Where to pay your San Diego ticket online or by mail

The City of San Diego accepts ticket payments through its official website at sandiego.gov/general-services/payments, by phone at 619-236-5500, by mail, or in person at the Traffic Division office. Online payment is the fastest route — you can pay when ready with a debit or credit card using your citation number, which appears on the ticket itself.

If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket. The city processes mailed payments within 7 to 10 business days. In-person payment is available at the Traffic Division, located at 1220 Third Avenue, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92101, during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone payment requires your citation number and a credit or debit card. The city charges a convenience fee for online and phone payments, which varies depending on the payment method. Check the payment page for the current fee before you complete the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay online at sandiego.gov/general-services/payments using your citation number and a debit or credit card.
  • Mailed payments should be sent to the address on the back of your ticket and take 7 to 10 business days to process.
  • Phone payment at 619-236-5500 is available during business hours and requires your citation number.
  • The city charges a convenience fee for online and phone payments; in-person and mailed payments do not incur this fee.
  • In-person payment is available at 1220 Third Avenue, Suite 200, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What information you need before you pay

Your citation number is the most important piece of information you will need. This number appears on the front of your ticket and is used to look up your record in the city's system. If you have lost your physical ticket, you can still locate your citation number by calling the Traffic Division at 619-236-5500 and providing your driver's license number and vehicle license plate.

If you are paying by mail or in person, you may also want to have your driver's license number and vehicle information handy to speed up the process. For online payment, the citation number alone is usually sufficient, though the system may ask for your name and date of birth to confirm your identity.

Payment important date and what happens if you miss one

The important date to pay or respond to a San Diego traffic or parking ticket is typically 21 days from the date the ticket was issued. This important date is printed on the back of your ticket. If you do not pay or contest the ticket by that date, the city may add late fees and report the violation to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Late payment can result in additional penalties, suspension of your vehicle registration, and a hold on your driver's license renewal. If you believe you cannot meet the important date, you may request a payment plan or extension by contacting the Traffic Division before the due date. The city sometimes grants extensions or allows payment in installments, depending on your circumstances.

Paying a parking ticket versus a moving violation

San Diego handles parking tickets and moving violations (such as speeding or running a red light) through the same payment system, but they have different consequences. A parking ticket is a civil matter and does not add points to your driving record. A moving violation does add points and may affect your insurance rates.

Both types of tickets can be paid using the same methods — online, by phone, by mail, or in person. However, if you received a moving violation and want to contest it, you have the right to request a hearing. Parking tickets also allow for a hearing, but the process and grounds for contesting differ. If you are unsure which type of ticket you received, check the citation itself or call the Traffic Division.

Contesting a ticket instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a valid defense, you can request a hearing instead of paying. To contest a ticket, you must submit a written request within 21 days of the ticket date. You can submit your request online through sandiego.gov, by mail to the address on your ticket, or in person at the Traffic Division.

When you request a hearing, you will be assigned a date to appear before a hearing officer. You can present evidence, testimony, or documents that support your case. If the hearing officer rules in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the officer upholds the ticket, you will be ordered to pay the fine, and you may have the option to appeal to a judge.

Payment plans and hardship options

If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, the City of San Diego may allow you to set up a payment plan. To request a plan, contact the Traffic Division at 619-236-5500 or visit in person before your important date passes. The city considers requests on a case-by-case basis and does not may provide approval, but many people are able to arrange installment payments.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, explain your situation when you contact the city. Some jurisdictions offer reduced fines or extended payment terms for low-income residents, though the availability of these options varies. It is better to contact the city proactively than to let the ticket go unpaid, as unpaid tickets accumulate additional fees and can result in license suspension.

What happens after you pay

Once your payment is processed, the city will send you a confirmation. If you paid online or by phone, you should receive an email confirmation when ready. If you paid by mail or in person, ask for a receipt. Keep this confirmation or receipt for your records in case there is ever a question about whether your payment was received.

After payment is processed, the violation is considered resolved and will no longer appear as an outstanding ticket. However, the violation itself may remain on your driving record for insurance purposes, depending on whether it was a moving violation or a parking citation. You can check your driving record through the California Department of Motor Vehicles website if you want to verify what is reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a San Diego ticket online if I don't have the citation number?

You will need your citation number to pay online. If you have lost your ticket, call the Traffic Division at 619-236-5500 with your driver's license number and vehicle license plate, and they can provide your citation number. Once you have it, you can pay through the city's website.

Is there a fee for paying online or by phone?

Yes, the city charges a convenience fee for online and phone payments. The fee amount varies by payment method. You can see the exact fee on the payment page before you complete the transaction. Mailed and in-person payments do not include a convenience fee.

What if I paid my ticket but it still shows as unpaid?

Processing times vary by payment method. Online and phone payments usually post within 1 to 2 business days, while mailed payments take 7 to 10 days. If more than 10 business days have passed and your ticket still shows unpaid, contact the Traffic Division at 619-236-5500 with your confirmation number or receipt.

Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount right away?

You may be able to arrange a payment plan by contacting the Traffic Division at 619-236-5500 before your important date. The city considers requests individually and does not may provide approval, but many people are granted installment payment options. Contact them as soon as possible if you need a plan.

Does paying a moving violation ticket affect my insurance?

Paying the ticket does not prevent the violation from affecting your insurance. Moving violations add points to your driving record, which insurers can see and use to adjust your rates. Paying the ticket resolves your obligation to the city but does not remove the violation from your record.