Does North Carolina Require SR-22? How the DL-123 Works

North Carolina has no SR-22, but it has something close to it: before the DMV restores almost any suspended license, you prove you're insured, and then you stay insured for 3 years.

The rule: G.S. 20-19(k)

Before the North Carolina DMV restores a license that was suspended or revoked under the state's driver license laws (other than for failing to appear or pay, under G.S. 20-24.1), you must show that you've told your insurer you're seeking restoration and that you're financially responsible. The law then requires you to keep that financial responsibility in effect for at least three years after the date the license is restored. Failing to do so is grounds for a 30-day suspension of the restored license.

What counts as proof

Under the statute, proof is either a certificate from an insurer authorized in North Carolina, which stays valid as proof for 30 days after it's issued, or a binder or policy that shows its effective and expiration dates. In practice, the NCDMV lists these as acceptable proof of liability insurance:

• A DL-123 insurance form from a North Carolina insurance company, or a letter from the insurer following the DL-123's wording and format
• An insurance binder with your name, policy number and effective and expiration dates
• A policy from a North Carolina-licensed insurer showing when it was issued and when it expires
• An insurance card with your name, policy number and effective and expiration dates

The NCDMV also says out-of-state policies are not accepted for North Carolina vehicles: coverage has to come from a company licensed in the state.

If you don't own or drive a car

The statute has an exception: if you don't own a currently registered vehicle and don't drive private passenger vehicles owned by others (other than ones under a commercial policy), you can sign a written certificate saying so instead of filing insurance. The DMV supplies it, often as part of the restoration application. Be careful with it: a material misrepresentation on that certificate is grounds for a 90-day suspension.

What your coverage has to include

North Carolina raised its minimums for policies issued or renewed after July 1, 2025:

Coverage	Before July 1, 2025	After July 1, 2025
Bodily injury, one person	$30,000	$50,000
Bodily injury, two or more people	$60,000	$100,000
Property damage	$25,000	$50,000

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also required on every North Carolina policy (G.S. 20-279.21). Insurers must notify the NCDMV if liability coverage is cancelled or lapses.

Related: When does my SR-22 end? (calculator) · SR-22 requirements in every state