Dealing with a traffic ticket can be stressful, but paying it in Washington, D.C., doesn’t have to be. The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers several convenient methods to settle your traffic infractions, with online payment being a popular and efficient option. However, it’s crucial to remember one key point: if you intend to contest your ticket, do not pay it yet. Paying a ticket signifies admission of guilt and forfeits your right to challenge it.
If you’ve decided to pay your ticket, DC DMV provides multiple pathways to do so. Let’s explore each method in detail, ensuring you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Paying Your DC Traffic Ticket Online: Quick and Convenient
The digital age offers streamlined solutions, and paying your DC traffic ticket online is a prime example. This method is accessible 24/7, allowing you to resolve your ticket from the comfort of your home.
To pay online, you will need the following:
- Your ticket number: This is essential for locating your infraction in the system.
- Credit card information: DC Government accepts major credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express, for online payments.
Simply visit the DC DMV website and navigate to their online payment portal. Follow the prompts, enter your ticket number and payment details, and you can quickly settle your ticket.
Important Note on Credit Card Payments: Be aware that if you initiate a chargeback or reverse your credit card payment after paying your ticket online, the DC DMV will treat it as non-payment. This can lead to penalties, default judgments, and referral to collections agencies. Furthermore, you may lose the ability to make future payments with credit or debit cards to DC DMV.
Exploring Other DC Ticket Payment Methods
While online payment is highly convenient, DC DMV also accommodates other preferences with traditional payment methods.
Pay by Mail: Traditional and Reliable
For those who prefer sending payments via mail, DC DMV accepts checks and money orders. Cash is strictly not accepted through mail.
When paying by mail, ensure you follow these guidelines:
- Make your check or money order payable to the DC Treasurer.
- Write your ticket number clearly in the memo line of your check or money order.
- If you don’t have your ticket, include the ticketed vehicle’s state and tag number on your payment (e.g., “MD license tag #ABC123”).
- For multiple outstanding tickets without ticket numbers provided, the payment will be applied to the oldest ticket first.
- Timely Payment is Key: DC DMV must receive your payment within 30 calendar days from the ticket issue date (or mailing date for photo tickets). Failure to do so will result in a penalty equal to the original fine amount.
Mail your payment to:
Adjudication Services PO Box 2014 Washington, DC 20013
Pay by Phone: Convenient Voice Payment
If you prefer phone transactions, DC DMV provides a dedicated phone line for ticket payments. Call (866) 893-5023 to pay your ticket over the phone. Ensure you have your ticket number and payment information ready when you call.
Pay In-Person: Direct Service at the Adjudication Service Center
For those who prefer face-to-face transactions, you can pay your ticket in person at the DC DMV Adjudication Service Center.
Visit the center at:
Adjudication Services 955 L’Enfant Plaza, SW Promenade Level – Suite P100 Washington, DC 20024
At the Adjudication Service Center, DC Government accepts various payment forms:
- Cash
- Check
- Money order
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express)
If you are paying by check, money order, or credit card, you must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, DMV-issued ID, passport, or military ID. Please bring your ticket with you when visiting for faster processing.
Important Information Regarding Booted or Towed Vehicles
If your vehicle has been booted due to unpaid tickets, you must settle your outstanding tickets to have the boot removed. DC DMV does not accept checks for releasing booted or towed vehicles.
If your vehicle has been towed, contact DC 311 for information on its location and release procedures.
Please note: DC DMV is not responsible for booting, towing, or impounding vehicles. These actions are carried out by the DC Department of Public Works (DC DPW). For detailed information on booting and impoundment, please visit the DC DPW website.
Paying your DC traffic ticket promptly and correctly is essential to avoid further complications and penalties. Whether you choose to Pay Dc Tickets Online or use another method, DC DMV offers accessible options to resolve your traffic infractions efficiently. Remember to choose the method that best suits your convenience and always keep your ticket number handy for smoother processing.
