VTL § 509-8, Failure to Notify DMV Change of Address

Failure to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV") of a new address is a violation of VTL § 509(8). The section simply states that all licensees are required to notify the commissioner (the DMV) in writing of a change of residence. This can be done through the mail, online, or in person at the DMV. If you move, the address on your license needs to be changed within ten days, specifically with the DMV. Changing your address with the Postal Service will not update any DMV records. You can then either order new documents or write the new address on the back of your driver license, non-driver ID card, or learner permit, and on the front of the registration document.

Text of the Statute

Vehicle & Traffic Law § 509(8) provides:

No licensee shall fail to notify the commissioner in writing of a change of residence as required by this article.

Penalties for a VTL § 509(8) Ticket

VTL § 509(8) carries its own, lower fine cap than most other VTL § 509 violations.

• Fine: Up to $75. While most violations of VTL § 509 are punishable by a fine of $75 to $300 under subdivision 11, that same subdivision carves out subdivisions 7 and 8, capping the fine for those two at $75, plus a mandatory surcharge of $88 (city courts) or $93 (town and village courts).
• DMV points: 0 points. A violation of VTL § 509(8) does not carry points and does not appear on your driving record.

Should You Fight a VTL § 509(8) Ticket?

Given the low $75 fine cap, no DMV points, and no typical impact on your driving record, it generally does not appear to be cost-effective to fight a standalone VTL § 509(8) ticket. It is usually more practical to simply update your address with the DMV. If this charge was issued alongside a more serious ticket, or as part of a roadside reduction, it is still worth discussing your full case with a traffic ticket attorney.

Benjamin Goldman Law Office

For any traffic related charges in New York State, you can contact the Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC. We are a state-wide traffic ticket defense firm that has handled VTL 509-8 tickets and other types of traffic violations. Our firm represents clients in all regions of the state including Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Upstate New York, Central New York, North Country, Capital District, Mohawk Valley, Catskill Mountains, Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island. The attorneys at the Benjamin Goldman Law Office fight hard for their clients. The many five-star reviews we received are a testament to our efforts. Our team is ready, willing, and able to take on your case. Contact us at your convenience. We look forward to working with you.

Common Questions about VTL 509(8)

Fight a VTL § 509-8 Ticket