Contest a DC parking or photo-enforcement ticket by mail

If you want to contest a Washington, DC parking or photo-enforcement ticket by mail, this page helps you send the right adjudication statement. You get the current Adjudication Services address, a ready-to-edit letter, and the timing rules that matter before penalties grow or the right to contest expires.

Use this page for written mail adjudication of a DC parking or photo-enforcement ticket when you want a hearing examiner to decide the case on your statement and evidence. It is especially useful when your defense turns on signs, ownership, theft, meter problems, mechanical breakdown, or other document-backed facts. It is also useful if you searched for DC ticket contest by mail, DC DMV Adjudication Services address, mail adjudication form, or Washington DC parking ticket letter template.

Need to contest a DC parking or photo-enforcement ticket by mail? Open a ready-made adjudication letter, add your defense and evidence, and mail it to DC DMV Adjudication Services.

These details are ready

This is the current DC DMV Adjudication Services mailing address for ticket contests by mail. Last checked: April 4, 2026.

So your letter looks

DMV Adjudication Services

37135 P.O. Box

ATTN: Mail Adjudication

Washington, DC 20013

United States

April 4, 2026 DMV Adjudication Services ATTN: Mail Adjudication P.O. Box 37135 Washington, DC 20013 Subject: Contest of DC parking or photo-enforcement ticket by mail Dear Adjudication Services, I am contesting the following ticket by mail and request adjudication based on the enclosed written statement and evidence. Ticket information: Ticket number: [ticket number] Ticket type: [parking / photo enforcement] Date issued: [date] Mail date, if this is a photo-enforcement ticket: [mail date] License plate number: [plate number] State of registration: [state] Vehicle make and model: [vehicle] Contestant information: Full name: [your full name] Mailing address: [your mailing address] Phone number: [your phone number] Email address: [your email address] My defense is as follows: [Write a clear statement of facts. If helpful, identify the specific defense you rely on, such as not the registered owner, stolen vehicle or plate, missing or obscured signs, broken meter, ticket facts do not support the charge, sudden mechanical disability, or immediate medical emergency.] Evidence enclosed: - Original ticket - Vehicle registration / photos / police report / repair records / medical records: [list] - Other supporting documents: [list] Please review this mail adjudication request and send the decision to my address of record. Sincerely, [Signature] [Printed name]

Open your DC adjudication letter

Short lines that fit common DC parking or photo-ticket defenses

• • I was not the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle when this ticket was issued.
• • The vehicle or license plate was stolen at the time of the ticket, and I attached supporting records.
• • The relevant sign was missing or obscured, and my photos show the condition at the location.
• • The meter was broken or inoperable through no fault of mine.
• • The facts on the ticket do not support the charge.

Before you continue

• • Do not pay the fine if you want to contest the ticket. DC DMV says you cannot contest after paying.
• • DC DMV says it must receive your mailed contest within 30 calendar days to avoid additional penalties.
• • Its mail adjudication form also says you lose the right to contest if DC DMV does not receive your response within 60 calendar days from the issue date, or from the mail date for photo-enforcement tickets.
• • Send the original ticket and your written explanation, then attach factual information or evidence such as vehicle registration, pictures, or other records that support your defense.
• • Your written statement takes the place of an in-person hearing, so explain the facts clearly and attach everything you need the hearing examiner to see.
• • After you mail the package, DC DMV says it will send a postcard confirming receipt. If you do not get it, follow up with DC DMV or 311.