Where to pay your Denver parking ticket
You can pay a Denver parking ticket online through the city's Parking Violations Bureau website, by mail, in person at their office, or by phone. The online option is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the citation amount, and payment goes through when ready. The Parking Violations Bureau is located at 201 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 100, Denver, CO 80202, and accepts walk-in payments during business hours.
If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the same address. Include your ticket number and a copy of the citation so the payment reaches the right account. Mail payments take longer to process, so allow at least two weeks before assuming the ticket is cleared from your record.
Phone payments are also available through the Parking Violations Bureau directly. Have your ticket number ready when you call, and ask which payment methods they accept over the phone — this can vary.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's Parking Violations Bureau website is the fastest method and shows confirmation when ready.
- You will need your ticket number and the citation amount to pay online, by phone, or by mail.
- In-person payment at 201 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 100 is processed the same day you visit.
- Late fees and additional penalties explore if you do not pay within the timeframe listed on your ticket.
- Paying the ticket does not mean you cannot contest it — you have the right to request a hearing before or after payment.
Payment important date and late fees
The important date to pay is printed on your ticket itself. If you miss that date, Denver adds a late fee to the original amount. The exact late fee amount varies depending on the violation type and how overdue the ticket is, so check your ticket or contact the Parking Violations Bureau to confirm the current total owed.
If your ticket becomes significantly overdue, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or report the debt to a collection agency. Paying as soon as possible prevents these additional consequences.
What happens if you dispute the ticket
You have the right to request a hearing to contest the ticket, even after you pay it. To request a hearing, contact the Parking Violations Bureau and ask for an administrative hearing. You will need to explain why you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, if the meter was broken, if you were parked legally, or if the citation was issued to the wrong vehicle.
If you win the hearing, the city will refund your payment. If you lose, you keep the ticket on your record but have already paid. Requesting a hearing does not prevent you from paying the ticket in the meantime, and paying does not waive your right to contest it later.
Online payment step-by-step
Go to the City and County of Denver's official website and search for "Parking Violations Bureau" or navigate directly to their violations payment portal. Enter your ticket number in the search field. The system will display the violation details, the amount owed, and the important date.
Review the information to make sure it matches your ticket. Then select your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check — and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. Save or print this confirmation as proof of payment.
If the system does not find your ticket, double-check the ticket number. If the number is correct and the ticket still does not appear, call the Parking Violations Bureau to confirm the ticket is in their system.
Payment methods and fees
The Parking Violations Bureau accepts credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. Online and phone payments typically charge a processing fee on top of the ticket amount — this fee is added to your total and varies by payment method. In-person and mail payments usually do not include an extra processing fee, though you should confirm this when you pay.
Ask about the processing fee before you complete an online or phone payment so you know the full amount you will be charged. If the fee is significant, paying in person or by mail may cost less overall.
If you cannot pay the full amount right away
Contact the Parking Violations Bureau to ask about payment plans or hardship options. The city may allow you to pay in installments rather than in one lump sum, though this depends on the ticket amount and your situation. There is no may provide a payment plan will be offered, so call early rather than waiting until the important date passes.
If you do not pay or arrange a plan by the important date, late fees and collection actions begin. Reaching out before the important date gives you the best chance of working out an arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Denver parking ticket without a ticket number?
It is difficult but not impossible. Call the Parking Violations Bureau with your license plate number, vehicle description, and the approximate date and location where you received the ticket. They can search their system and provide the ticket number, which you then use to pay online or by phone.
What if I paid the ticket but it still shows as unpaid?
Online and phone payments usually show as cleared within one business day. Mail payments take longer — up to two weeks. If more than two weeks have passed since you mailed payment and the ticket still shows unpaid, call the Parking Violations Bureau with your confirmation number or check number to verify the payment was received.
Do I have to pay before I can contest the ticket?
No. You can request a hearing without paying first. However, if you lose the hearing, you will owe the ticket amount plus any late fees that have accumulated. Paying early and then requesting a hearing if you disagree is often simpler, since you avoid late fees.
What happens if I ignore a Denver parking ticket?
Late fees accumulate, and the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, making it impossible to legally drive. The debt can also be sent to a collection agency, which damages your credit and may result in wage garnishment or bank account levies in extreme cases.
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes. You can pay online, by mail, or in person using the ticket number. The Parking Violations Bureau does not require proof that you are the ticket holder — only the ticket number and payment. If you pay by check or money order, include the ticket number so the payment is credited correctly.