No insurance mandate, but the Granite State still orders filings
The Insurance Department auto guide says state law does not require you to carry auto insurance. You must still be able to pay for an at-fault crash, or your driving privileges can be suspended.
Once the DMV places you under a filing requirement, it tells you in writing. Your Driver Record Report then carries the line "Proof of financial responsibility is required". The DMV SR-22 page says your license and registration cannot be restored or kept until a company files.
A DWI, leaving a crash scene, or a second reckless charge
The DMV lists three convictions that require an SR-22: any DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, and a second reckless operation offense. The statute, RSA 264:2, reaches further. It covers homicide or assault arising from driving and a second excessive speed conviction. Out-of-state convictions count too.
A crash with no coverage is the other path. Under RSA 264:3, the director suspends the uninsured driver and owner after the accident report. You stay suspended until you post security for any judgment and keep proof of future responsibility. A policy or bond in force on the crash date avoids all of this.
Owner SR-22 or Operator SR-22: match it to your situation
The DMV recognizes only two policy types on the certificate. An Owner SR-22 lets you own, register and drive a vehicle. An Operator SR-22 lets you drive only, and the SR-22 FAQs point non-owners to it. Insurers sometimes use other names for these. The non-owner version is explained in our non-owner guide.
The policy must carry the limits in RSA 259:61. That means $25,000 for one person, $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property. The insurance guide adds that a personal auto policy also includes at least $1,000 of medical payments coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage.
Three years, counted from the conviction, crash or action
Minimum filing periods run three years from the final conviction, crash involvement or administrative action, per the FAQs. A second offense DWI is different. Its three years start on the date you become eligible for restoration.
The requirement does not drop off by itself. Send a written request with your name, address and date of birth. Mail it to 23 Hazen Drive, Concord NH 03305, marked for the FR SR-22 Processing Section of the Department of Safety's DMV. The Bureau of Financial Responsibility then reviews your record. Activity listed in rule Saf-C 207.12 extends the period. If you qualify, a formal Notice of Relief of Filing arrives, and your insurer gets one by mail.
The $100 restoration fee and three ways to pay it
Restoring a license or operating privilege costs $100, the same for a commercial license. An original or youth license costs $50, and a registration privilege costs $25. These amounts appear on the suspension and restoration page.
You can pay through the credit card line at 1-800-272-0036. A check payable to "State of NH-DMV" can go in the Concord DMV drop box. Add a note naming the person being restored. An appointment in Concord also works for card, check or cash.