Vermont Suspended License Reinstatement & SR-22
Vermont requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Vermont at a Glance
25/50/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$96
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Vermont operates as a traditional tort state where at-fault drivers are liable for damages. The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles requires continuous proof of insurance through electronic verification — insurers report coverage directly to the state, making lapses immediately visible. Vermont uses a point system where 10 points in 24 months triggers automatic suspension, and any uninsured operation violation results in mandatory license suspension plus SR-22 filing requirement.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Cost Overview
$243–$259/mo
Typical monthly rate in Vermont, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Vermont's mandatory 3-year SR-22 maintenance period is longer than 31 other states, extending the high-risk rating period and keeping premiums elevated even after clean driving resumes.
Line Up Coverage Before Your License Comes Back
Get Back on the RoadIf your license is suspended
Ignition Interlock Device Restricted Drivers License (RDL)
application fee $125.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance if my Vermont license is suspended?
Yes, if your suspension requires SR-22 filing — which applies to DUI, multiple violations, uninsured operation, or 10+ points. Vermont's reinstatement process mandates you file SR-22 and maintain continuous coverage for 3 years before and after reinstatement. If your suspension is administrative (unpaid tickets, child support, or failure to appear) and doesn't require SR-22, you're not legally required to maintain insurance while suspended, but coverage lapses can complicate future reinstatement.
Can I get a hardship license in Vermont during suspension?
Vermont does not issue traditional hardship or restricted licenses during most suspension periods. However, drivers with DUI suspensions may qualify for ignition interlock reinstatement after serving a minimum suspension period — 30 days for first offense, 6 months for second offense. This allows full driving privileges with an interlock device installed, not a restricted license, and requires SR-22 filing plus enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Program through the Vermont DMV.
How long do I need SR-22 in Vermont?
3 continuous years from the date your insurer files the SR-22 certificate with the Vermont DMV. Any coverage lapse — even one day — triggers immediate license re-suspension and restarts the full 3-year period from the beginning. You must maintain at least Vermont's 25/50/10 minimum liability limits throughout the entire period. After 3 years with no lapses, your insurer automatically stops filing and you can shop for standard rates.
Does Vermont require SR-22 for all license suspensions?
No. Vermont requires SR-22 only for suspensions related to DUI/DWI, multiple moving violations, uninsured operation, accumulating 10+ points, or failing to pay a judgment. Administrative suspensions for unpaid tickets, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court typically do not require SR-22 unless those violations led to additional charges like driving while suspended. Check your DMV reinstatement letter or contact Vermont DMV at 802-828-2000 to confirm your specific SR-22 requirement.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer proving you maintain minimum liability coverage for 3 continuous years. Required after DUI, major violations, or uninsured operation — any coverage lapse triggers immediate license re-suspension and restarts the 3-year clock from day one.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
Liability-only policy with SR-22 filing for drivers who don't own a vehicle. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental vehicles and satisfies Vermont's reinstatement requirements without the cost of insuring an actual car.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in at-fault accidents. Vermont's 25/50/10 minimum is mandatory and cannot be waived, but these limits are insufficient for most multi-vehicle or serious injury accidents.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or limits too low to cover your damages. Vermont requires insurers to offer this at your liability limits, but you can reject it in writing — most suspended drivers should accept it given their elevated accident risk.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
High-risk policies for drivers with DUI, suspended license, multiple violations, or lapses. Non-standard carriers specialize in SR-22 filings and accept drivers standard insurers reject, though premiums run 62–84% higher than conventional policies.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and animal strikes. Optional in Vermont but required by lenders if your vehicle is financed or leased.