Unscripted DC
Living here, not just visiting.
DC Parking
You came back to your car and found that familiar envelope. DC parking enforcement is relentless — and the process for paying or fighting a ticket isn’t always obvious. Here’s exactly how to handle it.
One Thing to Know First
In DC, the agency that issues parking tickets is different from the agency that processes payments. Tickets are issued by DC Department of Public Works (DPW), DDOT, or law enforcement — but all payments and contests go through the DC DMV.
Don’t go looking for a DPW payment portal. Everything runs through dmv.dc.gov.
How to Pay Online
- Go to dmv.dc.gov/service/pay-tickets
- Enter your ticket number or your state and license plate number
- Choose ACH (Electronic Check) to avoid the fee, or pay by card
- Complete payment and save your confirmation number
How to Pay by Phone
Call (866) 893-5023. Have your ticket number and payment info ready. The 2.5% card fee applies by phone as well.
How to Pay by Mail
Send a check or money order made payable to DC Treasurer. Write your ticket number in the memo line. No cash.
Mail to:
DC DMV Adjudication Services
ATTN: Mail Adjudication
PO Box 37135
Washington, DC 20013
How to Pay in Person
DC DMV Adjudication Service Center
955 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Promenade Level – Suite P100, Washington, DC 20024
Accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, and contactless/digital wallet. Bring your ticket and valid ID. Cash avoids the 2.5% card fee.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay
After 30 days: A penalty equal to the original fine is added. A $100 ticket becomes $200.
After 61 days with two or more unpaid tickets: DC DPW can boot your vehicle. If the boot and outstanding tickets stay unpaid, your car gets towed at your expense.
Out-of-state drivers: DC shares ticket data with other states. Unpaid DC tickets can affect your registration renewal back home. See our full breakdown: DC Speed Camera Tickets — what they cost and what happens if you don’t pay.
Payment plans: DC DMV no longer handles payment plans directly. Call 311 or (202) 737-4404 to discuss options with the Office of Finance and Treasury.
Want to Fight It Instead?
You can contest online, by mail, or in person through DC DMV — but do not pay it first. DC only recognizes seven legal defenses for dismissing a parking ticket. Full breakdown: DC Parking Tickets — how much they cost and the defenses that actually work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to pay a DC parking ticket?
30 days at the original fine amount. After 30 days a penalty doubles the fine. After 61 days with two or more unpaid tickets, DC can boot your vehicle.
Can I contest a DC parking ticket online?
Yes — go to dmv.dc.gov and look for the ticket adjudication section. But do not pay the ticket first. Once you pay, you waive your right to contest.
What are valid reasons to contest a DC parking ticket?
The most common winning defenses: signs were missing or obscured, the meter was broken and you paid via app or kiosk, the vehicle was stolen at the time, or the ticket information is factually wrong. “I didn’t see the sign” is not a valid defense.
Does DC report unpaid parking tickets to other states?
Yes. DC shares data with Maryland, Virginia, and other states. Unpaid DC tickets can block your registration renewal back home.
What if my car was booted in DC?
Pay all outstanding tickets and the boot fee through DC DMV as quickly as possible. The boot will be removed once payment is confirmed — typically within a few hours. Do not attempt to remove the boot yourself.
What is the 2.5% service fee?
As of December 15, 2025, DC DMV charges a 2.5% fee on all card payments — online, by phone, and in person. Pay by ACH online, cash in person, or check by mail to avoid it.
Quick Reference
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | dmv.dc.gov/service/pay-tickets — free via ACH, 2.5% fee on cards |
| Phone | (866) 893-5023 |
| Check/money order to DC Treasurer, PO Box 37135, Washington DC 20013 | |
| In Person | 955 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Suite P100 |
| Questions | (202) 737-4404 or 311 |
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