In Virginia, an SR‑22 (Certificate of Insurance) is required for drivers who have been involved in serious offenses such as unsatisfied judgments, uninsured vehicle suspensions, failure to provide proof of insurance, falsifying insurance information, or convictions like manslaughter, hit‑and‑run, and certain felonies. The SR‑22 demonstrates that the driver maintains the minimum liability coverage required by state law—$25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $25,000 for each additional person (up to $50,000 total), and $20,000 for property damage. Drivers must keep the SR‑22 on file for three years from the suspension end date or judgment satisfaction date, and the filing is done electronically by the insurance company on the driver’s behalf.
To reinstate a suspended license, the driver must pay any applicable non‑compliance and reinstatement fees, ensure the SR‑22 (or FR‑44 for DUI‑related cases) is filed for the required three‑year period, and provide proof of the active policy through the DMV’s online system. Failure to file by the deadline can result in fees up to $750 and further suspension. If the policy is cancelled during the required period, the insurer notifies the DMV, which will suspend driving privileges until a current SR‑22 is provided.