FR-44 and SR-22 in Virginia: Who Needs Which

Virginia uses both filings. The FR-44 is for DUI-type convictions and doubles every minimum limit; the SR-22 covers a longer list of offenses at the standard limits.

Who needs an FR-44

Per the Virginia DMV, an FR-44 is required after a conviction for:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Maiming while under the influence
• Driving while your license was forfeited for one of those convictions
• A similar offense under federal law or another state's law

The FR-44 must show liability limits of double the standard minimum in every category (Va. Code § 46.2-316). With the minimums set at 50/100/25 for policies effective on or after January 1, 2025, that's $100,000 per person, $200,000 per accident and $50,000 for property damage. The requirement lasts 3 years, counted from when you would otherwise be eligible to get your license back. More on costs in our Virginia DUI insurance guide.

Who needs an SR-22

The DMV requires an SR-22, at the standard limits, for:

• Unsatisfied judgments
• An uninsured motor vehicle suspension
• Failing to provide proof of insurance when the DMV monitors your insurance
• Falsifying an insurance certification
• A license suspension after a conviction for: manslaughter involving a motor vehicle; perjury or a false statement to the DMV; a felony under motor vehicle law or involving a vehicle; failing to stop and identify yourself after a crash that injured or killed someone; or a second offense of carrying passengers for hire without a license

For the crimes in that last group, Virginia law requires proof of financial responsibility for 3 years after you become eligible for a license again (Va. Code § 46.2-316).

If your vehicle was uninsured

Virginia suspends the driving and registration privileges of uninsured vehicle owners. To reinstate, the DMV requires you to pay a $600 non-compliance fee, file an SR-22 for three years, and pay a reinstatement fee if one applies. A payment plan is available for the $600 fee.

What the filings cover

Coverage	SR-22	FR-44
Bodily injury, one person	$50,000	$100,000
Bodily injury, two or more people	$100,000	$200,000
Property damage	$25,000	$50,000

Limits for policies effective on or after January 1, 2025 (Va. Code §§ 46.2-472 and 46.2-316). Every Virginia policy also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which matches your liability limits unless you reject the higher amount in writing (§ 38.2-2206).

If you live outside Virginia

For the FR-44's doubled limits, the DMV says out-of-state residents may submit a letter on their insurance company's letterhead stating the double minimum coverage amounts.

Cancellation

Virginia pairs each filing with a cancellation form: SR-26 for an SR-22 and FR-46 for an FR-44, which insurers use to tell the DMV your coverage ended. Keep coverage continuous for the full period.

Florida is the only other FR-44 state

Florida's FR-44 limits are fixed by statute at 100/300/50 rather than tied to a doubled minimum. See FR-44 and SR-22 in Florida.

Related: When does my SR-22 end? (calculator) · Driving without insurance in Virginia · Driving with a suspended license in Virginia · Reckless driving in Virginia · Car insurance after a DUI in Virginia · SR-22 requirements in every state