I just went through this circus for the first time, and honestly, I’m still not sure I did it “right.” I went with an online company because, well, it was cheaper and I figured it couldn’t be that complicated. Turns out, it’s not exactly “click and forget.” After I paid and got the confirmation email, I sat there wondering if the DMV even knew I existed. The site said they’d file the SR-22 electronically, but I didn’t see any proof.
Ended up calling the DMV a few days later—felt a bit ridiculous, but the woman on the phone was super patient. She did find my filing, but I got the sense that if I hadn’t checked, it might have just sat in limbo. Maybe that’s just my paranoia, but with something as serious as SR-22, I’d rather be annoying than uninsured.
I get the appeal of local agents, though. My cousin swears by his guy down the street, says he gets a paper copy and a handshake. There’s something reassuring about that, especially if you’re not a fan of waiting around for digital breadcrumbs. But I can’t ignore that the online option was noticeably cheaper, and I didn’t have to leave my couch.
If you’re the type who likes receipts and face-to-face confirmation, local might be less nerve-wracking. If you’re okay with a little uncertainty and don’t mind making a follow-up call or two, online’s not the worst. Just don’t assume it’s all automatic—my nerves wouldn’t survive that gamble twice.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I did the online route too and had that same “did it actually go through?” anxiety. Calling the DMV felt awkward but honestly, better safe than sorry. You did the right thing double-checking—SR-22 stuff is too important to just hope for the best.
“Calling the DMV felt awkward but honestly, better safe than sorry.”
Yeah, been there. The DMV phone hold music is burned into my brain at this point. I get why people lean toward online companies for SR-22s—it’s quick, you can do it at 2am in sweatpants, and the rates sometimes look better at first glance. But I’ve seen a few folks get tripped up when something didn’t process right, or the paperwork didn’t actually make it to the state. That “did it actually go through?” anxiety is real.
Local agents might not always have the absolute rock-bottom price, but if something goes sideways, you can walk in, look someone in the eye, and get it sorted. Plus, they know the ND quirks—like which counties are extra picky about forms. I’m a bit of a worrier, so I like having a real person to call (even if I feel like a nuisance).
Honestly, both have pros and cons. If you’re the type who double-checks everything, local might save you some headaches. If you’re more chill and tech-savvy, online can work... just maybe keep that DMV number handy.
I totally get that “did it go through?” panic—been refreshing my email way too many times lately. I’m leaning local for my first time just because I’d rather bug a real person than wonder if I messed up a form online. But man, those online rates are tempting...
I totally get that “did it go through?” panic—been refreshing my email way too many times lately.
That feeling is all too familiar. There’s something reassuring about having a local agent you can actually talk to, especially if you’re dealing with something as specific as an SR-22. I’ve always liked being able to walk in and ask questions, even if the online rates make you do a double-take. Sometimes, the peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks, at least for the first go-round. But hey, I’ve heard a few folks say the online process is smoother than you’d expect… guess it depends how much you value that face-to-face help.
