Where to pay your Maryland traffic ticket online
Maryland traffic tickets can be paid online through the District Court Case Search system, which is run by the Maryland Judiciary. You will need your case number (found on your ticket) and your driver's license number to access the system. The website is casesearch.courts.state.md.us.
Not all tickets can be paid this way. Violations issued by state police, county police, or local police departments can usually be paid online if they were filed in District Court. However, if your ticket was issued for a federal offense or was filed in Circuit Court, you will need to contact that specific court directly or pay in person.
Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or electronic check through the online system. There is typically a processing fee added to your payment, which varies depending on your payment method. The fee is separate from the fine amount shown on your ticket.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay most Maryland District Court traffic tickets online through the Maryland Judiciary's Case Search system using your case number and driver's license number.
- The online system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks, but adds a processing fee to your payment.
- Tickets issued in Circuit Court or for federal violations cannot be paid through the online system and require contacting the court directly.
- Payment confirmation is provided when ready online, but you should keep a record of your confirmation number for your records.
Steps to pay online through the Maryland Judiciary system
Go to casesearch.courts.state.md.us and select "Pay a Citation" from the menu. You will be asked to enter your case number and driver's license number. Your case number appears on the front of your ticket and usually starts with a letter followed by numbers.
Once you enter this information, the system will display your case details and the amount owed. Review the information carefully to make sure it matches your ticket. If the case does not appear, double-check your case number — it is straightforward to misread numbers and letters on the ticket.
Select your payment method and enter the required information. The system will show you the processing fee before you complete the transaction. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write down or screenshot this number — it is your proof of payment.
What happens after you pay online
Your payment is recorded in the court system when ready. The court receives notification that payment was made, and your case is typically closed once the full amount (fine plus processing fee) clears. This usually takes one to three business days.
You will not receive a separate receipt in the mail unless you request one. If you need written confirmation for your records or for insurance purposes, contact the District Court that issued the ticket and provide your confirmation number. Some courts will email or mail a receipt upon request.
If you paid the full amount and your case does not close within a week, contact the court directly. Occasionally a payment does not post correctly, and the court can verify whether your money was received.
When you cannot pay online
If your ticket was issued in Circuit Court (usually for more serious violations), you cannot use the online system. Circuit Court cases must be handled through that specific court. Contact the Circuit Court in the county where the ticket was issued to learn how to pay.
If your ticket was issued by a federal agency or for a federal violation, you will need to contact the federal court or the agency that issued the ticket. The Maryland Judiciary online system does not handle federal cases.
If you cannot locate your case number or your case does not appear in the system, call the District Court that issued the ticket. The court clerk can help you find your case number or explain why your ticket is not in the online system.
Payment methods and fees
The Maryland Judiciary system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards. You can also pay by electronic check if you have a checking account. Each payment method carries a different processing fee — credit cards typically have a higher fee than electronic checks.
The processing fee is added to your total payment and is not refundable. For example, if your fine is $100 and the credit card fee is $3, you will pay $103 total. The court receives the full fine amount; the processing fee goes to the payment processor.
If you do not have a credit card or checking account, you can pay in person at the District Court that issued the ticket, by mail, or sometimes by phone. Contact the court directly to ask about these options.
If you want to contest the ticket instead of paying
Paying online means you are accepting the ticket and the fine. If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you want to dispute it in court, do not pay online. Instead, contact the District Court and ask about scheduling a trial or requesting a hearing.
You have a limited time to request a hearing — usually 30 days from the date the ticket was issued. If you miss this important date, you may lose the right to contest the ticket. Check your ticket for the important date or call the court to confirm.
If you request a hearing, you can still pay the fine later if you lose. Requesting a hearing does not mean you have to go to court; many cases are resolved through negotiation or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my ticket to pay online?
No, you only need your case number and driver's license number. Your case number is on the ticket, but you do not need the physical ticket to complete the payment online.
What if I lost my case number?
Call the District Court that issued the ticket and provide your name, driver's license number, and the date you received the ticket. The court clerk can look up your case number for you.
Can I get a refund if I pay the wrong amount?
If you overpay, contact the court with your confirmation number. The court can issue a refund or credit toward future fines. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to process.
Will paying online affect my driving record or insurance?
Paying the fine does not remove the violation from your driving record. The violation stays on your record regardless of whether you pay online or in person. Some violations may affect your insurance rates.
Can I pay someone else's ticket online?
Yes, you can pay another person's ticket if you have their case number and driver's license number. The payment will be recorded under their case, and they will receive credit for the payment.