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 North Carolina, an SR-22 is not required as it is in some other states. North Carolina does not use the SR-22 form or process as a means of providing proof of insurance to the state. Instead, the state has its own methods of ensuring that drivers maintain the required liability insurance. If a driver's license is suspended due to a DUI/DWI or other serious traffic violations, North Carolina may require different forms of proof of financial responsibility, but not specifically an SR-22 form. Drivers in North Carolina should check with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) or the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for specific requirements related to license reinstatement and proof of insurance after a suspension. It's important for drivers to maintain the legally required insurance coverage to avoid penalties and to ensure coverage in the event of an accident.