General information, not legal advice. Your suspension notice, the court and the state agency decide what applies to you. Fees and rules change; confirm with the agency before you pay.

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SR-22 in North Carolina: Fees, Minimum Coverage and How Long

Last checked October 19, 2026 · Source: North Carolina DMV

The short answer

North Carolina does not use the name SR-22. Its equivalent is Form DL-123, a certificate of insurance your insurer issues, which the DMV requires to restore a suspended or revoked license. Coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50) must stay in effect for 3 years after the license is restored.

At a glance

Uses SR-22	Yes, as Form DL-123
Minimum liability	50/100/50
How long	3 years
State reinstatement fee	$83.50 restoration plus $50 service fee; $167.75 after a DWI
Who files it	You bring it to the DMV

What else to know in North Carolina

North Carolina raised its minimums to $50,000 / $100,000 / $50,000 for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. A DL-123 is valid for 30 days, so get it shortly before you apply. An insurance lapse also brings a civil penalty of $50, $100 or $150 plus a $50 registration restoration fee.

Steps

Get a liability policy of at least 50/100/50 from an insurer licensed in North Carolina and tell them you need Form DL-123. Not every insurer provides it.
Get Form DL-123 from your insurer and bring it to a driver license office within 30 days of issue.
Pay the state's fees on your suspension notice. State fees: $83.50 restoration plus $50 service fee; $167.75 after a DWI.
Keep the policy active for 3 years. Before you cancel, confirm with the state that your requirement has ended; canceling early can suspend your license again.

FAQ

How long do I need Form DL-123 in North Carolina?

3 years, under North Carolina's rules (see the sources below).

Does North Carolina charge a fee for Form DL-123?

No. The state charges reinstatement fees, not a fee for the form. State fees: $83.50 restoration plus $50 service fee; $167.75 after a DWI.

What liability limits does North Carolina require?

$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $50,000 for property damage (50/100/50). Some states also require other coverage, such as personal injury protection or uninsured motorist coverage; check with the state agency.