Where to Pay Your DC Traffic Ticket

You can pay a DC traffic ticket online, by mail, by phone, or in person at the DC Department of Motor Vehicles or a payment location. The District of Columbia processes traffic violations through the Office of the Chief Judge's Traffic Adjudication Division, not the DMV directly — but the DMV website and phone line can direct you to the right payment portal.

The fastest method is the online payment system at dctraffic.org, which accepts tickets issued by DC police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and other District agencies. You will need your ticket number and the fine amount. Payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket, call the DC traffic payment line, or visit a payment location in person. Each method has different processing times, which matters if your ticket has a important date.

Key Takeaways

  • DC traffic tickets are paid through dctraffic.org or by mail to the address on your ticket, not through the DMV.
  • Online payment through dctraffic.org is the fastest option and processes when ready with a confirmation number.
  • You will need your ticket number and the fine amount to pay online or by phone.
  • Mailed payments take longer to process, so allow at least two weeks before the ticket important date if you choose this method.
  • If you dispute the ticket, you can request a hearing instead of paying, but you must do so before the important date on your ticket.

Paying Online at dctraffic.org

Go to dctraffic.org and select "Pay a Ticket" from the main menu. Enter your ticket number (found on the front of your citation) and your date of birth. The system will display the violation, fine amount, and any additional fees or penalties that have been added.

Review the charges carefully. If the fine shown does not match what you expected, or if you believe the ticket was issued in error, do not pay online — instead, request a hearing through the same website or contact the Traffic Adjudication Division directly. Once you pay, you waive your right to contest the ticket in most cases.

If the charges are correct, select your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A processing fee of approximately 2 to 3 percent is added to credit and debit card payments. After payment is complete, print or save your confirmation number for your records.

Paying by Mail

Write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash. On the back of the check, write your ticket number and the violation date. Include a copy of your ticket or a note with your name, address, ticket number, and the date of the violation.

Mail everything to the address printed on the back of your ticket. The envelope should be postmarked before the important date listed on your citation. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks after the DC government receives your payment, so the ticket office may not show your payment as received for several weeks even after you mail it.

Keep a copy of your mailed ticket and a record of when you mailed it. If you receive a notice that your ticket is unpaid after you have already mailed payment, contact the Traffic Adjudication Division with your mailing date and ticket number to verify receipt.

Paying by Phone

Call the DC traffic payment line at (202) 727-5000 during business hours. Have your ticket number and a credit or debit card ready. A representative will confirm your ticket information, read the fine amount, and process your payment over the phone.

Phone payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Write down this number and the date and time of your call. Phone lines can have wait times, especially near ticket important date, so plan accordingly if you choose this method.

Paying in Person

You can pay at the DC DMV's main office or at authorized payment locations throughout the District. The DMV location is at 65 K Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Hours vary by location, so check the DC DMV website or call ahead before visiting.

Bring your ticket, a valid form of identification, and payment in the form of cash, check, money order, or card. In-person payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a receipt. Keep this receipt as proof of payment.

What Happens if You Miss the important date

If you do not pay or request a hearing by the important date on your ticket, the fine increases and additional penalties are added. The District may also suspend your DC driver's license or place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. If your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive in DC or most other states.

If you have missed the important date, contact the Traffic Adjudication Division when ready to ask about payment plans or reinstatement options. Some violations allow you to request a hearing even after the original important date if you can show good cause for the delay. Do not ignore the ticket — unpaid fines can lead to wage garnishment or other collection actions.

Requesting a Hearing Instead of Paying

If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you want to dispute the violation, you can request a hearing before a judge instead of paying. Go to dctraffic.org, select "Request a Hearing," and enter your ticket number. You must request a hearing before the important date on your ticket.

At the hearing, you can present evidence and testify about the violation. The judge will decide whether you are responsible and, if so, what penalty applies. If you lose, you will be ordered to pay the fine. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing.

Requesting a hearing does not stop the important date — you must submit your request by the date on your ticket. If you miss that important date, you lose the right to a hearing and must pay the fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a DC traffic ticket online if I received it in another state?

No. Tickets issued by DC police or DC agencies can be paid through dctraffic.org. Tickets issued in other states must be paid according to that state's procedures. Contact the court or traffic authority listed on your out-of-state ticket for payment instructions.

What if I lost my ticket and do not have the ticket number?

Call the DC Traffic Adjudication Division at (202) 727-5000 with your name, driver's license number, and the approximate date of the violation. They can look up your ticket and provide the number so you can pay online or by phone.

Do I have to pay the processing fee if I pay by credit card?

Yes. The processing fee of 2 to 3 percent is added to all credit and debit card payments, whether you pay online or by phone. If you want to avoid the fee, pay by mail with a check or money order, or pay in person with cash.

What if I paid my ticket but still see it as unpaid online?

Online records can take several days to update after payment is received. If you paid by mail, allow two to four weeks. If you paid online or by phone, wait three to five business days and check again. If the ticket still shows as unpaid after that time, call (202) 727-5000 with your confirmation number.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full fine at once?

Contact the Traffic Adjudication Division at (202) 727-5000 to ask about payment plan options. Not all violations may have access to, and you must request a plan before the ticket important date. If approved, you will receive a schedule for installment payments.