Virginia FR-44 requirements after a DUI
Virginia requires an FR-44 filing for 3 years after a DUI.
What Virginia says
FR-44 (not SR-22). Virginia DMV requires an FR-44 Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate for DUI-related convictions (§ 18.2-266, § 18.2-51.4, § 18.2-272), with liability limits double the SR-22 minimums in § 46.2-472. DMV's reinstatement guide (DMV 292) states the certificate must be in effect for three years from the suspension/revocation end date, and while holding restricted driving privileges.
“FR-44 certification is required for the following convictions: Maiming while under the influence Driving while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs”
Ignition interlock statute (see the state page): Va. Code § 18.2-270.1
At a glance
| Filing required after a DUI | Yes |
|---|---|
| Form | FR-44 |
| Filing period | 3 years |
| License reinstatement fee | $220 |
| Licensing agency | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles |
How an SR-22 filing works
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. The driver does not file it; the insurer does, electronically, with the state licensing agency, confirming that a policy meeting the state's minimum liability limits is in force. Most insurers charge a one-time filing fee, and a driver who needs one may find that fewer carriers offer it or that premiums are higher.
The filing must stay on file for the period the state sets. If the policy is cancelled or lapses during that period, the insurer notifies the state (an SR-26), and the license is typically suspended again until a new filing is made — which can restart the period.
The period usually starts at reinstatement, not at the arrest or conviction, though states differ; where the state specifies the start date, the note on this page says so.
FR-44 instead of SR-22
Florida and Virginia use an FR-44 for alcohol-related offenses. It works the same way as an SR-22 but requires liability limits above the state minimum, which is why FR-44 premiums run higher than ordinary SR-22 premiums.
Questions about SR-22 in Virginia
- Does Virginia require an SR-22 or FR-44 after a DUI?
- Virginia DMV states that an FR-44 Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate is required for convictions including driving under the influence of intoxicants or drugs, with liability limits double the SR-22 limits in Va. Code § 46.2-472. DMV's reinstatement guide (DMV 292) states the certificate must be in effect for three years from the suspension/revocation end date.
Sources
- Va. Code § 46.2-411 – Reinstatement of suspended or revoked license; reinstatement fee
- Virginia DMV – Reinstatement Fees
- Virginia DMV – Financial Responsibility Certifications (SR-22 / FR-44)
- Virginia DMV – A Guide to Reinstating Your Virginia Driving Privilege (DMV 292)
- Virginia DMV – FR-44 Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate form