Where to Pay Your Boston Parking Ticket
You can pay a Boston parking ticket through the city's official parking violations website, by mail, or in person at the Boston Transportation Department. The online option is fastest — you can pay within minutes using a credit or debit card, and you'll get a confirmation number when ready. If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address on your ticket, or visit the Transportation Department office in person during business hours.
The ticket itself tells you the exact amount due and includes a case number you'll need to reference. Keep that ticket handy no matter which payment method you choose. If you've lost your ticket or don't have the case number, you can look up your violation on the city website using your license plate number.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the official Boston parking violations website using your ticket number or license plate to find your violation.
- Online payment takes minutes and you receive a confirmation number, which serves as your proof of payment.
- Mail payments should include your ticket number and be sent to the address printed on your citation.
- Paying by the due date shown on your ticket stops additional penalties from being added to your account.
- If you disagree with the ticket, you can request a hearing instead of paying, though this must happen before the due date.
Paying Online Through the City Website
Go to the Boston parking violations payment portal and enter either your ticket number or your license plate number. The system will pull up your violation details, including the fine amount and the due date. You'll then enter your payment information — the site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A processing fee applies to online payments, which the system will show you before you complete the transaction.
After you submit payment, the website generates a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot — it's your proof that the city received your payment. The confirmation appears on screen when ready and is also sent to the email address you provide. Payments typically post to your account within one business day, though the city may take up to five business days to update your record.
Paying by Mail
Write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash. On the back of the check, write your ticket number and license plate number so the city can match your payment to your violation. Include the ticket itself or a copy of it in the envelope.
Mail everything to the address printed on your ticket — this is usually the Boston Transportation Department's processing center. The postmark date matters: as long as your envelope is postmarked by the due date, the city considers it on time, even if it arrives a few days later. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records. Mail payments take longer to process than online payments, typically two to three weeks.
Paying in Person at the Transportation Department
The Boston Transportation Department office is located at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. You can pay in person during business hours with cash, check, or card. Bring your ticket with you. The staff can answer questions about your violation and process your payment on the spot, giving you a receipt when ready.
Call ahead at the main city line or check the department's website for current hours, as they vary by season and may change without notice. In-person payment is useful if you need a receipt the same day or if you want to ask questions about the violation before paying.
What Happens If You Miss the Due Date
If you don't pay by the due date on your ticket, the city adds a late penalty to your balance. This penalty increases the total amount you owe. The city may also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or report the debt to a collection agency. If you've missed the important date but want to pay now, you can still do so — the system will show you the updated amount owed, including any penalties.
If you believe you have a valid reason for missing the important date, you can contact the Transportation Department to ask about a payment plan or extension. This is not may provide, but it's worth asking before the debt goes to collections.
Requesting a Hearing Instead of Paying
If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a defense, you can request a hearing before the Parking Clerk instead of paying. You must request the hearing before the due date on your ticket. The request form is available on the city website or at the Transportation Department office. Submit it by mail or in person, and include a brief explanation of why you're contesting the ticket.
The Parking Clerk will schedule a hearing, usually within 30 to 60 days. You'll have the chance to present your side of the story. If the Clerk rules in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the Clerk upholds the ticket, you'll be ordered to pay the fine. Requesting a hearing does not stop the clock on the due date — if you miss the important date to request a hearing, you lose the right to contest the ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Boston parking ticket with a credit card by phone?
No. The city does not accept phone payments for parking tickets. You must pay online through the official website, by mail, or in person. Avoid any third-party websites or phone numbers claiming to process Boston parking payments — these are often scams.
What if I paid online but didn't get a confirmation number?
Check your email, including your spam folder, for a confirmation message from the city. If you don't find one, log back into the parking violations website and search for your ticket again — it should show as paid. If it still shows unpaid, contact the Transportation Department to verify whether your payment went through.
Do I need to bring my ticket to pay in person?
Yes. Bring the original ticket or a clear copy. The staff will need the ticket number and your license plate to process the payment. If you've lost your ticket, you can still pay in person — the staff can look up your violation using your plate number.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the system?
The city typically updates its records within one business day of an online payment, though it may take up to five business days. Your confirmation number is proof of payment even if the website hasn't updated yet. If more than five business days have passed and your account still shows unpaid, contact the Transportation Department.
What if I disagree with the fine amount?
Request a hearing before the due date. At the hearing, you can argue that the violation was issued incorrectly or that the fine amount is wrong. The Parking Clerk can dismiss the ticket or uphold it, but cannot reduce the fine amount — fines are set by city law.