The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles has adopted the paper SR22 certificate format as the preferred method of communication between them and the authorized auto insurance companies. Since the pandemic crisis began in 2020, the Oregon DMV has relaxed the paper-only requirement and now accepts faxed and emailed copies of the original certificate if sent in by an authorized agent. We are licensed and have their fax number and email address! It is a specific format that places these data items in a particular order, making it easy for handling, data entry, and imaging. Here are the data items the SR22 certificate must include:
Last Name
This may seem obvious, but the SR22 Certificate must display the driver's last name exactly as it appears on their driver's license. If the driver has two last names on his license, both must be listed for the certificate to be valid. The agent or company should pay attention to the exact spelling. Any misspelling of the name may result in the rejection of the certificate.
First Name
Nicknames or partial first names are not acceptable. The complete first name MUST BE listed. Again, the DMV needs the certificate to display the correct and complete name to correctly identify the driver in the system and not confuse the record of another driver of a similar name.
Middle Initial
If the driver has a middle name, the initial only may be displayed in this spot. A complete middle name, if one appears on the license, is helpful to more fully assure the DMV that the correct driver has been properly credited for filing an SR22.
Address
The driver should keep the DMV informed of his most current mailing address. The address on file with the DMV and that is displayed on his license must match EXACTLY the address on the SR22 certificate. So, if the driver provides an address to the auto insurance company issuing the SR22 certificate that differs from what appears on record with the DMV, the certificate could be delayed or rejected altogether.
If you are in doubt of the address you have on record with the DMV, you can call 503-299-9999, provide them your driver's license number, and they can confirm the current address they have listed. You may also log on at DMV2U, where you can schedule appointments, access your DMV profile, change your address, pay reinstatement fees, and renew or replace a lost registration. If there is a problem with the SR22 certificate and the DMV must mail you a notification of the circumstances, they are only required to send the letter to the most current address they have on file, even if you have put in a forwarding order with the post office. The DMV will instruct the post office to return the item to Salem and not forward it to you, so they have a record it was mailed. But the DMV is not required to resend to any new address that may appear on the returned item. That could cause your driving privileges to be suspended without you knowing it. And, not knowing you are suspended IS NO EXCUSE. You can still be cited and convicted of driving while suspended simply for failure to keep your address up-to-date with the Oregon DMV.
Driver's License Number
This is the seven-character number assigned to your Oregon account. It cannot be a driver's license number issued to you by another state.
Date of Birth
The date of birth must be written in the MM/DD/YYYY format and order. Most countries other than the United States reverse the month and day order so the day appears first. That can cause difficulty for the DMV to identify your account.
Policy Number
The complete policy number must appear. The DMV does follow up with the insurance company to be sure the SR22 certificate is legitimate. If the policy number is bogus or is incomplete, the insurance company may respond that the certificate is invalid or could open an investigation to determine the possibility of fraud.
Effective Date of the Policy
The effective date of the policy is the date you started your policy or the date your policy last renewed. This date helps to further confirm the SR22 certificate is legitimate when the DMV verifies the policy number with the insurance company.
Effective Date of the Certificate
The DMV wants a "fresh" SR22 certificate. If you fail to turn in your SR22 certificate to the DMV promptly, it might be rejected. Be sure you file your SR22 at the DMV office within two weeks of it being printed by your agent, regardless of the date your license is to be suspended. We can make it easy by emailing or faxing a copy to save you the trip.
Year, Make, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - NOT NEEDED FOR NON-OWNER POLICIES
If you are filing an Owner-Operator policy SR22 certificate, the VIN must be correct. The DMV will verify that the car listed on your certificate belongs to you or someone listed on your policy. Suppose the vehicle does not belong to you or someone authorized under your policy. In that case, the certificate may be rejected as they are aware of the contractual language and the law that states that you must insure only vehicles that belong to you. Ownership is defined as being registered explicitly in your name or someone who lives in the house with you and who is also listed on the policy. Do not attempt to insure a car that doesn't belong to you or someone listed on your policy, and expect the SR22 to be valid on an OWNER-OPERATOR policy.
If you have purchased a Non-Owner Policy, the certificate will have the box checked below the year, make, and VIN area indicating that it is a Non-Owner Policy.
State
If you are required to file an SR22 certificate in the State of Oregon, the name of the State of Oregon must appear on the certificate.
Name of Insurance Company
The complete and legal name of the underwriting insurance company must appear on the certificate. Sometimes insurance companies are promoted under some umbrella marketing name. The certificate may be rejected if the exact name of the insurance company guaranteeing the policy is not listed correctly.
Date Certificate was Signed
This date is usually the same as the date of the certificate. Again, the DMV likes fresh dates and signatures. The certificate may be rejected if the date it was issued and/or signed is older than two weeks.
Original Signature of an Officer of the Company
A printed signature of an authorized officer of the company must appear on the certificate if it is turned in by the driver personally at a DMV office. This helps the DMV determine its authenticity.
