Finding your violation through the NYC Department of Finance website
You can search for a parking violation issued in New York City by going to the Department of Finance's Parking Violations Bureau website and entering your license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN), or violation number. The search is free and takes about a minute. The site will show you the violation date, location, violation code, and the fine amount.
Go to nycserv.nyc.gov/PVB and select "Search Violations." You'll see three search options at the top of the page. Most people start with their license plate because it's the easiest to remember. If you don't know your plate number, you can search by VIN instead — you'll find this on your vehicle registration or insurance card. If you already have a violation number (it appears on the ticket or any notice you received), you can search directly by that.
The results will display all violations tied to that plate or VIN from the past several years. Each violation shows the date it was issued, the street and borough where it happened, the specific violation code (like "Expired Meter" or "No Parking Zone"), and the current fine amount. If you've already paid, the site will show that too.
Key Takeaways
- The NYC Department of Finance Parking Violations Bureau website lets you search by license plate, VIN, or violation number at no cost.
- Search results show the violation date, location, code, and fine amount, plus whether you've already paid.
- If you received a ticket but don't have the violation number, searching by plate or VIN will pull up all violations on that vehicle.
- The same website also lets you pay fines online, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing to contest the violation.
What the violation code tells you
Each violation has a code number that describes what the parking rule was broken. Common codes include "Expired Meter" (code 71), "No Parking Zone" (code 72), "Fire Hydrant" (code 73), and "Double Parking" (code 74). The code matters because it determines the fine amount — some violations cost $45, others $65 or more. The Department of Finance website shows the fine for each code.
When you search and see your violation, the code will appear next to the violation type. If you're not sure what the code means, the Department of Finance publishes a full list of violation codes on their website. Understanding the code helps you decide whether to pay, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing to challenge it.
Searching if you don't have your license plate number
If you've lost your registration or don't remember your plate, you can still search using your VIN. Your VIN is a 17-character code found on your vehicle registration, insurance documents, or the driver's side dashboard. Enter it in the VIN field on the search page, and the system will pull up all violations tied to that vehicle.
If you don't have your VIN either, you can search by violation number if you have a ticket or notice. The violation number is printed at the top of any ticket you received or any mailed notice from the Department of Finance. This is the most direct way to find a specific violation.
Understanding what happens after you find your violation
Once you've found your violation, you have several options. You can pay the fine in full online using a credit or debit card, or you can set up a payment plan if you need more time. You can also request a hearing to contest the violation — this means you're asking a judge to review whether the ticket was issued correctly.
If you want to contest the violation, you have 30 days from the date the ticket was issued to request a hearing. You can do this through the same Department of Finance website. The hearing is usually held by video or phone, and you'll have a chance to explain your side. If you win, the violation is dismissed and you owe nothing. If you lose, you'll owe the fine.
Paying your violation online
The Department of Finance website lets you pay your fine when ready after you search. Click on the violation you want to pay, and you'll see a "Pay Now" button. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or e-check. Payment usually goes through when ready, and you'll get a confirmation number.
If you can't pay the full amount right away, you can set up a payment plan. The Department of Finance offers plans that let you pay in installments over several months. You'll need to set this up through the website or by calling the Parking Violations Bureau at 212-504-0500.
What to do if you can't find your violation
If you search by license plate or VIN and nothing comes up, it's possible the violation hasn't been entered into the system yet. Violations can take a few weeks to appear online after they're issued. If you have a ticket in hand, wait about two weeks and search again by violation number.
If you still can't find it, call the Parking Violations Bureau at 212-504-0500. They can search their records and tell you the status. Have your license plate, VIN, or violation number ready when you call. If the violation was issued in error or you believe there's a mistake, the staff can also explain how to request a hearing.
Requesting a hearing to contest your violation
You have the right to request a hearing within 30 days of the violation date. During the hearing, you can present evidence that the violation was issued incorrectly — for example, that there was no "No Parking" sign, that the meter was working, or that you were parked legally. The hearing officer will listen to both sides and make a decision.
To request a hearing, go back to the Department of Finance website, find your violation, and select "Request a Hearing." You'll answer a few questions about why you believe the violation was wrong. Most hearings are held by video conference or phone call within 30 to 60 days. You don't need a lawyer, and there's no fee to request a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a parking violation to show up online?
Violations usually appear in the system within two to three weeks of being issued. If you received a ticket but can't find it online yet, wait a couple of weeks and search again. If it still doesn't appear after a month, call the Parking Violations Bureau at 212-504-0500.
Can I search for someone else's parking violations?
The search tool is designed for vehicle owners to look up their own violations. You'll need the license plate, VIN, or violation number to search. If you're trying to find information about a violation you received or a vehicle you own, you can search directly. For other situations, contact the Parking Violations Bureau.
What if I lost my ticket and don't have the violation number?
Search by your license plate or VIN instead. The website will show all violations tied to that vehicle, including the one you're looking for. Once you find it, you can pay, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing.
Can I pay a parking violation by mail?
The Department of Finance prefers online payment, but you can also mail a check or money order to the address listed on your ticket or on the Department of Finance website. Include your violation number with your payment. Online payment is faster and gives you an when ready confirmation.
What happens if I ignore a parking violation?
If you don't pay or respond within the important date, the fine increases and the violation can be reported to a collection agency. It may also affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration. The best option is to pay, set up a payment plan, or request a hearing within 30 days of the violation date.