Where to send your payment and what forms you need

New York traffic tickets go to different courts depending on where you got the ticket. A ticket from New York City goes to the Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB), which handles all five boroughs. A ticket from anywhere else in the state goes to the local town or village court where the violation occurred — not to a state office.

The ticket itself tells you where to send payment. Look for the court name and address printed on the front or back. If you cannot find it, call the police department or court that issued the ticket and ask for the mailing address. Sending payment to the wrong address delays processing and may result in a failure-to-appear charge.

You can pay by mail, in person, or online depending on which court handles your ticket. The TVB accepts all three methods. Town and village courts vary — some accept online payment, some accept mail and in-person only. Check the ticket or call the court before you send anything.

Key Takeaways

  • New York City traffic tickets go to the Traffic Violations Bureau; tickets from elsewhere go to the town or village court listed on your ticket.
  • The ticket itself shows the court address and payment methods that court accepts.
  • You can pay by mail, online, or in person, but the available methods depend on which court issued your ticket.
  • Payment important date vary by ticket type and court, so check your ticket for the due date before you pay.
  • If you miss the important date, the court may add penalties and issue a failure-to-appear charge.

Paying a New York City traffic ticket through the Traffic Violations Bureau

The Traffic Violations Bureau (TVB) handles all traffic tickets issued in New York City. You can pay online at the TVB website using your ticket number and date of birth. Online payment is the fastest method — the system confirms your payment when ready and updates your record within one business day.

To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the TVB address shown on your ticket. Include your ticket number and a copy of the ticket itself. Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days to process. Do not send cash by mail.

You can also pay in person at a TVB office. New York City has multiple TVB locations in each borough. Bring your ticket and a valid ID. In-person payment is processed the same day. Call the TVB at 646-386-5000 to find the office nearest you or to confirm hours before you go.

Paying a ticket issued outside New York City

Towns and villages outside New York City handle their own traffic tickets. The court name and address on your ticket tell you where to send payment. Some courts accept online payment through their websites; others accept mail and in-person payment only.

Call the court listed on your ticket to ask which payment methods it accepts and whether there is an online portal. If the court accepts online payment, you will usually need your ticket number and the amount due. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order with a copy of your ticket. Include your name, ticket number, and the violation date so the court can match your payment to your record.

In-person payment at the court office is processed when ready. Bring your ticket, a valid ID, and payment in the form the court accepts. Mail payment typically takes 7 to 10 business days to reach the court and be recorded.

Payment important date and what happens if you miss them

Your ticket shows a due date for payment. This date is usually 30 days from the ticket issue date, but it can vary. Check your ticket for the exact important date. If you pay after the due date, the court may add a late fee or civil penalty on top of the original fine amount.

If you do not pay by the important date and do not contact the court, the court may issue a failure-to-appear charge. This charge can result in license suspension, a warrant for your arrest, or both. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the court before the important date to ask about a payment plan or extension.

Some courts offer payment plans that let you pay the fine in installments over several months. Others may grant a short extension if you request it in writing or by phone before the important date passes. The court's phone number is on your ticket.

Payment methods and fees

New York courts accept checks, money orders, and cash for in-person payment. The TVB and many town courts also accept online payment by debit card or credit card. Online payment may include a processing fee — the TVB charges a fee for credit and debit card transactions, though the exact amount varies. Check the payment page or call the court to learn the fee before you pay online.

Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by mail, use a check or money order. Make the check payable to the court or agency listed on your ticket. Include your ticket number on the check so the court can match it to your record.

If you pay in person, ask the court clerk which payment methods it accepts that day. Some courts may not accept all methods at all times.

Confirming your payment was received

If you pay online through the TVB website, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Keep this number for your records. The TVB updates its records within one business day, and you can check the status of your ticket online using your ticket number.

If you pay by mail, keep a copy of the check or money order receipt and a copy of your ticket. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed. After that time, call the court to confirm your payment was recorded. Have your ticket number ready.

If you pay in person, ask for a receipt before you leave. The court clerk will stamp or sign it to show the payment was made. Keep this receipt with your records.

What to do if you dispute the ticket

Paying the fine is not the same as admitting guilt. However, if you want to contest the ticket, you must do so before you pay. Once you pay, most courts consider the case closed.

If you want to dispute the ticket, contact the court listed on your ticket and ask how to request a hearing or trial. The ticket shows a important date for requesting a hearing — this important date is usually before the payment due date. Ask the court whether you can request a hearing by mail, phone, or in person. Do not pay the fine if you plan to dispute the ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my ticket and do not know the ticket number?

Call the police department or court that issued the ticket. Give them your name, driver's license number, and the approximate date and location of the violation. They can look up your ticket number and tell you the amount due and the court address. The TVB also allows you to search for unpaid tickets by name and date of birth on its website.

Can I pay a New York traffic ticket online if I live out of state?

Yes. The TVB accepts online payment from anywhere in the United States. Town and village courts vary — most accept mail payment from out of state, and many accept online payment as well. Check your ticket or call the court to confirm which methods it accepts.

What happens if I pay late?

Late payment may result in a civil penalty or additional fee added to your fine. If you do not pay within a certain time after the important date, the court may suspend your driver's license or issue a failure-to-appear charge. Contact the court when ready if you miss the important date to ask about payment options.

Do I need to appear in court if I pay the ticket?

No. Paying the fine resolves the ticket without a court appearance. However, if you want to dispute the ticket or request a hearing, you must contact the court before the hearing important date shown on your ticket — paying the fine closes the case.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount at once?

Some courts offer payment plans. Contact the court listed on your ticket and ask whether it allows installment payments. You must request a plan before the payment important date passes. The court will tell you how many payments you can make and when each payment is due.