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How much trouble will I be in if I don't change the address on my license?
Will I get in trouble for forgetting to change the address on my driver's license? I moved a few years ago and it never occurred to me that I needed to change the address on my license. Nothing has happened so far and I won't have to renew it for three more years. Can I just leave it as is? What is the penalty for not changing the address on my driving license?
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Yes, you can get in trouble for failing to update the address on your driver’s license, and how much trouble depends mostly on luck!
If you never get pulled over, then the odds are nothing will happen. If you are at a checkpoint or get pulled over for a potential infraction, that is a different story.
Since it isn’t a major offense, the officer may let you off with a verbal or written warning. Most of the time, you will receive a ticket along with advice to have your license updated before your court date. If you have a pretty good driving record, the judge may reduce or waive the ticket. Technically, the legal penalty for not updating your license and registration appropriately is a misdemeanor punishable by less than a year in jail and/or fines. Of course, it’s unlikely that you’ll receive more than a warning or small fine, but you should take immediate action to ensure you’re not at risk of penalty.
Many times people don’t update their address as a way of dodging notices from the DMV and possible warrants that may have been issued in their name. If anything suspicious comes up on your record when they check your license, a ticket might not be the worst thing. You also risk having your vehicle impounded or facing arrest.
It would be best to change your address with the DMV right away.
Don’t forget to change the address on your auto insurance as well. Since you will already be making updates, now would be a good time to evaluate that you’re getting the
best insurance policy
!If you think you’re overpaying for insurance, try downloading the
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