Where to pay your Philadelphia parking ticket
You can pay a Philadelphia parking ticket through the city's Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at their office. The online method is fastest — you can pay within minutes using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. If you prefer mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket. In-person payment happens at the Department of Revenue office at 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Before you pay, locate your ticket number. It appears in the upper right corner of the citation you received. You will need this number to look up your ticket online or to reference it in any correspondence with the city.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at the Department of Revenue website using your ticket number, which takes minutes and accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
- Mail payment to 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 with your ticket number clearly written on the check or money order.
- Pay in person at the Department of Revenue office at 1401 Arch Street during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Payment must be received before the due date shown on your ticket to avoid additional penalties and collection action.
Paying online through the city website
Go to the Department of Revenue website and select the parking ticket payment option. Enter your ticket number and the amount due, which is printed on your citation. The system will display your ticket details so you can verify the information is correct before proceeding.
Choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Credit and debit cards are processed when ready. Electronic checks take one to two business days to clear. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email — save this for your records. The city considers your ticket paid once the payment is processed, not when it arrives in their account.
Paying by mail with a check or money order
Write a check or obtain a money order for the full amount due. On the back of the check or money order, write your ticket number clearly. This is the only way the city can match your payment to your specific ticket.
Mail your payment to: Department of Revenue, 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Include a copy of your ticket if possible, though the ticket number on the check is what matters. Mail typically takes five to seven business days to arrive. The city stamps the date received, so mail your payment well before the due date to avoid late fees. If you are close to the important date, pay online instead.
Paying in person at the Department of Revenue office
Visit 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring your ticket and a form of payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The staff will process your payment on the spot and give you a receipt.
Parking is available in the building's lot. If you cannot visit during regular hours, online payment is your fastest option and works at any time of day.
What happens if you miss the payment important date
The due date is printed on your ticket. If payment is not received by that date, the city adds a late penalty to your balance. The amount varies but typically ranges from $50 to $100 depending on how overdue the ticket is. Unpaid tickets can also result in a boot being placed on your vehicle, preventing you from driving it until the full amount is paid.
If your ticket goes unpaid for an extended period, the city may refer it to a collection agency. This can affect your credit report and may result in wage garnishment or bank account levy. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans — some tickets may be may be able to access for installment arrangements.
Disputing a ticket instead of paying
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it rather than pay. You have 30 days from the ticket date to file a dispute. Submit your challenge through the Department of Revenue website or by mail to the same address listed above.
Include a written explanation of why you believe the ticket is incorrect — for example, if the meter was broken, if you were parked legally, or if the signage was unclear. Attach photos if you have them. The city will review your dispute and either dismiss the ticket, uphold it, or offer a hearing. If you request a hearing, you can present your case in person or by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Philadelphia parking ticket by phone?
No, the city does not accept phone payments for parking tickets. You must pay online, by mail, or in person. Online payment is the quickest method and available 24 hours a day.
What if I lost my ticket and don't have the ticket number?
Contact the Department of Revenue at 311 or visit their website to look up your ticket using your license plate number. You will need to verify your vehicle information, and they can provide your ticket number so you can pay online or by mail.
Do I get a refund if I pay early?
No, parking tickets do not offer early-payment discounts or refunds. The amount due is fixed. Pay by the due date to avoid late penalties, but paying early does not reduce what you owe.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the city's system?
Credit and debit card payments are processed when ready and appear in the city's system the same day. Electronic check payments take one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation number right away regardless of payment method.
What if my vehicle was towed — do I still have to pay the parking ticket?
Yes, the parking ticket and any towing or impound fees are separate charges. You must pay both the ticket and the towing fee to recover your vehicle. Contact the city's towing contractor or the Department of Revenue for details on towing costs.