Usually yes. California is a member of the Driver License Compact, so a DUI in most other states is reported to the California DMV and treated as if it happened in California. That can lead to a California suspension, an SR-22 requirement and higher insurance rates.
What the California DMV may do
When the California DMV receives an out-of-state DUI conviction, it can apply the same consequences as a California DUI. That may include:
- A suspension of your California license
- Completing a DUI program
- Filing an SR-22 to reinstate or restrict your license
- An ignition interlock device in some cases
You may have requirements in both states
The state where you were arrested may also have its own requirements, such as its own SR-22, or an FR-44 in states like Florida and Virginia. You may need to satisfy both states before you can drive legally. MIS files SR-22s in California, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho and Utah, so we can often handle both with one policy. See FR-44 vs. SR-22.
How it affects your insurance
Insurance companies check your driving record when you apply and at renewal. Once the out-of-state DUI is on your California record, it affects your rates the same way a California DUI would, including your eligibility for the Good Driver Discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will California find out about my DUI in another state?
In most cases, yes. States in the Driver License Compact share DUI convictions, and California is a member.
Do I need an SR-22 in California for an out-of-state DUI?
You may, if the California DMV suspends your license because of it. Follow your DMV notice.
Can one policy cover SR-22 requirements in two states?
Often, yes. Call us and we’ll tell you what each state requires and what we can file.
Will an out-of-state DUI raise my California insurance?
Usually. Once it’s on your California record, insurance companies rate it like any other DUI.
Let MIS Shop the Market for You
You shouldn’t have to spend your day calling insurance companies and comparing quotes. At MIS, our licensed agents shop the market for you. Our state-of-the-art quoting system compares dozens of insurance companies in a matter of minutes, including Progressive Drive, Aspire General, National General, Bristol West, Kemper, The General, Anchor General and Dairyland, and your agent shows you the lowest rate available for your record. That’s why so many of our 3,100+ Google reviewers talk about how much they saved.
Call (800) 726-0640 or get your quote online. MIS Insurance Services is an independent insurance broker in Culver City, California, licensed by the California Department of Insurance, serving drivers since 2009.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Your DMV notice and court papers list your exact requirements.