Where to pay your DC ticket online or by mail

The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVDC) handles traffic tickets and parking violations. You can pay online through their website, by mail, by phone, or in person at their office. Online payment is the fastest option — you'll need your ticket number and the case number, which appear on the ticket itself.

To pay online, go to dmvdc.dc.gov and look for the "Pay a Ticket" or "Pay a Fine" section. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system will ask you to enter your ticket information and confirm the amount owed. Payment typically processes when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number by email.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address listed on your ticket. Include your ticket number and case number with your payment. Mail payments take longer to process — usually 7 to 10 business days — so allow extra time if a important date is approaching.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at dmvdc.dc.gov using your ticket number and case number for the fastest processing.
  • You can also pay by phone, mail, or in person at the DMVDC office, though these methods take longer.
  • Payment by credit card, debit card, or check are all accepted, depending on your payment method.
  • If you disagree with the ticket, you can request a hearing before paying, which pauses any important date.

Paying by phone or in person

To pay by phone, call the DMVDC at 202-737-4404. Have your ticket number ready. A representative can tell you the exact amount owed, accept your payment over the phone using a credit or debit card, and provide a confirmation number. Phone lines are typically open during business hours, Monday through Friday.

If you want to pay in person, visit the DMVDC office at 301 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Bring your ticket and a valid form of payment — cash, check, credit card, or debit card. Staff can process your payment on the spot and give you a receipt when ready. This is useful if you have questions about the ticket or need to discuss payment options.

What happens if you don't pay by the important date

Each ticket includes a due date, usually 30 days from the date the ticket was issued. If you don't pay by that date, the District can add late fees and penalties to your balance. The amount varies depending on the violation type, but late fees typically range from $25 to $100 or more.

If you continue not to pay, the debt can be reported to a collection agency, which will affect your credit report. The District can also suspend your vehicle registration or driver's license until the ticket is paid. If you're having trouble paying by the important date, contact DMVDC to ask about payment plans or hardship options before the date passes.

Requesting a hearing if you disagree with the ticket

You don't have to pay when ready if you believe the ticket was issued in error or unfairly. Instead, you can request a hearing before the Office of the Adjudication Services (OAS). This is a formal process where you can present your side of what happened, and a hearing officer will decide whether the ticket should stand.

To request a hearing, contact OAS at 202-671-0913 or visit their office at 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20009. You must request the hearing before the payment important date on your ticket. Once you request a hearing, the payment important date is paused while your case is reviewed. If you lose the hearing, you'll then be required to pay the full amount.

Understanding ticket amounts and violation types

DC traffic tickets and parking violations carry different fines depending on what you did. A parking meter violation might cost $25 to $50, while a moving violation like speeding or running a red light can range from $50 to several hundred dollars. The exact amount is printed on your ticket.

Some violations also carry points on your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates and your ability to renew your license. If your ticket includes points, that information will be on the ticket as well. Understanding what you're paying for helps you decide whether to pay, request a hearing, or take a defensive driving course if one is offered.

Payment plans and hardship options

If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, contact DMVDC before the due date to discuss your situation. The District may offer a payment plan that lets you pay in installments over several months rather than all at once. Arrangements vary case by case, so call 202-737-4404 to ask what options might be available for your ticket.

Waiting until after the important date to ask for help makes the process harder — late fees and collection actions will already be in motion. Reaching out early shows good faith and gives you the best chance of working out a solution that fits your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a DC ticket online with a prepaid card?

Most prepaid cards work like debit cards and should be accepted on the dmvdc.dc.gov payment system. However, some prepaid cards have restrictions on online transactions. Try entering your card information; if it's declined, call 202-737-4404 to pay by phone instead, or mail a check.

What if I lost my ticket and don't have the ticket number?

Call DMVDC at 202-737-4404 with your name, address, and driver's license number. They can look up your ticket in their system and provide the ticket number and amount owed. You can then pay online or by phone using that information.

Does paying a DC ticket remove points from my driving record?

Paying the ticket does not remove points — it only settles the fine. Points stay on your record for a set period. However, some violations may be reduced or dismissed if you take a defensive driving course. Ask DMVDC whether that option is available for your specific ticket.

Can I pay someone else's DC ticket?

Yes, you can pay another person's ticket online or by mail if you have their ticket number and case number. When paying online, enter the ticket information as it appears on their ticket. The payment will be credited to their account regardless of whose card you use.