Where to pay your DC traffic ticket depends on the ticket type
DC traffic tickets fall into two categories, and each one has its own payment system. Moving violations (speeding, running a red light, unsafe lane change) go through the DC Superior Court. Parking violations go through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot pay a moving violation at the DMV, and you cannot pay a parking ticket through the court system — using the wrong channel will delay your payment and may result in additional penalties.
The ticket itself tells you which system handles it. Look at the top of the ticket for the agency name and case number. If it says "District of Columbia" with a court case number, it is a moving violation. If it lists the DMV or shows a parking violation notice number, it is a parking ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Moving violations are paid through DC Superior Court online at dccourts.us, by mail, or in person at 500 Indiana Avenue NW; parking violations are paid through the DMV at dmv.dc.gov or by mail.
- You can pay online with a credit or debit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, or card depending on which system you use.
- Paying your ticket does not erase the violation from your driving record, but it stops late fees and prevents a license suspension or vehicle registration hold.
- If you disagree with the ticket, you have the right to request a hearing before paying; the ticket will state the important date to request one, usually 30 days from the ticket date.
Paying a moving violation through DC Superior Court
The fastest way to pay a moving violation is online at dccourts.us. Go to the "Pay a Citation" section, enter your case number (found on the ticket), and follow the prompts. You will need a credit or debit card. Payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to DC Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001. Write your case number on the check. Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days to process. You can also pay in person at the same address during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The court accepts cash, check, or card payments in person.
Do not send cash by mail. If you mail a payment, keep a copy of the ticket and your mailing receipt in case there is a delay. Once the court receives your payment, you will receive a receipt by mail within two weeks.
Paying a parking violation through the DMV
Parking violations are managed by the DC DMV. Pay online at dmv.dc.gov under "Pay a Parking Ticket." You will need your ticket number and the license plate number. Online payment accepts credit and debit cards and is processed when ready.
You can also mail payment to DC DMV, P.O. Box 37200, Washington, DC 20013. Include a check or money order and write your ticket number on it. Mail payment takes 10 to 14 business days to process. There is no in-person payment option for parking tickets at the DMV; you must pay online or by mail.
What happens after you pay
Paying your ticket stops additional penalties from accumulating. If you do not pay within 30 days of the ticket date, the court or DMV will add a late fee (typically $25 to $50, depending on the violation type). After 60 days of non-payment, the DC DMV may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and may suspend your driver's license.
Paying the ticket does not remove the violation from your driving record. The violation will remain on your record for insurance and licensing purposes. However, paying it on time prevents the compounding financial and legal consequences of non-payment.
Requesting a hearing instead of paying
If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you want to contest it, you have the right to request a hearing. The ticket will state the important date to request one — typically 30 days from the ticket date. For moving violations, contact DC Superior Court at the phone number on your ticket or visit dccourts.us. For parking violations, contact the DMV at the number on your ticket or through dmv.dc.gov.
Requesting a hearing does not mean you avoid paying if you lose. It means a judge or hearing officer will review the facts before you are required to pay. If you request a hearing, do not pay the ticket beforehand; the court or DMV will tell you whether to pay before or after the hearing.
Payment methods and timing
| Violation Type | Online Payment | Mail Payment | In-Person Payment | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Violation | dccourts.us (credit/debit card) | Check or money order to 500 Indiana Avenue NW | 500 Indiana Avenue NW, M–F 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (cash, check, card) | when ready online; 7–10 days by mail |
| Parking Violation | dmv.dc.gov (credit/debit card) | Check or money order to P.O. Box 37200 | Not available | when ready online; 10–14 days by mail |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I lost my ticket and do not have the case or ticket number?
For moving violations, contact DC Superior Court at 202-879-1010 with your name and driver's license number; they can look up your case. For parking violations, contact the DMV at 202-737-4404. Have your license plate number and the approximate date of the ticket ready.
Can I pay a DC ticket if I live out of state?
Yes. Online payment works from anywhere and is the fastest option. If you prefer to mail payment, send it to the address on your ticket. Do not delay — out-of-state non-payment can result in a license suspension that affects your ability to drive in any state.
What if I paid but still see the ticket as unpaid online?
Online payments are processed when ready, but mail payments take 7 to 14 days to appear in the system. If you paid online and it still shows unpaid after 24 hours, contact the court or DMV with your confirmation number. If you mailed payment, wait at least two weeks before contacting them.
Does paying a ticket affect my insurance rates?
Paying the ticket itself does not affect your rates — the violation does. Whether your insurance company raises your rates depends on the type of violation and your policy. Contact your insurance agent to understand how a specific violation may affect your premium.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount right now?
Contact the court or DMV to ask about payment plans. DC Superior Court and the DMV both offer installment options for moving and parking violations. Call the number on your ticket to discuss your situation and set up a plan before the 30-day important date passes.