Where to pay your Boston ticket online or by mail

The City of Boston accepts ticket payments through its online portal, by mail, or in person at the Parking Clerk's office. The fastest route is the online system at boston.gov/tickets, where you can pay with a credit or debit card using your ticket number. Payments processed online typically post within one business day.

If you prefer to mail a payment, send a check or money order with your ticket number written on it to the Boston Parking Clerk, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118. 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 on your ticket.

You can also pay in person at the Parking Clerk's office during business hours. Call 311 or visit boston.gov to confirm current hours before you go, since office hours change seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through boston.gov/tickets is the fastest method and posts within one business day.
  • You will need your ticket number to pay online, by phone, or by mail — it appears on the ticket itself.
  • Mailed payments take five to ten business days to process, so do not use this method if your payment important date is soon.
  • The Parking Clerk's office accepts in-person payments during business hours, but call 311 first to confirm hours.
  • Paying your ticket does not waive your right to contest it if you believe the ticket was issued in error.

What information you need to pay online

To pay through the online system, have your ticket number ready — it is printed on the ticket itself, usually at the top or bottom. You will also need a valid credit or debit card. The system does not require you to create an account; you can pay as a guest using just the ticket number and card information.

If you have lost your ticket or cannot find the number, call the Parking Clerk at 311 and provide your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN). The office can look up your ticket and give you the number over the phone, or they can direct you to pay by other means.

Payment methods and fees

Online payments accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The City of Boston does not charge a processing fee for online payments, so the amount you pay is exactly what the ticket costs.

In-person payments at the Parking Clerk's office accept cash, check, or card. Mailed payments must be by check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by check and it bounces, the city will contact you about resubmitting payment plus any returned-check fees.

What happens after you pay

Once your payment posts, the ticket is considered satisfied. You will not receive a confirmation email or letter from the city for online payments, but you can log back into boston.gov/tickets and search your ticket number to verify the payment went through. Keep your receipt or confirmation number if the system provides one.

If you paid by mail, the Parking Clerk's office will send you a receipt once the check clears. This can take two to three weeks. If you need proof of payment before then, call 311 and ask them to confirm the payment status using your ticket number.

If you want to contest the ticket instead of paying

You have the right to contest a ticket through the City of Boston's administrative hearing process. This is separate from paying — you do not have to pay first to contest. To request a hearing, contact the Parking Clerk's office by phone at 311 or visit boston.gov/tickets to find the hearing request form.

The important date to request a hearing is usually 21 days from the ticket date, though this varies depending on the type of violation. Request a hearing before that important date passes, because once it does, you lose the right to contest and the ticket becomes final. If you request a hearing and lose, you will then be required to pay the full ticket amount.

Common reasons payments fail or get delayed

Online payments sometimes fail if your card information does not match what your bank has on file, or if your card has expired or been flagged for fraud. If your payment is declined, try again with a different card or call 311 to pay over the phone with a representative.

Mailed payments get delayed when the check number is not written on the envelope, when the ticket number is missing from the check itself, or when the payment arrives at the wrong address. Always write your ticket number on the front of your check and mail to the address listed on the ticket or on boston.gov.

If you are unsure whether your payment went through after waiting the expected time, call 311 with your ticket number and ask them to check the status. Do not assume silence means the payment failed — the city's system can take up to two weeks to fully process mailed payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Boston ticket by phone?

Yes. Call 311 and ask to pay a parking ticket. A representative can take your payment over the phone using a credit or debit card. This method is useful if you are having trouble with the online system or prefer to speak with someone directly.

What if I lost my ticket and do not have the ticket number?

Call 311 and provide your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN). The Parking Clerk's office can look up all outstanding tickets on your vehicle and give you the ticket numbers. You can then pay online or ask the representative to process payment over the phone.

Do I have to pay before I can contest a ticket?

No. You can request a hearing to contest the ticket without paying first. However, if you lose the hearing, you will be required to pay the full amount. Request a hearing within 21 days of the ticket date through boston.gov/tickets or by calling 311.

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

Online payments usually post within one business day. Mailed payments take five to ten business days. If more time has passed and the ticket still shows unpaid, call 311 with your ticket number and payment confirmation. A representative can investigate and correct the status if there was an error.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount at once?

Contact the Parking Clerk's office at 311 to discuss payment options. The city may be able to work out a plan depending on the ticket amount and your situation, but this is not automatic and must be arranged directly with the office.