If you have a DUI in California you will have to file a SR-22 with the DMV.  A SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that is required by the DMV in order to keep your license valid.  The time frame is 3 years and if you don’t pay your insurance your license will be suspended again.

There are two ways to file the SR-22.  The easiest way is an electronic process.  The insurance company electronically sends the SR-22 information to the DMV, this can take up to a week before the DMV receives and updates the information.  The other way is the paper form itself.  Yes, the insurance agent can print out the SR-22 and you can hand deliver it to the DMV.  If you need to go in person and pay the license fees this is the best way to process the SR-22..

Its your decision, do you need to go to the DMV and pay fees?  If so, you take the paper SR-22.

Do you need a car to have a SR-22? 

No.

If you don’t have a car, but need a SR-22 to re-instate your license, then you can purchase a ‘non-owner’ insurance policy.  You can request the SR-22 by paper or electronic as mentioned earlier.

The non-owner premium will be much lower because there is no car involved.  The non-owner policy covers you while driving other vehicles not owned by you. 

If you have any questions contact your agent or this author.