Where to pay your Boston parking ticket

You can pay a Boston parking ticket through the city's Parking Clerk's office online, by mail, or in person. The online portal at boston.gov/parking is the fastest route — you enter your ticket number and pay by credit card or debit card without leaving home. Payments processed online typically post within one business day.

If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order to the Boston Parking Clerk, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118. Include your ticket number and a copy of the ticket itself so the payment reaches the right account. Mail payments take longer to process — usually five to ten business days — so use this method only if you have time before any important date.

In-person payment happens at the Parking Clerk's office at the same address. You can pay by cash, check, or card during business hours. Call 617-635-4410 to confirm current hours before you go, since they change seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • The online payment portal at boston.gov/parking is the fastest way to pay and processes within one business day.
  • You will need your ticket number to pay online, by mail, or in person.
  • Mail payments take five to ten business days, so do not use this method if you are close to a court date or boot important date.
  • The Parking Clerk's office is at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue; call 617-635-4410 to confirm hours before visiting.
  • Paying the ticket does not erase it from your record, but it stops additional penalties and prevents a boot or license suspension.

What happens if you do not pay by the important date

Boston adds a late fee to unpaid tickets after a set number of days. The exact amount depends on the original violation, but late fees typically range from $25 to $50. After the late fee period passes, the city can place a boot on your vehicle, preventing you from driving it until you pay in full.

If you ignore the ticket long enough, the Registry of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license or registration. This happens when the debt is referred to the state, and it affects your ability to renew your registration or pass an inspection. The suspension stays in place until the ticket and all accumulated fees are paid.

How to dispute a ticket instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before a Parking Clerk Hearing Officer. You must request the hearing within 21 days of the ticket date. Submit your request in writing to the Parking Clerk at the address above, or call 617-635-4410 to ask about the current process for hearing requests.

At the hearing, you can present evidence that the violation did not occur — for example, a photo showing the sign was obscured, or documentation that you had a valid permit. The hearing officer will decide whether to uphold or dismiss the ticket. If you lose, you still owe the original fine, and the 21-day window to request a hearing will have passed.

Payment plans if you cannot pay in full

The Parking Clerk's office may offer a payment plan for tickets you cannot pay when ready. Contact them at 617-635-4410 to ask whether a plan is available for your ticket and what the terms are. Payment plans typically require you to pay a portion upfront and the rest in installments over a set period.

A payment plan stops late fees and prevents a boot while you pay, but you must make each payment on time. If you miss a payment, the plan can be cancelled and the full amount becomes due again. Get any plan agreement in writing so you have proof of the terms.

Understanding the ticket itself

Your parking ticket shows the violation code, the date and time you parked, the location, and the fine amount. The ticket number appears at the top — this is what you need to pay online or by mail. The ticket also shows the date by which you must pay or request a hearing; this important date is usually 21 days from the ticket date.

If the ticket is unclear or you cannot read the violation code, call the Parking Clerk at 617-635-4410 and have your ticket number ready. They can tell you what the violation was and confirm the amount owed. Do not guess at the amount — paying the wrong sum can leave your ticket unpaid.

Paying by phone or through a third party

The City of Boston does not currently offer phone payment for parking tickets through the Parking Clerk's office. Some third-party websites claim to process Boston parking payments, but using them adds a middleman fee and delays. The official online portal at boston.gov/parking has no extra fee and is the most direct route.

If you use a third-party site, verify that it is actually connected to the city and not a separate business collecting payment. The safest approach is to pay through boston.gov/parking, by mail to the Parking Clerk, or in person at their office.

What to do if you lost your ticket

If you do not have the physical ticket, you can still pay online if you know your ticket number. The ticket number may appear on a photo or email if the ticket was issued electronically. If you cannot find the number, call the Parking Clerk at 617-635-4410 with your license plate number, and they can look up the ticket in their system.

Once you have the ticket number, you can pay through boston.gov/parking. If you prefer to pay by mail or in person, you can still do so — just provide as much information as you have (license plate, location, date) so the payment is matched to the correct ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Boston parking ticket online with a credit card?

Yes. The online portal at boston.gov/parking accepts credit cards and debit cards. You enter your ticket number, and the payment posts within one business day. There is no extra fee for paying online.

What if I pay online but the ticket still shows as unpaid?

Online payments usually post within one business day, but it can take up to three. If more than three days have passed and the ticket still shows unpaid, call the Parking Clerk at 617-635-4410 with your confirmation number from the payment. They can check whether the payment was received and applied.

Do I have to pay the ticket if I was parked legally?

No. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing within 21 days of the ticket date. At the hearing, you present evidence that you were parked legally — for example, a valid permit or a photo of the sign. The hearing officer decides whether to dismiss the ticket.

What happens if I pay late?

Late fees are added after a set number of days. After that, the city can boot your vehicle. If the debt goes unpaid long enough, the Registry of Motor Vehicles can suspend your license or registration. Paying as soon as you can stops these escalating penalties.

Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?

Yes. You can pay online using their ticket number, by mail, or in person at the Parking Clerk's office. You do not need to be the registered owner of the vehicle to pay the ticket. Provide the ticket number and the payment amount, and it will be applied to that ticket.