The Central Violations Bureau (CVB) is a national center responsible for processing federal citations for violations occurring on tribal lands or federal property. The CVB also processes citations for violations of federal law that occur outside federal property as well, such as migratory bird offenses that occur on private land.
About Your Violation Notice
A violation notice or "ticket" may be issued by a federal law enforcement officer for violations of certain federal laws and, if occurring on federal property, certain state laws.
Violation notices are mailed by law enforcement to the CVB for processing. The CVB will mail you a Notice to Appear in court approximately four (4) weeks prior to your court date. If you have not received a Notice to Appear within 45 days of receiving your ticket, call the CVB at 800-827-2982.
Unless your appearance is mandatory, you may pay your ticket in advance using the link below, or you may appear in court to contest your ticket. Please note that the Court will not report moving violations to the state DMV that have been paid, unless the violation would result in an immediate suspension of your license under state law. If you wish to appear in court to contest your ticket, you must appear at the time, date, and court location indicated on your ticket or on your Notice to Appear.
For general information regarding your ticket or if you have moved since receiving your ticket, call the CVB at 800-827-2982 during normal business hours.
Paying Your Ticket
Pay Online
Paying online with Pay.gov is safe, secure, and the preferred method to make a payment. To make a payment click the “Pay Online” button below. If you have been ordered to pay restitution, you will need to pay the restitution directly to the Court and will not be able to make restitution payments online.
Pay By Mail
Include your location code and violation number on all payments for proper credit. Mail your check or money order to the following address:
Central Violations Bureau
P.O. Box 780549
San Antonio, TX 78278-0549
If you have been ordered to pay restitution, you will need to pay the restitution directly to the Court and will not be able to make restitution payments to the Central Violations Bureau directly.
Mandatory Appearance
If your ticket is marked "Mandatory Appearance"-or if there is no amount due shown on your ticket or Notice to Appear–you must appear at the date, time, and court location indicated on your ticket or Notice to Appear.
Failure to Pay or Appear
If you fail to pay your fine or appear in court at the date and time scheduled on the ticket or Notice to Appear, the Court may issue a summons ordering your appearance or issue a warrant for your arrest.
If you are charged with a motor vehicle violation, the Court may also report your failure to pay or appear to the DMV of your state, which may affect your driving and/or registration privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I received a federal ticket?
This site is designed to allow on-line payments of FEDERAL TICKETS ONLY! Click here to see an image of a federal ticket. If the ticket you received does not say "U.S. District Court Violation Notice" across the top, then you did not receive a federal ticket. Federal tickets are issued by law enforcement personnel from agencies such as the U.S. Park Police; U.S. Fish & Wildlife; Department of Defense Police; Air Force, Marines & Navy Security Forces; U.S. Postal Police; U.S. Customs and V.A. Police.
How do I pay my ticket?
You can pay online by clicking here. You may also make a payment by calling the CVB during normal business hours at (800) 827-2982 or mail a check or money order to:
Central Violations Bureau
P.O. Box 780549
San Antonio, TX 78278-0549
Make sure to include the location code and violation number on your payment. If you have been ordered to pay restitution, you will need to pay the restitution directly to the Court and will not be able to make restitution payments online.
Can I avoid the assessment of points on my driving record if I pay my ticket prior to my court date?
In most cases, yes. Points are only assessed when courts report moving violations to the state department of motor vehicles. The Court will not report moving violations that have been paid, unless the violation would result in an immediate suspension of your license under state law.
I want to contest my ticket in court, but I don’t have a court date written on my ticket. When should I appear?
The CVB will notify you of your court date by mail. You will receive a Notice to Appear usually within 4 to 8 weeks from issuance of the ticket.
I received a violation notice marked "mandatory." Do I have to appear in court?
If your ticket is marked "Mandatory Appearance"-or if there is no amount due shown on your ticket or Notice to Appear-you must appear at the date, time, and court location indicated on your ticket.
When is my payment due?
To avoid having to appear in court, all payments must be received on or before the scheduled court date.
If I pay my ticket online on the day of my scheduled court appearance, do I still need to appear?
The Court will be notified of your payment. You will not have to appear in court.
How does attending traffic school or defensive driving classes affect my ticket?
There is no mechanism for automatically dismissing your ticket. Any special requests, such as a attending driving school, must be discussed with the prosecuting attorney.
What should I bring to court?
Please bring a valid photo ID to enter a federal building and your citation and/or notice to appear. You can also bring any proof or information that you believe will be helpful. Cell phones or other electronic devices are prohibited.