Many DMV customers make easily avoidable mistakes that cause them significant problems, including encounters with law enforcement and impounded vehicles. Because we see customers make these mistakes over and over again , we are issuing this list of the top five DMV mistakes and how to avoid them. 

1. Forgetting to Update Address 
By statute , you must report a change of address to DMV within ten days of moving. That is the case for the address associated with your license, as well as all the addresses associated with each registered vehicle, which may differ. It is not sufficient to only: write your new address on the back of your old license; tell the United States Postal Service; or inform the police officer writing you a ticket. If you fail to keep your address current , you will miss a suspension order and may be charged with operating an unregistered vehicle and/or aggravated unlicensed operation, both misdemeanors. This really happens , but the good news is this is a problem that is easily avoidable. Learn more about how to change the address on your license and registrations [1 ] 

2. Leaving the State Without Notifying DMV 
States communicate with each other , so when you move to another state, be sure to tie up any loose ends regarding your New York State license or registration. That means resolving any unanswered tickets, suspensions or revocations, and surrendering your license plates to NYS when you get to your new home state. A license suspension or revocation here could mean that your new home state will not issue you a license there. Remember , it is important to notify DMV of your new address so that any possible mail correspondence can reach you. Also , turning in your plates is important to avoid an insurance lapse. 

3. Letting Insurance Lapse 
Because we all pay indirectly for crashes involving uninsured motorists , New York State requires every motorist to maintain auto insurance every single day a vehicle is registered. DMV works with insuran

user: Hello, I recently moved with my family and I forgot to Update my address. I read an article about the Top 5 DMV mistakes people do, and figured out it'd be a problem if I don't update it. What can I do?

assistant: Hello. First, you have to report a change of address to DMV within ten days of having moved, for both the address associated with your license and all the addresses associated with each vehicle you have. 

user: It's been 2 weeks since I moved. What are the consequences of not having updated my address within those ten days?

assistant: You will be charged with operating an unregistered vehicle and/or aggravated unlicensed operation.

user: Ok. I'll pay the charges.I have another question: I'm planning on leaving the state next month, what  are the steps I should take? I don't want to leave the state without notifying DMV

assistant: Well, you need to know that States communicate with each other, so if you leave the state without notifying DMV will be aware of that. Before leaving the state, make sure to resolve any unaswered tickets, suspensions or revocations. 
You also have to surrender your license(s) plate(s) to NYS when you get to the new state. 

user: Ok. I suppose I have to get a new car insurance in the new state. What happens if by accident I let the insurance lapse?

assistant: DMV will suspend your registration and license. 

user: Let's say I get to a new state, I register my vehicle, get my car insurance and all that stuff but my coverage is dropped for any reason. What would DMV do in that case? 

assistant: We would send you an inquiry letter to allow you to clear up the problem. We send 500000 inquiry letters a year, so that's covered.