SR-22 insurance in Virginia
What Virginia requires after a DUI, a lapse or driving uninsured, how long the filing lasts, what it costs the state, whether a non-owner filing works, and which companies in Virginia write the policies that carry it, from the state's own pages and the insurance company directory.
Virginia uses the SR-22 and FR-44 filing. Who needs it: SR-22: unpaid judgments, an uninsured vehicle, failed insurance monitoring, false insurance certification, and manslaughter, felonies or hit-and-run with a vehicle. FR-44 (double limits): DUI, DUI maiming, and driving while forfeited. How long: 3 years from the suspension date, the end of the revocation, or the date a judgment is paid; release is discretionary. The insurer files it electronically with the state once the policy is bound; a non-standard auto policy with the filing is often cheaper than people expect. 0 companies write personal auto in Virginia; the ones used to filings are tagged below.
By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker · Every state
What Virginia requires
From Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV); sources at the bottom.
| Filing | SR-22 and FR-44 |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | SR-22: unpaid judgments, an uninsured vehicle, failed insurance monitoring, false insurance certification, and manslaughter, felonies or hit-and-run with a vehicle. FR-44 (double limits): DUI, DUI maiming, and driving while forfeited. |
| How long | 3 years from the suspension date, the end of the revocation, or the date a judgment is paid; release is discretionary. |
| State fees | No separate state filing fee; insurer charges vary. Reinstatement: $145, $175 or $220 depending on the offense. Uninsured vehicle: $600 noncompliance fee. |
| Non-owner filing | Not stated by the state as a general rule. An owner may give proof for a household member or employee driver, with a license restriction. |
| How it's filed | Your Virginia-authorized insurer files the SR-22 or FR-44, often electronically straight to your DMV record. Out-of-state residents may use a home-state insurer. |
| If the policy cancels | Your insurer reports a cancellation (SR-26) within 15 days, and DMV suspends your license, registration and plates until new proof is filed. Whether the period restarts: not stated. |
| Minimum liability limits | 50/100/25 (bodily injury per person / per accident / property damage) since Jan 1, 2025; FR-44 requires double these limits. |
| Who handles it | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
How to get it today
- Send the quote request with the reason for the filing (DUI, lapse, uninsured accident) and the date the state gave you; that goes to the companies above that take it.
- Bind the policy; the insurer sends the SR-22 and FR-44 to the state electronically the same day in most cases.
- Keep the policy paid for the whole period: a cancellation is reported to the state and usually restarts the suspension.
I'm licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and your request stays with my agency, not passed to another agent. In Florida and Washington, where my licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime.
Questions people ask
How long do I need an SR-22 and FR-44 in Virginia?
3 years from the suspension date, the end of the revocation, or the date a judgment is paid; release is discretionary.
Who needs an SR-22 and FR-44 in Virginia?
SR-22: unpaid judgments, an uninsured vehicle, failed insurance monitoring, false insurance certification, and manslaughter, felonies or hit-and-run with a vehicle. FR-44 (double limits): DUI, DUI maiming, and driving while forfeited.
Can I get a non-owner SR-22 and FR-44 in Virginia?
Not stated by the state as a general rule. An owner may give proof for a household member or employee driver, with a license restriction.
What happens if my policy cancels during the SR-22 and FR-44 period?
Your insurer reports a cancellation (SR-26) within 15 days, and DMV suspends your license, registration and plates until new proof is filed. Whether the period restarts: not stated.
Sources
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/certifications
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/frrequire
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/insurance-requirements
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/license/reinstate/reinstate-fee
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/license/reinstate
- https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/news/vehicle-insurance-coverage-requirements-change-january-1
Send it once. It gets filed.
A few minutes to request the quote; the companies that file SR-22 and FR-44 answer by email, and the filing goes to the state when you bind.
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.