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 New York State, the equivalent of an SR-22 form is known as an FR-19, or a Certificate of Financial Responsibility. This certificate is required for individuals who have had their driving privileges suspended due to serious traffic violations, such as DUI/DWI offenses. The purpose of the FR-19 is to provide proof that the individual has the minimum required auto insurance coverage as mandated by New York law. Insurance providers are responsible for issuing the FR-19 and must notify the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the insurance policy is cancelled, terminated, or lapses. Drivers may be required to submit this form to the DMV to obtain a conditional or restricted license, or to have their full driving privileges reinstated after a suspension.