How to Pay (and When to Fight) Detroit Blight Tickets Online
Category: Operational Guide
Reading Time: 3 Minutes
So, you’ve decided to pay. Maybe the ticket is valid, or maybe the $50 fine isn't worth your time to contest.
Here is the operational guide to clearing the debt correctly so it doesn't haunt your title later.
Step 1: Verification (The "Stop" Sign)
Before you pay, check the address. We frequently see investors pay tickets that belong to:
- A property they sold 6 months ago.
- A property with a similar address (e.g., 2020 Boston Blvd vs 2020 Chicago Blvd).
Warning: Paying the ticket is an Admission of Responsibility. Once you pay, you cannot appeal. You cannot get a refund. You accept the "guilt."
- Why this matters: Frequent "Guilty" findings can flag you as a "Repeat Offender," leading to higher fines on future tickets.
Step 2: The Official Portal
There is only one official portal for Civil Infraction payments:
- The DAH Blight Ticket Payment Portal (divdatkiosknetwork.com or detroitmi.gov).
- Do not use third-party aggregators.
Step 3: Save the Receipt (The "CoC" Proof)
When you pay, the system updates instantly, BUT the "Blight Clearance" database used by BSEED for permits often lags by 24-48 hours.
Crucial Step: Save the PDF receipt. If you are applying for a rental Certificate of Compliance (CoC) or a building permit, you may need to upload this receipt manually to prove the judgment is satisfied, rather than waiting for the databases to sync.
What if I can't pay it all?
If you have accumulated thousands in fines (e.g., from a bulk purchase of distressed homes), the DAH does offer Payment Plans.
- Requirement: You usually must pay 10% down.
- Benefit: Entering a plan clears the "Hold" on your driver's license and garnishments.
- Risk: If you miss one payment, the entire amount becomes due immediately.