Receiving a parking or traffic ticket can be stressful. In Washington, D.C., the Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) provides multiple convenient ways to handle your ticket payment. Understanding these options ensures timely payment and helps you avoid additional penalties. This guide will walk you through the various methods available to pay your DC DMV car ticket, making the process straightforward and hassle-free.
Payment Options for Your DC DMV Ticket
DC DMV offers several accessible methods to pay your ticket. Choose the option that best suits your needs and remember to pay promptly to avoid late fees.
Pay Your Ticket Online
The quickest and easiest way to pay your DC DMV ticket is online. This method is available 24/7, allowing you to pay from anywhere with an internet connection.
To pay online, you will need:
- Your ticket number
- A credit or debit card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or American Express are accepted)
Visit the official DC DMV website and navigate to the ticket payment section. Follow the prompts to enter your ticket information and payment details. Online payment is immediate, providing instant confirmation that your ticket is paid.
Pay Your Ticket by Mail
If you prefer to pay by mail, DC DMV accepts checks and money orders. Do not send cash through the mail.
Follow these steps for mail payment:
- Make your check or money order payable to DC Treasurer.
- Write your ticket number on the memo line of your payment.
- If you don’t have the ticket, include the ticketed vehicle’s state and tag number.
Mail your payment to:
Adjudication Services
PO Box 2014
Washington, DC 20013
Remember, payments by mail take longer to process. Ensure your payment is mailed well before the 30-day deadline to avoid penalties. A penalty equal to the original fine will be added if payment is not received within 30 calendar days from the ticket issue date.
Pay Your Ticket by Phone
For those who prefer phone payments, DC DMV provides a dedicated phone line.
To pay by phone:
- Call (866) 893-5023.
- Have your ticket number and credit card information ready.
Phone payments are a convenient alternative if you cannot pay online or by mail.
Pay Your Ticket In-Person
If you prefer face-to-face transactions, you can pay your ticket in person at the DC DMV Adjudication Service Center.
Visit the service center at:
Adjudication Services
955 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
Promenade Level – Suite P100
Washington, DC 20024
At the Adjudication Service Center, DC Government accepts:
- Cash
- Check
- Money order
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express)
If 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.
Important Considerations When Paying Your DC DMV Ticket
Keep these crucial points in mind when dealing with your DC DMV ticket payment:
- Contesting a Ticket: Never pay a ticket if you intend to contest it. Payment automatically closes your option to dispute the ticket. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, focus on contesting it first.
- Payment Reversals: Reversing a credit card payment after initially paying a ticket will be treated as non-payment. This can lead to penalties, collection actions, and restrictions on future credit/debit card payments with DC DMV.
- Booted or Towed Vehicles: If your vehicle has been booted due to unpaid tickets, you must pay all outstanding tickets to have the boot removed. DC DMV does not accept checks for boot release payments. For towed vehicles, contact DC 311 for information. Note that vehicle booting and towing are managed by the DC Department of Public Works (DC DPW), not DC DMV.
Conclusion
Paying your DC DMV car ticket promptly and correctly is essential to avoid penalties and further complications. DC DMV provides multiple payment options – online, mail, phone, and in-person – to accommodate your needs. Choose the most convenient method for you and ensure you understand the important considerations, especially regarding contesting tickets and payment reversals. By following this guide, you can confidently manage your DC DMV ticket payment process.
