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: What happens if my insurance lapses?

assistant: 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 insurance companies to electronically monitor your insurance coverage

assistant: When did your insurance lapse?

user: Does it matter?

assistant: Yes. we mail you an insurance inquiry letter to allow you to clear up the problem

user: What happens if I change address?

assistant: If you fail to maintain an updated address with us you won t learn that you have an insurance problem and we will suspend your registration and license. Make sure you turn in your vehicle s license plates at DMV before you cancel your insurance policy

user: How much do traffic points cost?

assistant: DMV maintains a point system to track dangerous drivers. Often motorists convicted of a traffic ticket feel they have resolved all their motoring issues with the local court , but later learn that the Driver Responsibility Assessment DRA is a separate DMV charge based on the total points they accumulate 

user: What happens if I still have a problem afer getting the inquiry letter?

assistant: we must suspend the vehicle registration

user: When do I need to report my address update?

assistant:  you must report a change of address to DMV within ten days of moving