Your citation number is usually printed on the ticket itself, but if you've lost it, the police department or court that issued it can look it up using your driver's license number
When a police officer issues you a traffic ticket, they write a citation number on the ticket — a unique identifier for that specific violation. If you've misplaced the ticket or need to reference it, you don't have to search blindly. Your driver's license number is one of the pieces of information law enforcement records link to the citation, so you can use it to retrieve the citation number from the agency that issued the ticket.
The process varies slightly depending on whether you're contacting the police department, the court, or an online system, but the basic approach is the same: provide your driver's license number and they'll pull up the citation.
Key Takeaways
- The citation number appears on the physical ticket the officer gave you, so checking the ticket first is the fastest way to find it.
- If you've lost the ticket, call the police department that issued it or the court handling the case with your driver's license number and they can retrieve it.
- Many jurisdictions now offer online ticket lookup systems where you can enter your driver's license number to find citation details.
- Have your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number ready when you contact an agency, as they use these to verify your identity.
- The citation number is different from your case number; the citation number identifies the ticket itself, while the case number is assigned if the ticket goes to court.
Check the physical ticket first
The citation number is printed directly on the ticket the officer handed you at the time of the stop. It's usually a multi-digit number located near the top or bottom of the ticket, sometimes labeled as "Citation Number," "Ticket Number," or "Violation Number." Before contacting any agency, look through your vehicle's glove compartment, your wallet, or any papers you kept from the traffic stop.
If you find the ticket, you have the citation number when ready and don't need to contact anyone. Write it down or take a photo of it for your records, since you may need it to pay a fine, contest the ticket, or check the status of the case.
Call the police department that issued the ticket
If you don't have the ticket, contact the police department's non-emergency line for the city or county where you received the citation. Have your driver's license number, full name, and the approximate date of the traffic stop ready. The dispatcher or records clerk can search their system using this information and provide you with the citation number over the phone.
Ask for the records or administrative division rather than the main line if you're transferred. Some departments have a dedicated traffic records unit that handles these requests. Be prepared to wait on hold or be asked to call back during business hours if you reach the department outside normal office hours.
Use the court's online ticket lookup system
Many courts now operate online systems where you can search for a ticket using your driver's license number. These systems vary by jurisdiction — some are run by the county court, others by the state. Search for "[your city or county name] traffic ticket lookup" or "[your state] traffic citation search" to find the system for your area.
Once you access the system, enter your driver's license number, name, and date of birth. The system will display any open citations associated with your license, including the citation number, the violation, the date issued, and sometimes the fine amount or court date. Print or screenshot the results for your records.
Contact the court directly if the ticket went to court
If the citation has already been filed with the court — either because you were summoned to appear or because you missed a important date — you can call the court's traffic division or clerk's office. Provide your driver's license number and the approximate date of the violation. The court clerk can give you the citation number and also tell you the case number, which is different and used to track the case through the court system.
The court can also tell you whether there's an outstanding fine, whether a warrant has been issued for your arrest if you missed a court date, and what your options are for resolving the ticket. If you're calling about a ticket you received months ago, have the approximate location and time of day ready to help them narrow the search.
What to do once you have the citation number
Once you locate your citation number, write it down and keep it in a safe place. You'll need it if you want to pay the fine online or by mail, contest the ticket in court, or check the status of the case. Many jurisdictions allow you to pay fines using the citation number on their website or by phone, which is often faster than going in person.
If you're planning to contest the ticket, the citation number is what you reference when you request a court date or file any paperwork. If you received the ticket for a serious violation, consider consulting with a traffic attorney who can use the citation number to pull the full details of the stop and advise you on your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the citation number the same as the case number?
No. The citation number identifies the ticket itself and is assigned by the officer at the time of the stop. The case number is assigned by the court only if the ticket is filed as a court case, usually because you were summoned to appear or you didn't pay the fine. You may have both numbers if your ticket went to court.
Can I look up someone else's citation using their driver's license number?
Most systems require you to verify your identity and will only show citations issued to you. Some jurisdictions allow you to search for citations issued to others if you have a legitimate reason, but you'll typically need to contact the court or police department directly and explain why you need the information.
What if I don't remember which police department issued the ticket?
If you remember the city or general area where you were stopped, start with that police department's records division. If you're unsure, try the county sheriff's office or the state police, depending on where the stop occurred. You can also call the court in the county where the stop happened and they can tell you which agency issued it.
How long does it take to get a citation number over the phone?
If you call during business hours and have your driver's license number ready, most police departments and courts can provide the citation number within a few minutes. If the system is busy or you call outside business hours, you may be asked to call back or the information may be mailed to you.