A Financial Responsibility Insurance Certificate (SR-22) is proof or verification the holder is maintaining vehicle liability insurance in the required amounts. It is not a type of insurance—it is a form filed with the state’s department of public safety (DPS), department of transportation (DOT), or department of motor vehicles (DMV) and may also be referred to as an SR-22 Bond or SR-22 Form.

An SR-22 can be issued by most insurance providers, who will notify the state’s department of public safety or department of motor vehicles when an SR-22 is cancelled, terminated, or lapses.

The state will often require a driver whose license has been suspended following an arrest for DUI/DWI to provide an SR-22 in order to get their occupational or restricted license or to have their driver’s license reinstated.

In California, an SR-22 is a certificate of insurance that proves the holder carries the state's required minimum amount of vehicle liability coverage. This form is filed with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is required for drivers who have had their licenses suspended or revoked due to serious traffic violations such as DUI/DWI. The SR-22 is not an insurance policy itself, but a document provided by the insurance company that confirms the driver has the necessary insurance coverage. Insurance providers are obligated to inform the DMV if the SR-22 is cancelled, terminated, or lapses. Drivers typically need to maintain an SR-22 for about three years, but the exact period can vary based on the severity of the offense and the driver's history. Failure to maintain an SR-22 when required can result in further license suspension and other penalties.