---
title: "Virginia FR-44 Insurance Requirements: Who Needs It, the Higher Limits, How Long It Lasts and How It Differs From SR-22"
description: "A Virginia FR-44 certifies $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 liability after listed DUI convictions, generally for three years. See who needs it and how SR-22 differs."
url: "https://riskado.com/virginia-fr44-insurance/"
lang: "en"
published: "2025-11-26"
modified: "2025-11-26"
tags: ["virginia-auto-insurance","fr44","sr22","dui-insurance","license-reinstatement"]
image: "https://riskado.com/og/blog-virginia-fr44-insurance.jpg"
alternates:
  es: "https://riskado.com/es/seguro-fr44-en-virginia.md"
---

# Virginia FR-44 Insurance Requirements: Who Needs It, the Higher Limits, How Long It Lasts and How It Differs From SR-22

Riskado

Nov 26, 2025 · 10 min read

![A small-town main street at night with closed shops and a single traffic light](https://riskado.com/blog/virginia-fr44-insurance/featured.jpg)

A Virginia FR-44 is a certificate your [insurer](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/insurer/) files with DMV to prove you carry higher [liability limits](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/liability-insurance/) after certain DUI-related convictions. DMV lists driving under the influence, maiming while under the influence, driving while your [license](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/insurance-license/) was forfeited for a conviction or juvenile finding of not innocent, and substantially similar federal, state or local offenses ([DMV financial responsibility certifications (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/certifications)). FR-44 [limits](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/limit-of-liability/) are double Virginia's minimums. For policies effective January 1, 2025 or later, that means $100,000 for one injured person, $200,000 for two or more and $50,000 for [property damage](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/property-damage-liability/). DMV generally requires the certificate for three years from the end of your suspension or revocation, subject to anything else on your driving record.

### Key takeaways

- **What it is**A certificate your insurer files with DMV, not a separate kind of policy.
- **Who needs it**Drivers convicted of DUI, maiming while under the influence, driving after license forfeiture or substantially similar offenses.
- **Current limits**$100,000/$200,000/$50,000, double Virginia's minimums for policies effective January 1, 2025 or later.
- **How long**Generally three years from the end of the suspension or revocation.
- **If it lapses**DMV suspends or revokes the driving privilege until a current FR-44 is filed.

## What is an FR-44 in Virginia?

An FR-44 is a filing, not a separate kind of insurance policy. [Code § 46.2-439 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-439/) identifies the Virginia Uniform [Financial Responsibility](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/minimum-coverage/) Form, or FR-44, as a certificate an authorized insurance carrier files to prove future financial responsibility. You buy an auto liability policy with the required limits, and the insurer sends the FR-44 to DMV to certify that the coverage was purchased and is in effect.

The filing also works in reverse. If the policy ends, the insurer uses an FR-46 to report the cancellation to DMV, according to DMV's [insurance forms page (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/ext-forms). That notice is what lets DMV act when coverage stops.

![A blank insurance form and a pen on a desk beside a set of car keys](https://riskado.com/blog/virginia-fr44-insurance/filing.jpg)

An FR-44 is a filing your insurer sends to DMV, not a separate policy.

## Which convictions require an FR-44?

DMV's [certifications page (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/certifications) lists four FR-44 categories:

- Maiming while under the influence.
- Driving while under the influence of intoxicants or drugs.
- Driving while your driver's license has been forfeited for a conviction or juvenile finding of not innocent.
- A substantially similar offense under federal law, another state's law or a valid local ordinance.

DMV's reinstatement guide, [Form DMV 292 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv292.pdf), names the specific Code sections: driving under the influence under [§ 18.2-266 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-266/), maiming while under the influence under [§ 18.2-51.4 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter4/section18.2-51.4/), and driving while suspended or revoked for a DUI-related offense under [§ 18.2-272 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-272/).

Other events, such as an unsatisfied judgment or an insurance violation, generally lead to an SR-22 instead. If you aren't sure which certificate applies to you, the requirement printed on your DMV record or order controls. Ask DMV to confirm it before you buy a policy.

## What liability limits does an FR-44 require?

DMV states that FR-44 limits are double the limits required under [Code § 46.2-472 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-472/). Virginia's ordinary minimums for policies effective January 1, 2025 or later are $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $100,000 for two or more people and $25,000 for property damage. Doubled, the current FR-44 limits are:

- $100,000 for one person's bodily injury or death.
- $200,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people.
- $50,000 for property damage.

