Where to pay your DC traffic ticket
DC traffic tickets can be paid through the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVDC) online portal, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online payment system is the fastest route — you can pay when ready using a credit or debit card, and your payment posts within one business day. If you received a ticket from a DC police officer or traffic enforcement officer, the ticket itself will show you which payment method to use and where to send payment.
The DC DMV does not accept payment by phone. You must use one of the three methods above. If your ticket was issued by a private parking enforcement company (not DC government), payment goes to that company directly, not to the DMV — the ticket will specify where.
Key Takeaways
- DC traffic tickets issued by government officers are paid through the DMV online portal, by mail to the address on your ticket, or in person at a DMV office.
- Online payment through the DMV portal is the fastest method and requires your ticket number, driver's license number, and a credit or debit card.
- Mailed payments should include your ticket number and be sent to the address printed on your citation; allow two to three weeks for processing.
- Parking tickets issued by private companies require payment directly to that company, not the DMV, as shown on your ticket.
- Unpaid DC traffic tickets can result in license suspension, vehicle registration holds, and collection referral after 60 days of non-payment.
Paying online through the DC DMV portal
To pay online, go to the DC DMV website and locate the traffic ticket payment section. You will need your ticket number (also called a citation number), your driver's license number, and the ticket amount. The system will ask you to enter these details and then present your payment options: credit card or debit card. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. A processing fee of approximately 2.5% of the ticket amount is added by the payment processor.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Your payment is recorded when ready in the DMV system, though it may take one business day to appear on your driving record. If you need proof of payment for any reason, print or save the confirmation email — this serves as your receipt.
Paying by mail
Your ticket will print the mailing address where payment should be sent. Write your ticket number on the check or money order, and include the ticket itself or a copy of it in the envelope. Do not send cash. Mail your payment to the address shown on your citation.
Processing time for mailed payments is typically two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives it. If you are close to a important date (such as before a court date), do not rely on mail — use the online portal or pay in person instead. Keep a copy of your ticket and note the date you mailed it in case you need to prove timely payment later.
Paying in person at a DMV office
You can pay a DC traffic ticket at any DC DMV office during business hours. Bring your ticket and a form of payment: cash, check, money order, or debit card. Credit cards are not accepted for in-person payments. The DMV office will issue you a receipt on the spot, and your payment is recorded when ready.
DC DMV office locations and hours are listed on the DMV website. Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Bring your ticket and a valid ID to speed up the process.
What happens if you do not pay
Unpaid DC traffic tickets carry escalating consequences. After 30 days of non-payment, the DMV may suspend your driver's license. After 60 days, your case may be referred to a collection agency, and additional collection fees will be added to the original ticket amount. Your vehicle registration may also be held or not renewed until the ticket is paid.
If you received a ticket and believe it was issued in error, you have the right to contest it in traffic court. The ticket will show the important date for requesting a hearing — this is usually 30 days from the ticket date. Requesting a hearing does not stop the clock on payment; you should still pay the ticket by the due date unless you receive a court order stating otherwise. Contact the DC Superior Court Traffic Division if you need information about contesting your ticket.
Parking tickets from private companies
If your ticket was issued by a private parking enforcement company (not the DC government), the payment process is different. The ticket will show the company's name and payment instructions. Some private companies accept online payment through their own portals, while others require mailed checks or in-person payment. Do not send private parking tickets to the DMV — the DMV does not process them.
Private parking tickets do not directly affect your driver's license or vehicle registration through the DMV. However, unpaid private parking tickets can be referred to collection agencies and may appear on your credit report. The company that issued the ticket will provide all payment details on the citation itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a DC traffic ticket with a credit card in person?
No. In-person payments at DMV offices accept cash, check, money order, or debit card only. Credit cards are not accepted for counter payments. Use the online portal if you want to pay by credit card.
What if I lost my ticket and do not have the ticket number?
Contact the DC DMV directly with your driver's license number and the approximate date you received the ticket. They can look up your citation in their system and provide the ticket number. You can then pay online or request a duplicate ticket for mailed payment.
Does paying a DC traffic ticket online cost extra?
Yes. The online payment system adds a processing fee of approximately 2.5% of the ticket amount. Mailed and in-person payments do not include this fee. The fee is charged by the payment processor, not the DMV.
Will paying my ticket remove it from my driving record?
Paying the ticket satisfies the financial obligation, but it does not erase the violation from your record. The ticket will remain on your driving history. If you want the violation removed, you would need to contest it in court and have a judge dismiss it.
What if my license was suspended for unpaid tickets?
Pay all outstanding tickets, then contact the DC DMV to request reinstatement of your license. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the ticket amounts. The DMV will provide instructions for reinstatement once payment is confirmed.