Where to Pay Your Los Angeles Parking Ticket

You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket through the city's Department of Transportation (LADOT) online portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The fastest method is the online portal at ladot.lacity.gov/issuedtickets, where you can search for your ticket by citation number or license plate and pay when ready with a credit or debit card. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket, call the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700, or visit a payment location in person.

Payment locations are scattered across Los Angeles, with the main office at 221 North Figueroa Street, downtown. Before visiting in person, check the LADOT website for current hours and any locations near you, since some satellite offices have limited schedules. Whichever method you choose, have your citation number ready — it appears at the top of your ticket and is the fastest way to look up what you owe.

Key Takeaways

  • The online payment portal at ladot.lacity.gov/issuedtickets is the fastest way to pay and accepts credit or debit cards.
  • You can also pay by phone at (323) 529-3700, by mail to the address on your ticket, or in person at LADOT offices.
  • Payment important date vary depending on when you received the ticket, so check the due date printed on the back of your citation.
  • If you pay late, the city adds penalties and may report the debt to a collection agency or suspend your vehicle registration.
  • You have the right to contest the ticket before paying if you believe it was issued in error.

What Information You Need to Pay

To pay online or by phone, you will need either your citation number or your vehicle's license plate number. The citation number is printed at the top of your ticket and is the quickest way to locate your record. If you have lost the physical ticket, the license plate number will also work — the system will pull up any outstanding citations tied to that plate.

When paying by mail, include the citation number and a check or money order for the full amount shown on your ticket. Write the citation number on the back of your check so the city can match the payment to the correct ticket. Mail it to the address printed on the back of your ticket; do not assume all tickets go to the same address, as some may be processed through different departments.

Understanding Parking Ticket Amounts and Due Dates

Parking ticket fines in Los Angeles range depending on the violation — parking in a red zone, expired meter, or no-parking zone each carry different base amounts. The exact fine for your ticket is printed on the citation itself. The due date is also on your ticket, typically 21 days from the date of issue, though this can vary.

If you pay after the due date, the city adds a late penalty on top of the original fine. The longer you wait, the more you owe. If your ticket remains unpaid for several months, the city may refer it to a collection agency, which can damage your credit and result in additional collection fees. In some cases, the city can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal until the ticket is paid.

Paying Online Through the LADOT Portal

Go to ladot.lacity.gov/issuedtickets and enter either your citation number or license plate number in the search box. The system will display any outstanding tickets tied to that number, along with the fine amount and due date. Review the ticket details to make sure you are paying the correct violation.

Once you have confirmed the ticket, select the payment option and enter your credit or debit card information. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after payment goes through, and the city will send you a receipt by email if you provide an address. Keep this confirmation number in case you need to dispute the payment later.

Paying by Mail or Phone

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the full amount on your ticket and include the citation number on the back of the check. Mail it to the address printed on the back of your ticket. The city processes mail payments within two to three weeks, so if you are close to the due date, consider using another method. Include a copy of your ticket if possible so the city can match the payment when ready.

To pay by phone, call the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700 during business hours. Have your citation number and a credit or debit card ready. The representative will look up your ticket, confirm the amount, and process the payment over the phone. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call.

What Happens After You Pay

Once your payment is processed, the ticket is marked as paid in the city's system. You will not receive a physical receipt in the mail unless you request one, but you can log back into the online portal with your citation number to confirm the payment went through. If you paid online or by phone, keep your confirmation number for your records.

If you paid by mail, allow two to three weeks for the city to process and post the payment. If you do not see the ticket marked as paid after that time, contact LADOT at (323) 529-3700 with your confirmation number or cancelled check to verify the payment was received. Paying a ticket does not remove it from your driving record, but it does prevent additional penalties and collection action.

Contesting a Ticket Instead of Paying

If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, the sign was missing, you had a valid permit, or the meter was broken — you have the right to contest it before paying. You must request a hearing within 21 days of the ticket date. You can request a hearing online through the LADOT portal, by mail, or by phone at (323) 529-3700.

When you request a hearing, explain why you believe the ticket should not have been issued and include any evidence — photos of the area, proof of a permit, or documentation that the meter was malfunctioning. A hearing officer will review your case and either dismiss the ticket or uphold it. If the ticket is upheld, you will then owe the fine. If you do not contest the ticket and do not pay by the due date, you cannot contest it later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Los Angeles parking ticket with cash in person?

Yes, the main LADOT office at 221 North Figueroa Street accepts cash payments. Some satellite locations may also accept cash, but it is best to call ahead or check the website to confirm. Bring your citation number and the exact amount or be prepared for change.

What happens if I do not pay my parking ticket?

Late penalties are added to your fine, and after several months the city may refer the debt to a collection agency. The city can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, preventing you from renewing your tags until the ticket is paid. In rare cases, unpaid tickets can affect your credit score.

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

Online payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number right away. The ticket should show as paid in the system within 24 hours. If it does not, contact LADOT with your confirmation number to verify the payment was received.

Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?

Yes, you can pay a ticket for another person's vehicle if you have the citation number. You do not need to be the registered owner to pay online or by phone. The payment will be credited to that citation regardless of who submits it.

Is there a payment plan option if I cannot pay the full amount at once?

The standard LADOT system does not offer payment plans through the online portal. However, you can contact the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700 to discuss your situation — in some cases, they may be able to work with you on timing or refer you to other resources.