The effective date of the policy decides which figures apply. Policies effective January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 used ordinary minimums of $30,000/$60,000/$20,000, so the FR-44 amounts were $60,000/$120,000/$40,000, according to [SCC Administrative Letter 2021-03 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/getattachment/72525b85-18df-4d84-b1b5-cf9de09e3477/21-03.pdf). Older pages and forms may still show earlier numbers, so check that a quote uses the current limits.

Virginia FR-44 limits by policy effective date

Hover or tap a row to highlight it.

| Policy effective date | Ordinary minimums | FR-44 limits | Source |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2024 | $30,000/$60,000/$20,000 | $60,000/$120,000/$40,000 | [SCC Administrative Letter 2021-03 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/getattachment/72525b85-18df-4d84-b1b5-cf9de09e3477/21-03.pdf) |
| January 1, 2025 or later | $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 | $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 | [Code § 46.2-472 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-472/) and [DMV (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/certifications) |

Our article on [Virginia car insurance requirements](https://riskado.com/virginia-car-insurance-requirements/) covers the ordinary minimums and the other coverages on a Virginia policy.

## How long do you need FR-44 insurance after a DUI?

The usual period is three years, but the clock is tied to your DMV record rather than the conviction date. DMV's [reinstatement guide (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv292.pdf) says a required SR-22 or FR-44 must stay in effect and on file:

- To get restricted driving privileges.
- For as long as you have restricted privileges.
- While you make installment payments on a judgment, where that applies.
- For three years from the end date of the suspension or revocation.
- For three years from the date a judgment is satisfied, when the requirement comes from an unsatisfied judgment.

[Code § 46.2-412 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-412/) provides that once three years have passed after a revocation under § 46.2-389 or § 46.2-391 ends, a person may be relieved of future financial responsibility proof if no other provision requires it.

Because the start date depends on when your suspension or revocation ends, two people convicted on the same day can finish on different dates. Ask DMV for the date your filing requirement ends and keep that date with your policy papers.

![An hourglass on a wooden desk beside a set of car keys](https://riskado.com/blog/virginia-fr44-insurance/period.jpg)

The three-year period runs from the end of the suspension or revocation.

## What happens if your FR-44 policy is cancelled or lapses?

A cancellation interrupts your compliance right away. The insurer reports it to DMV, and after DMV receives a Notice of Cancellation or Termination during the required period, it suspends or revokes your driving privilege until you provide a current FR-44 ([Form DMV 292 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv292.pdf)).

If your policy ends, or you get a cancellation notice:

1.  Ask the insurer whether the certificate was cancelled and on what effective date.
2.  Get replacement coverage at the FR-44 limits.
3.  Confirm the new insurer sent the FR-44 to DMV.
4.  Ask DMV whether your privilege is still suspended and what reinstatement steps remain.
5.  Don't drive until DMV confirms your privilege is active.

After a lapse, ask DMV how much time remains on your filing period once the replacement FR-44 is received, and write down the end date it gives you.

## How is an FR-44 different from an SR-22?

Both are financial responsibility certificates an insurer files with DMV, and both get reported to DMV if the policy is cancelled. The difference is what triggers them and how much coverage they certify. FR-44 applies to the listed DUI-related convictions and requires double the ordinary limits. SR-22 applies to other financial responsibility events at the ordinary limits.

SR-22 and FR-44 in Virginia

Hover or tap a row to highlight it.

| Issue | SR-22 | FR-44 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What it is | Financial responsibility certificate | Virginia Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate |
| Common Virginia triggers | Unsatisfied judgment, uninsured motor vehicle suspension, failure to maintain insurance and other listed events | DUI-related convictions, maiming while under the influence, driving while suspended or revoked for DUI and substantially similar offenses |
| Liability limits, policies effective January 1, 2025 or later | $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 | $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 |
| Filing period | Commonly three years from the suspension or revocation end date, or the judgment satisfaction date | The same general DMV period, depending on your record |
| If the policy is cancelled | Insurer reports it and DMV may suspend or revoke driving privileges | Insurer reports it and DMV may suspend or revoke driving privileges |

Sources: [DMV certifications (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/businesses/insurance/certifications), [Form DMV 292 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv292.pdf) and [Code § 46.2-472 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-472/).

An insurance violation in Virginia, for example, generally leads to an SR-22, which our article on the [Virginia uninsured motor vehicle fee](https://riskado.com/virginia-uninsured-motor-vehicle-fee/) explains. Filing rules also differ from state to state; [Connecticut SR-22 insurance](https://riskado.com/connecticut-sr22-insurance/) works under its own rules.

