The Lancaster Superior Courthouse handles traffic fines, but payment goes to a specific office, not the main building
Traffic ticket payments for Lancaster County go to the District Attorney's Collections Unit or the court's cashier office, depending on whether your ticket is still in the system or has been referred for collection. The main courthouse address is 50 Chestnut Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603, but you should confirm the exact payment location and method with the court before sending money, because payments sent to the wrong department can delay processing.
Lancaster County operates under Pennsylvania's traffic court system, which means your ticket may be handled by a district justice (for summary offenses like speeding) or the Superior Court (for more serious violations). The payment process and location depend on which court issued your ticket and whether you have already been assigned a case number.
Key Takeaways
- The Lancaster Superior Courthouse main address is 50 Chestnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, but traffic payments often go to a separate collections or cashier office.
- You should call the court directly at the phone number on your ticket to confirm the correct payment address and whether you can pay online or by mail.
- Payments sent to the wrong department can delay processing, so verify the payment location before sending a check or money order.
- If your ticket has been referred to collections, the payment address may be different from the courthouse address.
How to find the correct payment address for your ticket
Your ticket itself is the first place to look. Most Lancaster County traffic tickets list a payment address, phone number, and case number on the back or bottom of the citation. If that information is present and legible, use it — it tells you exactly where the issuing court wants the payment sent.
If the ticket does not list a payment address, or if you are unsure whether the address is current, call the Lancaster District Court or the office that issued your ticket. The phone number is usually on the ticket. You can also contact the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas at 717-299-8272 to ask which office handles traffic payments and whether online payment is available.
Do not assume that the main courthouse address works for all payments. Many counties separate traffic collections from the main building to speed processing. Sending a payment to the wrong office means it may sit in the general mail room before being routed to the correct department, which can delay credit to your account and create confusion about whether you paid.
Payment methods accepted in Lancaster County
Lancaster County courts typically accept checks, money orders, and cash payments by mail or in person. Many courts now also offer online payment through their website or a third-party payment processor, which is faster and creates an when ready record of payment.
Before you mail a check or money order, ask the court whether they accept that method and whether you need to include your case number or ticket number with the payment. Include a copy of your ticket or a note with your name, date of birth, and case number so the payment can be matched to your account quickly.
If you pay in person at the courthouse, bring your ticket and a form of identification. Ask for a receipt and keep it until you receive written confirmation that the fine has been paid in full. Online payment usually generates an when ready confirmation number, which you should save.
What to do if you cannot find your ticket information
If you have lost your ticket or cannot locate the case number, call the Lancaster District Court or the court that issued the ticket and provide your name and date of birth. The court can look up your case and tell you the amount owed, the payment address, and the important date for payment.
If you do not know which court issued your ticket, start with the Lancaster District Court office that covers the area where you received the ticket. Lancaster County has multiple district justice offices, and the court can transfer you or provide the correct phone number.
Mailing payments to the courthouse
If you mail a payment, send it to the address listed on your ticket or confirmed by the court. Include your case number, ticket number, and name on the check or money order. Mail it at least one week before the payment important date to account for postal delays.
Keep a copy of the check or money order number and the mailing date. If the court does not credit your payment within two weeks of mailing, call to confirm receipt. Some courts take longer to process mail payments than online or in-person payments, so do not wait until the last day to mail a check.
What happens if you miss the payment important date
If you do not pay by the important date on your ticket, the court may refer your case to the District Attorney's Collections Unit or suspend your driver's license. Late fees and collection costs may be added to the original fine amount.
If you have missed the important date, contact the court when ready. Many courts will accept late payments and may waive or reduce late fees if you contact them before a collection action is filed. Do not ignore the ticket — the longer you wait, the more expensive it becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Lancaster County traffic ticket online?
Many Lancaster County courts now offer online payment through their website or a payment processor. Call the court listed on your ticket or the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas at 717-299-8272 to ask whether online payment is available for your case. Online payment is usually the fastest method and generates an when ready confirmation.
What if I received my ticket from a state police officer or local police?
The issuing officer's agency does not determine where you pay. Your ticket will show which court has jurisdiction — usually a district justice court or the Superior Court. Pay at the address listed on the ticket or call that court to confirm the payment location.
Do I need to include anything with my payment besides the money?
Include your case number, ticket number, and name with every payment. If you are mailing a check, write these details on the memo line or include a copy of your ticket. This helps the court match your payment to your account and prevents delays.
What if I want to contest the ticket instead of paying?
Your ticket should list a court date or a important date to request a hearing. Contact the court listed on your ticket to ask about your options for contesting the violation. Do not ignore the ticket while you decide — missing the important date can result in a default judgment and additional penalties.
Can I pay the fine in installments?
Some courts allow payment plans for traffic fines. Call the court or the District Attorney's Collections Unit to ask whether a payment plan is available for your case. You will need to request this before the payment important date, and the court may require a down payment or set a schedule for the remaining balance.