Receiving a traffic ticket can be stressful, but paying it shouldn’t be. The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) offers multiple convenient methods to resolve your traffic tickets promptly. This guide will walk you through each payment option, ensuring a smooth and efficient process, especially focusing on utilizing the online portal at dmv.dc.gov/service/pay-tickets.
Paying Your Tickets Online via dmv.dc.gov/service/pay-tickets
The quickest and easiest way to pay your traffic tickets is online through the official DC DMV website. Navigate to dmv.dc.gov/service/pay-tickets to access the payment portal directly.
What you’ll need:
- Your ticket number
- Credit card information (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or American Express are accepted)
Important Note: Be aware that if you pay your ticket with a credit card and subsequently reverse the payment, the DC DMV will treat the ticket as unpaid. This can lead to penalties, default judgments, collection agency involvement, and restrictions on future credit/debit card payments with the DMV.
Paying Your Tickets by Mail
If you prefer to pay by mail, ensure you follow the instructions carefully to avoid processing delays.
Instructions for mailing your payment:
- Do not send cash.
- Make your check or money order payable to DC Treasurer.
- Write your ticket number on the memo line of your payment.
- If you don’t have the ticket, include the ticketed vehicle’s state and tag number on your check or money order (e.g., MD license tag #123456).
- For multiple tickets without specific ticket numbers provided, payment will be applied to the oldest outstanding ticket first.
- Timely Payment is Crucial: Payments must be received within 30 calendar days from the ticket issue date (or mailing date for photo tickets). Failure to do so will result in a penalty equal to the original fine amount.
Mail your payment to:
Adjudication Services
PO Box 2014
Washington, DC 20013
Paying Your Tickets by Phone
For those who prefer phone payments, DC DMV provides a dedicated phone line.
Phone Payment Details:
- Call (866) 893-5023 to pay your tickets over the phone.
Paying Your Tickets In-Person
If you prefer in-person transactions, you can pay your ticket at the Adjudication Service Center.
In-Person Payment Information:
- Location: Adjudication Services, 955 L’Enfant Plaza, SW Promenade Level – Suite P100, Washington, DC 20024.
- Bring your ticket with you.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, check, money order, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).
- Identification Requirement: For payments other than cash, you must present a valid driver’s license, DMV-issued ID, passport, or military ID.
Paying for Booted or Towed Vehicles
If your vehicle has been booted due to unpaid tickets, you must settle all outstanding tickets to have the boot removed. Note that checks are not accepted for boot release payments.
For vehicles that have been towed, contact DC 311 for information and retrieval procedures.
Important Clarification: DC DMV is not responsible for booting or towing vehicles. These actions are carried out by the DC Department of Public Works (DC DPW). For more information regarding booting and towing, please visit the DC DPW website.
Crucial Reminder: Contesting a Ticket
If you intend to contest your traffic ticket, do not pay it. Paying a ticket signifies admission of guilt, and once paid, your right to contest the ticket is forfeited.
By understanding these payment options, you can efficiently handle your DC traffic tickets. For the fastest service, remember to utilize the online payment portal at dmv.dc.gov/service/pay-tickets.
