Pay your MVA ticket online, by mail, or in person at your local MVA office

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) accepts ticket payments through three main routes: their online payment system, mailing a check or money order, or paying in person at an MVA office. Which method you choose depends on how quickly you need to resolve it and whether you have your ticket number handy. Online payment is fastest and available 24/7, while mail takes longer but requires no account setup. In-person payment lets you ask questions about the ticket itself if you're unsure about the charges.

Your ticket should list a case number or citation number — this is what you'll need to look up the ticket in the system before you pay. If you've lost the physical ticket, you can still find it using your driver's license number or vehicle registration number on the MVA website.

Key Takeaways

  • You need your ticket number, case number, or driver's license number to pay online or look up what you owe.
  • Online payment through the MVA website processes when ready and is available any time of day or night.
  • Mailing a check or money order takes one to two weeks to process and requires you to include your ticket number on the check.
  • Paying in person at an MVA office lets you ask questions about the ticket and get a receipt on the spot.
  • Late payment may result in additional fines, license suspension, or a hold on vehicle registration renewal.

Paying online through the MVA website

Go to the MVA's official website and look for the traffic ticket payment section. You'll enter either your case number (printed on the ticket), your driver's license number, or your vehicle's registration number. The system will pull up any outstanding tickets associated with that information and show you the exact amount owed.

Once you've confirmed the ticket details, you can pay by debit card or credit card. The payment processes when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this confirmation — it serves as your proof of payment. The MVA typically updates its records within one business day, though the payment itself is recorded when ready.

If the online system doesn't find your ticket, it may not yet be entered into the system (this can take a few days after the citation is issued), or you may have entered the wrong number. Call the MVA's traffic ticket line to confirm the ticket exists and get the correct case number.

Paying by mail with a check or money order

Write a check or obtain a money order for the amount shown on your ticket. On the back of the check or money order, write your case number or citation number clearly — this is how the MVA matches your payment to your ticket. Include a copy of the ticket itself if you have it, or at minimum write your driver's license number and vehicle registration number on a separate sheet.

Mail everything to the address listed on your ticket. This address varies by county, so check the ticket itself rather than using a general MVA address. Mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive, and the MVA needs another few days to process and post the payment to your account. Plan for one to two weeks total before your account shows paid.

Keep a copy of the check or money order number and the mailing date for your records. If you're concerned about whether it arrived, you can call the MVA after two weeks to confirm the payment was received.

Paying in person at an MVA office

Locate your nearest MVA office using the office finder on the MVA website. Bring your ticket, a valid photo ID, and payment in the form of cash, check, debit card, or credit card — policies vary slightly by location, so call ahead if you're unsure what they accept. You do not need an appointment for ticket payment, though wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Tell the clerk you're there to pay a traffic ticket and hand over your ticket. They'll confirm the amount owed, process your payment, and give you a receipt when ready. This receipt is your proof of payment. In-person payment is recorded in the system the same day, so your account updates faster than with mail.

If you have questions about why you were cited or what the charges mean, the clerk can often explain the ticket, though they cannot change the amount or dismiss it. If you want to contest the ticket, ask about the process for requesting a hearing or trial — this is separate from payment and must be done before or instead of paying.

What happens if you don't pay on time

Tickets have a important date for payment, usually 30 days from the date of the citation, though this varies. If you miss the important date, the MVA adds a late fee to your balance. More importantly, unpaid tickets can trigger license suspension, meaning you cannot legally drive until the ticket is resolved.

Unpaid tickets also create a hold on vehicle registration renewal. You won't be able to renew your registration until the ticket is paid. If you're unsure of your important date, check the ticket itself or call the MVA to ask when payment is due.

If you can't pay the full amount right now

Some MVA offices offer payment plans for tickets, though this is not automatic and depends on the amount owed and your circumstances. Call the MVA's traffic ticket line and explain your situation. They can tell you whether a payment plan is an option and what the terms would be. Even if a plan is available, you'll need to arrange it before the original important date passes.

If you cannot pay because you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to request a hearing. This is different from payment and must be requested separately, usually within a set timeframe after the ticket was issued. The hearing gives you a chance to contest the ticket before a judge or hearing officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a ticket online if I don't have the case number?

Yes. The MVA online system accepts your driver's license number or vehicle registration number as alternatives. Enter whichever you have, and the system will pull up any tickets associated with that information. If nothing appears, the ticket may not yet be in the system — wait a few days and try again, or call the MVA directly.

What if I paid the ticket but my record still shows it as unpaid?

If you paid online or in person, the system usually updates within one business day. If you paid by mail, allow two weeks for processing. If more time has passed and it still shows unpaid, call the MVA with your confirmation number or check number and ask them to verify the payment was received and posted.

Do I have to pay the ticket if I want to contest it?

No. You can request a hearing to contest the ticket instead of paying. You must request the hearing before the payment important date, usually by submitting a form or calling the MVA. If you win the hearing, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If you lose, you'll be ordered to pay.

Can I pay someone else's ticket?

Yes. You can pay online using their case number, by mail if you include their ticket information, or in person if you bring their ticket and ID. The payment will be credited to their account regardless of who submits it.

What if the ticket amount seems wrong?

Call the MVA's traffic ticket line with your case number and ask them to review the charges. They can explain what each charge is for. If you believe there's an error, you can request a hearing to contest it rather than paying when ready. Do this before the payment important date.