Frequently Asked Questions
Please Note
Why did I receive a Delinquency Notice?
As of the date of the notice you have failed to appear or pay the amount due on your case. The notice is notifying you that failure to appear or pay the amount due within 10 days of the date of the notice will result in additional fees and legal action being taken. This includes but is not limited to a $300.00 civil assessment pursuant to PC 1214.1, a $10.00 DMV recording fee pursuant to CVC 40508.6 and a $15.00 Automated Warrant Fee pursuant to CVC 40508.5. The Court may also submit your case to an outside collection vendor to pursue wage garnishment, bank levies and/or subtract it from your tax refund or lottery winnings. Suspension of driving privileges may be imposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to CVC 40509.5.
Why has my case amount increased by $300.00?
When you fail to pay or appear in court by the due date, the court may impose a $300.00 civil assessment pursuant to PC 1214.1. The civil assessment is in addition to any other fines imposed on the case.
What are the consequences for a failure to appear or pay a fine?
If you fail to appear in Court by your appearance date or fail to pay a court ordered fine, the Court may send a Delinquency Notice. The civil assessment will go into effect 10 calendar days after the court mails you the warning notice. If you do not Reserve a Court Date within the time frame or pay the fine amount shown in the warning notice the Court may take steps to suspend your driver’s license pursuant to CVC 40509/40509.5. The Court may also submit your case to an outside collection vendor to contact your employer and take the amount owed from your wages, bank account(s) or subtract it from your tax refund and/or lottery winnings.
What is considered "good cause?"
If you appear at the Collections Department and show good cause for failure to appear or failure to pay, the Court may vacate your civil assessment. Good cause may be defined as serving in the military overseas, hospitalized, incarcerated, or other extraordinary reason. You must bring written official proof signed by a military officer, doctor or incarceration record to the Collection Department.
My case is in Collections, am I eligible for traffic school?
Although your case is in Collection status, it may still be eligible for Traffic School.
Where may I make a payment on my Collections case?
At any of the Orange County Superior Court Locations below Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm (excluding weekends and holidays).
At the courtesy boxes or door slots located outside of the above listed Court locations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payments, proof of correction with correction fee and properly completed documents placed in drop boxes before 4:00 pm on an open court date will be considered received on the same date.
By calling our automated phone system: (877) 872-2122
By mail:
If you have already appeared in Court and established monthly payments, you may sign up for automated online payments by visiting: https://www.paybill.com/occourts
- Central Justice Center 700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Harbor Justice Center - Newport Beach Facility 4601 Jamboree Road Newport Beach, CA 92660-2595
- North Justice Center 1275 North Berkeley Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832-1258
- West Justice Center 8141 13th Street Westminster, CA 92683-4593
At the courtesy boxes or door slots located outside of the above listed Court locations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Payments, proof of correction with correction fee and properly completed documents placed in drop boxes before 4:00 pm on an open court date will be considered received on the same date.
By calling our automated phone system: (877) 872-2122
By mail:
Superior Court of California County of Orange
P.O. Box 7460
Newport Beach, CA 92658-7460
Check or Money Order should be made payable to: Clerk of the Court
If you have already appeared in Court and established monthly payments, you may sign up for automated online payments by visiting: https://www.paybill.com/occourts
May I contact the Collections Department with questions?
Yes, you may contact the Collections Department with questions regarding your case by calling (877) 872-2122. Have your case number or OC Pay Number ready when calling.
If I reserve a court date, can I get my DMV hold released?
Orange County Superior Court does not release DMV holds for reserving a future court date. A Failure to Appear hold will be released once all counts are adjudicated in Court or if the case is paid in full. A Failure to Pay hold will be released once the case is paid in full or by judicial order.
My case is in Collections, may I request a payment plan?
Your case may be eligible for installment payments without an appearance before a Judicial Officer. For more information you may contact Collections Department by calling (877) 872-2122 or visit any Collections Department Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
What if I have moved?
The Court is under no obligation to try to find your current address. You have an obligation to notify the court while the case is still open of any change of address.