How It Works

Four steps: upload your ticket, tell your side in your own words, review, edit and sign your declaration, then mail it to your court.

1Step 1

Upload your ticket

Snap a photo or upload a PDF. TicketClear reads the citation number, violation code, court and due date. You confirm the details.

What if the scan gets something wrong?

You can edit any field before continuing. If you prefer, you can skip the photo and enter everything manually.

2Step 2

Tell your side in your own words

Write what happened, then answer a few plain-English questions about your stop. Include only what is true.

What if none of the factors apply?

Select the ones that come closest. There are optional text fields where you can describe your specific circumstances.

3Step 3

Review, edit and sign your declaration

TicketClear turns your story and answers into a court-ready written declaration and the TR-205 form. You read it, edit anything, and sign it. $49.99 when you're ready to download.

4Step 4

Mail it to your court

We give you your court's mailing address and a checklist. Print it, include your bail deposit, and mail it yourself. We recommend USPS Certified Mail.

About Your Bail Deposit

When you receive a traffic ticket, you typically post a bail deposit equal to the fine amount. This deposit is separate from TicketClear's service fee.

Your bail depositUsually equal to the fine

The judge decides

If the judge rules in your favor

Your deposit is refunded

If the judge finds you guilty

Your deposit is applied to the fine

Contesting is not risk-free. If the judge finds you guilty, you have the same conviction and the same DMV points as if you had paid, and your bail deposit is applied to the fine, but the judge can set a fine higher or lower than the bail. Going to trial does not make you ineligible for traffic school, but after a guilty finding it is up to the judge.

Need More Time?

If your court deadline is approaching and you need more time to prepare, you may be able to request a continuance (an extension) from the court.

Whether you get one, and for how long, is up to the court, so ask before your due date passes.

Learn how to request a continuance

What traffic courts do we cover?

TicketClear covers all 58 California counties. Your instructions give your traffic court’s mailing address and any forms or steps your county’s court adds. Where each courthouse takes its own mail, we use the court printed on your ticket and ask you to confirm it.

Find your Traffic Court

Ready to check your eligibility?

Answer 4 quick questions to see if your ticket qualifies. No account or payment required to check.

Check if my ticket qualifiesTakes 2 minutes. No payment required to check.