Georgia Hardship License Insurance and SR-22 Filing
Georgia requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Georgia at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$200
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Georgia
Georgia operates under a tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for injuries and damage. The state requires continuous proof of insurance, enforced through electronic verification with carriers. To obtain a hardship license after suspension, Georgia mandates SR-22 filing, a certificate proving you carry at least state minimum liability coverage, filed directly by your insurer to the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate Filing
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Georgia
$316–$423/mo
Typical monthly rate in Georgia, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Get Insured for the Drive to Work
Keep Driving to WorkIf your license is suspended
Limited Driving Permit
application fee $32.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 10 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hardship license in Georgia after a DUI suspension?
You must petition the court for a hardship hearing, typically after serving a mandatory waiting period of 120 days for a first DUI or 2 years for a second DUI. The court evaluates whether you need driving privileges for work, medical treatment, or childcare, and if approved, issues an order authorizing limited driving with SR-22 filing and often ignition interlock installation. Georgia does not grant hardship licenses through DDS administrative process — court approval is required.
What is the SR-22 filing requirement for a Georgia hardship license?
Georgia requires your insurer to file an SR-22 certificate with the Department of Driver Services proving you maintain continuous liability coverage at or above 25/50/25 state minimums. The SR-22 filing remains active for the entire duration of your hardship license, typically 12 months minimum. If your policy lapses, DDS is notified within 24 hours and your hardship license is immediately revoked.
Can I drive outside approved hours with a Georgia hardship license?
No. Georgia hardship licenses restrict you to court-approved purposes, hours, and routes, typically limited to work, medical appointments, DUI school, and court-ordered counseling. Driving outside approved parameters is treated as driving on a suspended license, which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and immediate hardship license revocation.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses while I have a Georgia hardship license?
Your hardship license is immediately revoked and your underlying suspension is extended by the lapse duration. Georgia DDS receives electronic notification from your carrier within 24 hours of any lapse, and reinstatement requires a new SR-22 filing, payment of reinstatement fees, and often a new hardship hearing. Most carriers impose a 10-day minimum lapse before rewriting SR-22 policies for hardship license holders.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with Georgia DDS proving you carry at least state minimum liability coverage. Required for hardship license approval and maintained for the duration of restricted driving privilege.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to obtain a hardship license. Covers you while driving employer-owned vehicles, rental cars, or borrowed vehicles within approved hardship hours.
Hardship License Insurance
Insurance coverage structured to meet Georgia's hardship license requirements, including SR-22 filing, state minimum liability limits, and continuous coverage without lapse. Violation of approved hours or routes typically voids coverage.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers, including those with DUI, multiple violations, or suspended licenses seeking hardship privileges. Non-standard carriers often impose stricter lapse policies and shorter grace periods.