Virginia License Reinstatement & SR-22 Requirements
Virginia requires 50/100/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Virginia at a Glance
50/100/25
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
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$145
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
The uninsured motorist fee does not provide actual insurance coverage and leaves drivers personally liable for all damages in an at-fault accident.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Cost Overview
$260–$314/mo
Typical monthly rate in Virginia, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Line Up Coverage Before Your License Comes Back
Get Back on the RoadIf your license is suspended
Restricted driving privileges
A restricted license is available while suspended.
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 SR-22 to reinstate my Virginia license?
SR-22 is required only for specific violations: DUI/DWI convictions, reckless driving under Virginia Code § 46.2-852, driving without insurance, accumulating 12+ demerit points, or certain at-fault accidents. Administrative suspensions for unpaid fines, child support arrears, or failure to appear in court typically do not require SR-22 — verify your specific reinstatement requirements by calling Virginia DMV at (804) 497-7100. SR-22 must remain active for three consecutive years from your reinstatement date.
Can I get a restricted license during my Virginia suspension?
Virginia offers restricted licenses for first-time DUI offenders after completing a Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) assessment and installing an ignition interlock device if required. Restricted privileges typically allow driving to work, school, medical appointments, VASAP classes, and court-ordered programs within a 50-mile radius of your home — not general personal errands. You must maintain SR-22 insurance continuously during the restricted period.
How long does SR-22 insurance last in Virginia?
Virginia requires SR-22 filing for three consecutive years from your license reinstatement date. Any coverage lapse — even missing one payment — triggers automatic DMV notification, immediate re-suspension of your license, and restarts the three-year period from zero. You cannot cancel or switch insurance without your new carrier filing an SR-22 replacement on the same day to maintain continuous proof with the DMV.
Does Virginia require insurance if my license is suspended?
Virginia typically requires you to maintain continuous insurance or SR-22 filing during suspension if your suspension was caused by insurance-related violations, DUI/DWI, or excessive points — the DMV monitors compliance and will extend your suspension for coverage lapses. Administrative suspensions for unpaid tickets or child support may not require active insurance during the suspension period, but you'll need proof of coverage to reinstate. Contact Virginia DMV at (804) 497-7100 to confirm your specific case.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Proof-of-insurance certificate filed by your insurer directly with the Virginia DMV to verify continuous coverage. Required for three years following license reinstatement for DUI/DWI, reckless driving, uninsured operation, and point suspensions.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for suspended drivers who don't own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to satisfy reinstatement requirements. Covers you when driving borrowed, rented, or employer-owned vehicles.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in at-fault accidents. Virginia's 25/50/20 minimum is the legal floor but leaves you personally liable for damages exceeding these limits.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your medical bills and vehicle damage. You can reject this coverage in Virginia, but doing so is financially risky.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized coverage for high-risk drivers including those with DUI/DWI convictions, suspended licenses, multiple at-fault accidents, or lapses in coverage. Non-standard carriers accept drivers standard insurers reject.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for vehicle damage from theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, animal strikes, and falling objects. Not legally required but typically mandatory if you finance or lease your vehicle.