SR-22 Insurance in Virginia
When Virginia requires an SR-22 (or similar) certificate of insurance, how long you must keep it, and what happens if it lapses.
Short answer: After a conviction for driving uninsured (or a suspension for not verifying insurance), the owner must furnish proof of financial responsibility for the future (such as an SR-22 certificate) before the license and registrations are reinstated. Va. Code §§ 46.2-706(B), 46.2-707
| SR-22 filing | After a conviction for driving uninsured (or a suspension for not verifying insurance), the owner must furnish proof of financial responsibility for the future (such as an SR-22 certificate) before the license and registrations are reinstated. The Commissioner may lift the requirement once three years have passed from the date of suspension. |
|---|---|
| Driving without insurance | Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle registered in Virginia is a Class 3 misdemeanor, as is a non-owner knowingly driving it. An owner of an uninsured vehicle must immediately surrender the plates (failing to do so is also a Class 3 misdemeanor). After a conviction, DMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until the owner pays a $600 noncompliance fee and files proof of financial responsibility for the future; DMV's New to Virginia page also lists a $145 reinstatement fee. DMV page: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/moving/new-virginia |
More Virginia car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Virginia
- Driving Without Insurance in Virginia
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Virginia
- Transferring a Car Title in Virginia
- All Virginia car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When do you need an SR-22 in Virginia, and for how long?
After a conviction for driving uninsured (or a suspension for not verifying insurance), the owner must furnish proof of financial responsibility for the future (such as an SR-22 certificate) before the license and registrations are reinstated. The Commissioner may lift the requirement once three years have passed from the date of suspension.
What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Virginia?
Owning and driving (or allowing the driving of) an uninsured vehicle registered in Virginia is a Class 3 misdemeanor, as is a non-owner knowingly driving it. An owner of an uninsured vehicle must immediately surrender the plates (failing to do so is also a Class 3 misdemeanor). After a conviction, DMV suspends the owner's driver's license, registrations and plates until the owner pays a $600 noncompliance fee and files proof of financial responsibility for the future; DMV's New to Virginia page also lists a $145 reinstatement fee.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.