What UJSportal is and who uses it
UJSportal is Pennsylvania's online payment system for court fines, fees, and restitution. If you have a case in a Pennsylvania state court — district court, common pleas court, or magisterial district court — you can pay what you owe through this portal instead of going to the courthouse in person or mailing a check.
You use UJSportal when you receive a bill or notice from the court telling you to pay. The notice will include your case number and the amount due. You do not need to create an account beforehand; you pay as a guest using your case information.
The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. A processing fee applies to card payments but not to bank transfers, though the fee amount varies depending on your payment method and the court processing your case.
Key Takeaways
- UJSportal is Pennsylvania's official court payment system, and you access it by going to ujsportal.pacourts.us and entering your case number and other identifying information.
- You can pay fines, court costs, restitution, and other fees owed to Pennsylvania courts, but the system only works for state courts, not federal courts or out-of-state courts.
- Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee that the court adds to your bill, while bank transfer payments do not include an extra fee.
- Payments typically post to your account within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your payment method and the court's processing schedule.
- If your payment fails or you need to dispute a charge, contact the court that issued your bill directly — UJSportal customer service cannot reverse payments or modify court orders.
How to find your case and payment amount on UJSportal
Start by visiting ujsportal.pacourts.us in your web browser. You will see a login screen with two options: "Registered User" and "Guest User." Select "Guest User" to pay without creating an account.
Enter your case number, which appears on your court notice or bill. If you do not have your case number, you can search by defendant name and date of birth, or by the name of the court that issued your bill. The system will display your case details and any outstanding balance.
Review the amount shown carefully. It should match the bill you received from the court. If the amounts do not match, or if you see charges you do not recognize, do not proceed with payment — contact the court directly to clarify before paying.
Payment methods and processing fees
UJSportal accepts three payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards; debit cards; and electronic bank transfers (ACH). The method you choose affects both the fee you pay and how long the payment takes to post.
Card payments include a processing fee that varies by court and payment processor. The fee is typically between 2 and 3 percent of the amount you are paying, though some courts charge a flat fee instead. The system shows you the exact fee before you confirm payment, so you will know the total cost before your card is charged.
Bank transfers (ACH) do not include a processing fee, but they take longer to post — usually three to five business days instead of one to three. If you have time before a important date, a bank transfer saves you money.
Entering your payment information and confirming the transaction
After you select your payment method, the system will ask for the relevant details. For card payments, you will enter the card number, expiration date, CVV, and billing address. For bank transfers, you will provide your bank routing number and account number.
Double-check all information before submitting. Errors in bank account details or card numbers can cause the payment to fail, and you may not receive a refund when ready if the system rejects the transaction.
Once you submit, the system generates a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions about the payment later or if you need to prove to the court that you paid.
What happens after you pay and how long it takes
After your payment is processed, UJSportal sends you a confirmation email to the address you provided. This email includes your confirmation number, the amount paid, and the date the payment was submitted. Keep this email as your receipt.
The time it takes for the payment to show up in the court's system depends on your payment method. Card payments usually post within one to three business days. Bank transfers typically take three to five business days. During this time, the payment is in transit and has not yet been recorded by the court.
Once the payment posts, the court's record will show a zero balance if you paid the full amount owed. If you paid only part of what you owe, the remaining balance will still appear on your account.
What to do if your payment fails or you need to dispute a charge
If your payment is declined, UJSportal will show an error message explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient funds, an incorrect card number or expiration date, or a mismatch between the billing address you entered and the address on file with your bank.
If a card payment was declined, you can try again when ready with corrected information. If a bank transfer fails, contact your bank to confirm your routing and account numbers are correct, then attempt the payment again.
If a payment was successfully charged but you believe it was made in error, or if you were charged twice, contact the court that issued your bill directly. UJSportal does not process refunds — only the court can reverse a payment or issue a credit to your account. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
When you cannot or should not use UJSportal
UJSportal only works for Pennsylvania state courts. If your case is in federal court, a court in another state, or a municipal court outside Pennsylvania's state system, you cannot pay through this portal. Your court notice will tell you which court issued the bill and whether UJSportal is an option.
You also cannot use UJSportal to pay fines or fees for traffic citations issued by local police departments, though some municipalities have their own online payment systems. Check your citation or ticket to see if an alternative payment method is listed.
If you have questions about whether you owe money, whether a debt has been paid, or whether a payment plan is available, you must contact the court directly. UJSportal only processes payments; it cannot answer questions about your case or negotiate payment terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's court bill through UJSportal?
Yes. You do not need to be the defendant to pay a bill through UJSportal — you only need the case number and the defendant's date of birth or name. A family member, friend, or attorney can pay on someone else's behalf using their own payment method.
What if I do not have my case number?
UJSportal allows you to search by defendant name and date of birth, or by the name and county of the court. You will need at least one of these pieces of information to locate your case. If you cannot find your case, call the court directly and ask for your case number.
Is there a important date to pay through UJSportal?
The important date depends on your court order or bill. UJSportal does not enforce important date — it straightforward processes payments whenever you submit them. If your bill has a due date, pay before that date to avoid additional penalties or collection action. Check your court notice for the specific important date.
Can I set up automatic payments or a payment plan through UJSportal?
No. UJSportal only processes one-time payments. If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court directly to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, but you must arrange this with the court, not through the online system.
What if my payment posted but the court still says I owe money?
Wait three to five business days after payment for the court's system to update. If the balance still shows as owed after that time, call the court with your confirmation number from UJSportal. There may be additional fees or costs that were added after your payment was submitted, or the payment may not have been recorded correctly.