SR-22 in Virginia

Checked against official Virginia sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Virginia uses two forms. After a DUI you need an FR-44, which requires double the usual insurance limits. Most other cases, such as an unpaid judgment or an uninsured vehicle suspension, need an SR-22.

Your insurer files either one electronically with the Virginia DMV. You keep it for 3 years from the end of your suspension or revocation, or from the date you paid off a judgment. [1][5]

Uses SR-22?: Yes
How long: 3 years [1]
After a DUI: 3 years [2]
Base reinstatement fee: $145 [3]
Minimum liability coverage: 50/100/25 [4]

Does Virginia require an SR-22?

Yes. Virginia requires an SR-22 certificate of insurance for non-DUI financial responsibility cases. After a DUI it requires an FR-44, which has double the limits. [1]

Form: SR-22 (AAMVA Uniform Financial Responsibility Insurance Form) for non-DUI cases; FR-44 (Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate) for DUI-related convictions. [1]

How long do you need an SR-22 in Virginia?

3 years from the end date of the suspension or revocation, or from the date the judgment was satisfied. The SR-22 must also be on file to get restricted privileges, while you hold them, and while you pay a judgment in installments. [1]

After a DUI

3 years (FR-44). DMV says three years from the suspension/revocation end date; the statute says three years after you otherwise become entitled to a license. [2]

What does reinstatement cost?

$145 for suspensions such as no insurance or an unpaid judgment. $175 or $220 for other reasons ($220 for a financial responsibility requirement or DUI), plus $5 for each extra order. [3]

We couldn't confirm whether Virginia charges its own fee to file an SR-22. Your insurer may charge one.

What coverage do you need?

SR-22: $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 bodily injury per crash, $25,000 property damage (policies effective on or after January 1, 2025). FR-44 (DUI) requires double these limits: 100/200/50. [4]

What happens if your SR-22 lapses?

If your policy is cancelled during the required three years, your insurer notifies DMV with a Notice of Cancellation or Termination. DMV then suspends or revokes your driving privilege until you provide a current SR-22 or FR-44. [1]

Don't own a car?

Yes. If you do not own a vehicle you must file an operator's policy. It covers you to drive but does not insure any vehicle. If you own vehicles, every vehicle you own must be listed on the SR-22/FR-44. [1]

Who has to file one?

SR-22: unsatisfied judgments; uninsured motor vehicle suspension; failing to provide proof of insurance under insurance monitoring; falsifying insurance certification; and suspensions for vehicular manslaughter, perjury or false statements to DMV, felonies involving a motor vehicle, hit and run with death or injury, and a second offense of carrying passengers for hire without a license. FR-44: DUI, maiming while DUI, driving while your license is forfeited for DUI, and similar out-of-state or federal offenses. [5]

Who handles it

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Your insurance company files the SR-22 or FR-44 with DMV electronically. [1]

Common questions

Do I need an SR-22 or an FR-44?

You need an FR-44 after a DUI, maiming while DUI, or driving while your license is suspended for DUI, including similar out-of-state offenses. Most other cases, like unpaid judgments, uninsured vehicle suspensions, or hit and run with injury, call for an SR-22. [5]

What insurance limits do I need?

For policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, an SR-22 policy must carry at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. An FR-44 needs double that, 100/200/50. DMV's reinstatement guide still prints older, lower limits, but these are the amounts current state law sets. [1][2][4][5]

When does the 3 years start?

DMV counts 3 years from the end date of your suspension or revocation, or from the date a judgment was satisfied. You also need the SR-22 or FR-44 on file to get restricted driving privileges, for as long as you have them, and while you pay a judgment in installments. [1]

How much does it cost to reinstate my license?

DMV charges $145 for suspensions such as no insurance or an unpaid judgment. Other reasons cost $175 or $220, and a DUI or financial responsibility requirement is $220. Each extra order adds $5. [3]

I don't own a car. What do I file?

You file an operator's policy, which covers you to drive but doesn't insure any vehicle. If you do own vehicles, every one of them must be listed on your SR-22 or FR-44. [1]

What happens if my policy is cancelled?

Your insurer sends DMV a notice of cancellation. DMV then suspends or revokes your driving privilege until you provide a current SR-22 or FR-44. [1]

Sources

Virginia DMV - A Guide to Reinstating Your Virginia Driving Privilege (DMV 292, rev. 07/01/2026) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Code of Virginia 46.2-316 - Proof of financial responsibility (DUI double limits) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Virginia DMV - Reinstatement Fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Code of Virginia 46.2-472 - Requirements of motor vehicle liability insurance policy (minimum limits) (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
Virginia DMV - Financial Responsibility Certifications (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)