar with interstate license reinstatements and RMV procedures. An attorney can help prepare the required documentation, request a temporary reinstatement, and facilitate the issuance of an SR-22 certificate.

Reinstating Your License

Once the SR-22 certificate is issued and the driver secures valid insurance coverage, they can typically reinstate their driving privileges in the state where the DUI occurred. After doing so, the driver can then request removal of the indefinite AAMVA Withdrawal in Massachusetts and restore their right to operate here.

If the driver has multiple DUI convictions, Massachusetts law requires the installation and maintenance of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) as a condition of reinstatement.

Legal Assistance for SR-22 Issues

If you were arrested for DUI or OUI in another state and are struggling to meet that state’s SR-22 requirements while holding a Massachusetts license, legal assistance can make a significant difference. An experienced DUI suspension lawyer can help you navigate the RMV’s hearing process, coordinate with out-of-state motor vehicle departments, and secure the documentation necessary for license reinstatement.

Contact the Law Office of Brian Simoneau, P.C. if you need help obtaining proof of financial responsibility or navigating SR-22 requirements in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or any other state.