The minimum filing period for an SR-22 in California is 3 years.This can be longer depending on the amount and severity of your violations, which will be determined by a judge.Filing an SR22 for the set amount of time allows you to keep or eventually get your license back after repeated or serious violations.Your SR22 can even be extended for a longer period of time if you commit another SR22 worthy violation during your initial sentenced period.An SR-22 does NOT expire unless your insurance is cancelled whether from missing payments, forgetting to renew, or being denied renewal.Your insurance company is required by law to inform your DMV that you are driving uninsured and have not followed the requirements of your SR22.Your license will be suspended and you will face court fees, penalty fees, and reinstatement fees.As long as your insurance policy remains active, your SR22 will be valid for all 3 or more years it is required of you.To learn more about where to file an SR-22, feel free to read The Ultimate Guide to SR-22 Auto Insurance.