Where to pay your Boston parking ticket

You can pay a Boston parking ticket through the city's Parking Clerk's Office in three ways: online through the city website, by mail, or in person at their office in downtown Boston. The online method is fastest and available 24/7. Payment by mail takes longer but requires no trip downtown. In-person payment at the Parking Clerk's Office lets you ask questions and resolve issues the same day, though you may wait in line.

The Parking Clerk's Office is located at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends and city holidays. If you cannot visit during business hours, online or mail payment is your option.

You will need your ticket number to pay by any method. The ticket number appears on the parking violation notice you received on your windshield or by mail. Have this number ready before you start the payment process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the city website is the fastest method and works any time of day or night.
  • You need your ticket number, which is printed on the violation notice you received.
  • Payment by mail takes one to two weeks to process, so send it early if a important date is approaching.
  • The Parking Clerk's Office at 100 Hanover Street accepts in-person payments Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Late payment can result in additional fees and may affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration.

Paying online through the city website

The City of Boston's online parking ticket payment system is run through their official website. Go to the city's parking violations payment page and enter your ticket number. The system will pull up the violation details, the amount owed, and any late fees that have been added.

You can pay with a credit card or debit card. The city charges a processing fee for online payments, which varies but is typically a few dollars. This fee is added to your total at checkout. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Keep this number for your records.

Online payment is processed within one business day. You will not receive a mailed receipt, so save your confirmation email or screenshot the confirmation page. If you need a receipt for insurance or other purposes, you can contact the Parking Clerk's Office and request one.

Paying by mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the full amount owed. Do not send cash. Make the check payable to "City of Boston." Write your ticket number on the back of the check so the office can match it to your violation.

Mail your payment to: Parking Clerk's Office, 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. Include a copy of your parking violation notice if you have it, though it is not required. Payment by mail typically takes one to two weeks to process and post to your account.

The risk of mailing payment is that it may arrive after a important date if you are close to one. If you have a court date or a registration renewal important date coming up, use online payment or pay in person instead. Keep a copy of what you send and note the date you mailed it in case there is a dispute about when payment was received.

Paying in person at the Parking Clerk's Office

The Parking Clerk's Office accepts cash, checks, and card payments in person. Bring your parking violation notice and a form of payment. If you are paying by check, make it payable to "City of Boston" and write your ticket number on the back.

The office is located at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108, on the first floor. Parking is available in nearby lots and garages; street parking in that area is metered and may have time limits. Plan to arrive early if you are going during peak hours, as the office can be busy in the morning and around lunchtime.

When you pay in person, you receive a receipt when ready. This is useful if you need proof of payment for a court case or to show your insurance company. You can also ask questions about the violation or discuss payment plans if you cannot pay the full amount at once.

Understanding late fees and payment important date

Boston parking tickets have a important date for payment, usually 21 days from the date the ticket was issued. If you do not pay by this date, the city adds a late fee to your balance. The late fee amount varies depending on the original violation amount, but it is typically 10 to 20 percent of the ticket cost.

If you miss the initial important date, you may receive a second notice in the mail with the updated amount due. Continuing to ignore the ticket can result in additional penalties, suspension of your vehicle registration, or a hold on your license renewal. The city can also refer unpaid tickets to a collection agency.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, contact the Parking Clerk's Office before the important date passes. They may offer a payment plan that lets you pay in installments. Calling ahead is better than ignoring the ticket, as it shows you are working to resolve it.

What to do if you dispute the ticket

If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, you had a valid permit, the meter was broken, or the sign was unclear — you can contest it. You do not have to pay the ticket to file a dispute. Instead, you have the right to request a hearing before the Parking Clerk or a hearing officer.

To request a hearing, contact the Parking Clerk's Office in person, by mail, or by phone. Include your ticket number and a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket was wrongly issued. The office will schedule a hearing date and send you a notice by mail. Hearings are held at 100 Hanover Street and usually take place within 30 to 60 days of your request.

At the hearing, you can present evidence such as photos of the parking sign, proof of a valid permit, or testimony about the condition of the meter. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If they uphold the ticket, you will be ordered to pay and given a new important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't pay my Boston parking ticket?

Late fees are added after 21 days, and the city can suspend your vehicle registration or place a hold on your license renewal. Unpaid tickets may also be sent to a collection agency, which can affect your credit. The safest approach is to pay or dispute the ticket before the important date.

Can I pay a Boston parking ticket by phone?

The Parking Clerk's Office does not accept phone payments directly. You must pay online, by mail, or in person. Online payment is the quickest alternative if you cannot visit the office.

Is there a payment plan option for parking tickets?

Yes, the Parking Clerk's Office may offer a payment plan if you contact them before the important date and explain your situation. Call or visit in person to discuss your options. Having a plan in place is better than missing the important date entirely.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up?

Online payments are typically processed within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment, but it may take a day or two for the payment to appear on your account with the city.

Can I get a receipt for my parking ticket payment?

If you pay online, save your confirmation email or screenshot. If you pay in person, you receive a receipt when ready. If you pay by mail, keep a copy of your check or money order and note the mailing date. You can also request a receipt from the Parking Clerk's Office by phone or in person.