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: I moved recently and forgot to update my address. Could this be a problem?

assistant: Yes, by statute, you have to report a change of address to DMV before ten days after moving.

user: Is it common to delay a transaction due to forgetting any prerequisite when going to the DMV office? what could be the alternative?

assistant: Yes. Around 10% of our customers forget some of the pre-requisites when going to a DMV office. To avoid this, you could check on the DMV website to see if you can do your transaction online.

user: What if the inquiry letter you send to me doesn't resolve the problem with my insurance?

assistant: In that case, we must suspend the vehicle registration and if the problem persists, your driver's license. This happens quite often a year due to failing to maintain insurance.

user: What could happen if I forget to update my new address with you guys?

assistant: If you move and don't update your address who won't know about any insurance problem and we'll have to suspend your registration and license.

user: Can I leave the state without notifying DMV?

assistant: Thanks to the communications between states you can resolve any previous problem you have in New York State before registering in the new state.