Frequently Asked Questions
What is the benefit of paying my ticket online?
You can access our website 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This convenient service will save
postage, time for eligible customers. You will receive your Driver’s License or Bond Card promptly by mail.
What is the difference between a photo enforcement ticket and being issued a ticket by
a Police Officer?
A photo enforcement ticket is paid to the City of Chicago or the respective village that issued the citation, and it is not reported to the Illinois Secretary of State. When
the Police Officer issues you a ticket, you may be eligible to use the Court Diversion’s options: plead guilty
and pay the fine; plead guilty and request Traffic Safety School; or request a court hearing.
How long will it take to receive my DL when I pay online, and will there be an option for address change?
You may request in the “mailing address box” that you would like us to mail your driver’s license to a different
location if your address is not current with the Secretary of State’s Office. Once we receive your payment, it should take approximately
3 to 5 business days for you to receive your driver’s license by postal service.
Will I be able to pay online and come in person to pick up my DL?
No, if you pay online, your Driver’s License will be mailed to you within 3 to 5 business days. If you need your DL immediately,
it is recommended that you go to the respective courthouse and pay in person. You will receive your DL immediately.
If I request a court date online will I get the date immediately?
Yes, you will receive a court date immediately through the online confirmation. If you do not receive a court date and confirmation, please
call 312.603.5730 during business hours. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding
court holidays.
Will online service be only for Court Diversion tickets, or can you pay other fines and fees as well?
The current Online Traffic Ticket System is only available for the Court Diversion ticket.
Will I receive a confirmation number after my ticket is paid?
Yes, you will be given a confirmation number on your printable confirmation page, as well as having the confirmation emailed to you if an email address was provided.
My payment is due today, and I am having difficulty paying my fine. What is my cutoff time today?
If you are experiencing difficulty before the 4:30 p.m. cutoff, please
contact your respective courthouse for assistance. Business hours are
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays. Payments made after 4:30 p.m. will post to our system
the next business day.
I did not find my ticket in the database when performing a search, what should I do?
It may take 7 to 21 business days after the ticket was issued and received by our office from the Police Agency.
After 21 days, and your ticket still does not appear, please
contact the Clerk’s Office location where your ticket was issued.
I am paying online for my Traffic Safety School, do I still need to mail my Court Diversion Envelope?
No, if you have completed the Traffic Safety School Registration Form online, then you do not have to mail the Court Diversion Envelope.
What payment method can I use for the Online Traffic Ticket System?
Credit cards are the only approved methods of payment for the Online Traffic Ticket System.
If I am entitled to receive a refund, how do I obtain the refund?
Persons who are due a refund from the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court will receive a refund from the Clerk’s Office via check.
Is there an additional charge for paying online?
Yes, there is a $5.00 service fee per transaction.
What is a Service Charge?
A Service Charge is an amount charged to a filer for electronically submitting payment to the Office of the
Clerk of the Circuit Court from a convenience of the person’s choice of location.
How can I get the Service Charge waived?
The Service Charge is a non-waiveable, non-refundable fee.
When does my credit card get charged?
Your credit card is charged at the moment of submission.
What if I exit the internet before I complete the registration process?
The Traffic Safety School will receive enough data from the Online Traffic Ticket System to initiate your request from Traffic Safety School, however
you should expect a follow-up for additional information from National Safety Council Traffic Safety School related to where you’d like to attend class. If you do not receive a response within 4-5 weeks, please contact
National Safety Council Traffic Safety School by phone at (888) 245-8450 or by email at
trafficschool@nsc.org.
What if I don't answer each required question?
You will not be able to complete your Traffic Safety School registration process.
When I complete the registration process, will I be enrolled into a class?
No, Traffic Safety School will notify you of your class enrollment status.
Can I change my name information?
No, this information can not be changed.
Can I change my mailing address information?
Yes, this information can be updated.
Is the apartment or telephone number fields required?
No, skip this item and it will show "none".
If I select the Internet option (Y), are the other options required?
Yes, all class related questions are required fields.
If I choose the Internet option (Y), why must I complete the remaining class options?
You may not be eligible to take the Internet version. Traffic Safety School will use those options to better assign you to an instructor
led class.
What is the age limit to be eligible to take the Internet course?
Motorists between the ages of 15-18 must appear in court with a parent/legal guardian to be eligible for the Internet course. Motorists over 18 may register for the Internet course via the Court Diversion Envelope or online.