## Can you get an FR-44 without a car or from another state?

Yes, in both cases, with conditions. If you have to file but don't own a vehicle, DMV describes an operator's policy. It lets you drive vehicles you don't own, but it doesn't insure any vehicle ([Form DMV 292 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv292.pdf)). If you own one or more vehicles, you need an owner's policy, and DMV says every vehicle you own must be listed on the FR-44.

Drivers who live outside Virginia have a separate route. Under [Code § 46.2-440 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-440/) and [Code § 46.2-441 (opens in a new tab)](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter3/section46.2-441/), a nonresident may file proof through an insurer or other authorized entity in the state where they live, as long as the amounts equal what Virginia law requires. Moving away doesn't automatically end the requirement, so confirm the nonresident filing with DMV before you cancel a Virginia policy.

![A set of car keys resting on a small table beside an apartment door](https://riskado.com/blog/virginia-fr44-insurance/non-owner.jpg)

An operator's policy lets you drive vehicles you do not own.

## How does FR-44 fit with reinstatement, a restricted license and ignition interlock?

The FR-44 is one item on a longer list. DMV's [reinstatement guide (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/forms/dmv292.pdf) names several separate requirements that can apply at the same time:

- Serving the suspension or revocation period.
- Filing SR-22 or FR-44 proof of financial responsibility.
- Completing VASAP requirements, where they apply.
- Installing ignition interlock on vehicles you own, co-own or drive, where required.
- Getting a court order for restricted privileges or full restoration, where that applies.
- Paying reinstatement fees.
- Providing other required documents.

A court may grant a restricted license for certain offenses, but no court is required to. DMV lists permitted driving categories such as work, school, medical appointments, VASAP, court and ignition-interlock-related trips ([DMV restricted privileges (opens in a new tab)](https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/licenses-ids/license/reinstate/restrict-privs)). The FR-44 itself doesn't authorize unrestricted driving, and it doesn't replace VASAP, ignition interlock, a court order or DMV's other reinstatement steps.

![A parked car in a residential driveway at dawn](https://riskado.com/blog/virginia-fr44-insurance/reinstatement.jpg)

The FR-44 is one of several steps before DMV restores driving privileges.

## What if regular insurers turn you down?

Convictions and at-fault accidents can affect what you pay. The Virginia Bureau of Insurance says insurers may raise premiums based on convictions on your driving record ([SCC Virginia Auto Insurance Guide (opens in a new tab)](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/consumers/insurance/property-casualty-consumer/virginia-auto-insurance-guide/)), and [SCC Administrative Letter 2025-01 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/media/sccvirginiagov-home/regulated-industries/insurance/insurance-companies/administration-of-insurance-regulation-in-virginia/administrative-letters/al-2025-01.pdf) says an insurer may surcharge you or place you in a less favorable rating tier for a motor vehicle conviction, subject to Virginia rating rules. Ask an agent for a price on your own record.

If you can't get coverage in the voluntary market, any licensed agent can submit an application through the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan, which assigns it to an insurance company. You only need to stay in the Plan until coverage becomes available in the regular market, according to the SCC guide.

## How do you check an insurer or agent and file a complaint?

Look up the insurance company, the agency and the agent in the Bureau of Insurance [Producer, Agency and Company Search Engine (opens in a new tab)](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/consumerinquiry/) before you ask for a filing. Then:

1.  Ask the agent whether the insurer files Virginia FR-44 certificates.
2.  Ask for the filing's effective date and how you'll know DMV received it.
3.  Keep the policy, the certificate, your payment records and all DMV letters.

If you have a problem with an insurer or agent, file through the [SCC Insurance Complaint Portal (opens in a new tab)](https://www.scc.virginia.gov/consumers/insurance/file-an-insurance-complaint/), where you can upload supporting documents. The Bureau investigates matters under Virginia insurance law. It doesn't recommend products or act as a lawyer.

## Questions to ask an agent about an FR-44

Bring your DMV order or record and ask:

- Does this insurer file Virginia FR-44 certificates?
- Is this an owner's policy or an operator's policy, and which vehicles must be listed?
- What effective date will appear on the FR-44?
- When will you send the filing to DMV, and how will I confirm DMV received it?
- What liability limits will the policy show?
- Will the insurer file the cancellation notice if the policy ends, and what happens if a payment is late?
- Is there a separate filing or service fee?
- Can the FR-44 be added to my existing policy?
- What documents do you need from me?
- Will this policy meet the exact requirement on my DMV record?
- Does the insurer write the policy for a Virginia nonresident?
- If the application is declined, can you submit it through the Virginia Automobile Insurance Plan?

