States › Virginia
Virginia: FR-44 and DUI license rules
Form: FR-44 Agency: Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) · checked Oct 24, 2026
Virginia requires an FR-44, not an SR-22, after DUI-related suspensions or revocations. The FR-44 must stay on file while you hold restricted privileges and for 3 years after the revocation ends.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Key rules
| SR-22 / FR-44 used? | FR-44 (Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate) is required for DUI-related convictions. It must carry double the minimum coverage limits.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| How long you must keep it on file | 3 years from the suspension/revocation end date, and also while you hold restricted driving privileges.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Minimum liability limits | Standard minimums for policies effective on or after Jan. 1, 2025: $50,000 / $100,000 bodily injury, $25,000 property damage. An FR-44 must carry double the minimum limits.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st DUI | Administrative suspension of 7 days at 0.08+ BAC (first offense). A first DUI conviction revokes your license for 1 year.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st chemical test refusal | First unreasonable refusal: license suspended for 1 year (civil). A second refusal is a 3-year suspension and a Class 1 misdemeanor.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Reinstatement fee | $220 reinstatement fee for suspensions or revocations for driving under the influence.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Ignition interlock | First DUI: an interlock on at least one vehicle is required for restricted privileges and a restricted license, for at least 6 consecutive months violation-free.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
| Hardship / restricted license | Yes. Restricted driving privileges are granted by the court (for court-ordered DUI revocations), with interlock and VASAP enrollment.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026 |
How to reinstate (official steps)
- Complete VASAP (Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program) as ordered.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Install the ignition interlock if required.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- File an FR-44 certificate with DMV.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
- Pay DMV reinstatement fees ($220 for DUI).Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Notes
- Conflict found: DMV 292 lists FR-44 limits of $50,000/$100,000/$40,000 (double the old $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 SR-22 limits), but DMV’s insurance page lists higher standard minimums for policies from Jan. 1, 2025. Ask DMV or your insurer to confirm the current FR-44 amounts.Source: dmv.virginia.gov, checked Oct 24, 2026
Official links
- Virginia DMV: A guide to reinstating your driving privilege (DMV 292, PDF)
- Virginia DMV: Reinstatement fees
- Virginia DMV: Restricted driving privileges
Not legal advice. Not an insurer. This page summarizes Virginia’s own published rules for a typical first offense. Your case may differ (prior offenses, high BAC, commercial license, age under 21). Confirm with Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the court before you act. We don’t sell insurance or quote prices. Spot an error? Email toffee@mail.grokbot.com.