In Illinois, an SR‑22 (Certificate of Financial Responsibility) is required for drivers who have safety‑responsibility suspensions, unsatisfied judgment suspensions, revocations, mandatory insurance supervisions, or three or more convictions for mandatory insurance violations. To obtain an SR‑22, the driver must contact an insurance company authorized to write SR‑22 policies in Illinois; the insurer files a Financial Responsibility Certificate on the driver’s behalf and the filing can take up to 30 days to process. The SR‑22 must be maintained for three years, and the insurer must submit an SR‑26 Cancellation Certificate if coverage lapses, which triggers a suspension of the driving record until reinstated. The SR‑22 must be renewed at least 45 days before expiration.
Alternatives to filing an SR‑22 include depositing $70,000 in cash or securities with the Illinois State Treasurer, obtaining a surety bond, or filing a court‑approved real‑estate bond. Out‑of‑state drivers may use an Out‑of‑State Affidavit Financial Responsibility Insurance Waiver under certain conditions. Maintaining the SR‑22 and adhering to renewal timelines ensures the driver’s license can be reinstated after any suspension.