For help choosing someone to work with, see [how to choose an insurance agent](https://riskado.com/how-to-choose-an-insurance-agent/). If you're replacing a policy, our article on [how to switch car insurance](https://riskado.com/how-to-switch-car-insurance/) covers lining up the new start date before the old policy ends. [Riskado's directory](https://riskado.com/agencies/virginia/) lists insurance agencies in Virginia by city and by category.

**Quiz: Check what you know about Virginia FR-44 insurance**

1. What is an FR-44?
   - A separate kind of auto policy sold only after a DUI
   - A certificate an insurer files with DMV to prove liability coverage **(correct answer)**
   - A court order for restricted driving
2. What are the FR-44 limits for policies effective January 1, 2025 or later?
   - $50,000/$100,000/$25,000
   - $60,000/$120,000/$40,000
   - $100,000/$200,000/$50,000 **(correct answer)**
3. From when does DMV generally measure the three-year FR-44 period?
   - The date of the arrest
   - The end of the suspension or revocation **(correct answer)**
   - The policy purchase date
4. Can a driver who does not own a car meet the FR-44 requirement?
   - Yes, with an operator's policy **(correct answer)**
   - No, an FR-44 requires an owned vehicle
   - Only with a court order
5. What happens after the insurer reports an FR-44 cancellation?
   - Nothing until the policy renews
   - DMV suspends or revokes the driving privilege until a current FR-44 is filed **(correct answer)**
   - The three-year period ends early

## Frequently asked questions

### How long do you need FR-44 insurance after a DUI in Virginia?

DMV generally requires the FR-44 for three years from the date your suspension or revocation ends, not from the conviction date. You also need it while you hold restricted privileges, so confirm your end date with DMV.

### What's the difference between SR-22 and FR-44 insurance?

Both are certificates an insurer files with DMV. FR-44 follows the listed DUI-related convictions and certifies double the ordinary limits, currently $100,000/$200,000/$50,000, while SR-22 covers other financial responsibility events at the ordinary $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 limits.

### Can I get an FR-44 if I don't own a car?

Yes. DMV describes an operator's policy for people who must file but don't own a vehicle; it lets you drive vehicles you don't own but doesn't insure any vehicle.

### Does filing an FR-44 give me my license back?

Not by itself. DMV may also require you to serve the suspension or revocation period, complete VASAP, install ignition interlock, obtain a court order and pay reinstatement fees.

### What happens if my FR-44 policy is cancelled?

The insurer reports the cancellation to DMV, and DMV suspends or revokes your driving privilege until a current FR-44 is filed. Get replacement coverage at the FR-44 limits and confirm with DMV before driving.

## Your next step

Find the exact certificate and end date on your DMV order or record, then ask a licensed agent for a policy at the FR-44 limits and a filing date. Once the insurer sends the FR-44, confirm with DMV that it was received and that your privilege is active before you drive, and keep the policy in force until DMV says the requirement has ended.

### Terms used in this guide

Tap a term to see what it means.

**FR-44.** The Virginia Uniform Financial Responsibility Form, a certificate an insurer files with DMV after listed DUI-related convictions, at double the ordinary liability limits.

## More articles

- [South Carolina SR-22 Insurance: The Form, What It Costs, How Long You Need It and How to File With the SCDMV](https://riskado.com/south-carolina-sr22-insurance/): An SR-22 is proof your insurer files with the SCDMV. See the $100 and $700 fees, the three-year filing period, the 25/50/25 limits and how to avoid a lapse.

- [Georgia SR-22 Insurance: The SR-22A Form, Who Needs It, How Long It Lasts, What It Costs and How to File](https://riskado.com/georgia-sr22-insurance/): Georgia DDS requires an SR-22A for three years after a second no-insurance conviction. See who needs SR-22 or SR-22A, the limits, the fees and how to file it.

- [Georgia Driving Without Insurance: The Ticket and Fine, License and Registration Suspension, Whether the Car Can Be Taken and How to Fix It](https://riskado.com/georgia-driving-without-insurance/): Driving uninsured in Georgia is a misdemeanor with a $200 to $1,000 fine, a license suspension and a $25 lapse fine. See what DDS and DOR require to fix it.

- [Florida SR-22 Insurance: Who Needs the Form, How Long It Lasts, Case Number Lookup, Non-Owner Coverage and How to File](https://riskado.com/florida-sr22-insurance/): Florida may require an SR-22 after a suspension, crash or conviction. See who needs it, how long it lasts, where to find the case number and how to file.

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