Where to pay your Denver parking ticket

You can pay a Denver parking ticket online through the city's Parking Violations Bureau website, by phone, by mail, or in person at their office. The online method is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the citation amount, and payment processes when ready. The city accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks through all payment channels.

If you're paying by phone, call the Denver Parking Violations Bureau at 720-913-1311. A staff member will take your ticket number and payment information. By mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket, along with the citation itself. In-person payments are accepted at the Parking Violations Bureau office located at 1880 Gaylord Street, Denver, CO 80205, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the city's Parking Violations Bureau website is the fastest option and processes when ready with a credit or debit card.
  • You can also pay by phone at 720-913-1311, by mail with a check, or in person at 1880 Gaylord Street during business hours.
  • Payment must be received by the due date shown on your ticket to avoid additional late fees and collection action.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying, though this delays the process.

What information you'll need to pay online

To pay through the city's website, have your parking ticket in front of you. You'll enter your ticket number (also called the citation number), which appears at the top of the ticket. You'll also need the fine amount listed on the citation and a valid credit card or debit card to complete the transaction.

If you've lost your physical ticket, you can still look up the citation by providing your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. The city's system will retrieve your record so you can proceed with payment. Keep your confirmation number after paying — it serves as your receipt and proof of payment.

Payment important date and late fees

The due date for payment is printed on the back of your ticket. If you pay by the due date, you pay only the fine amount shown. If payment is not received by that date, the city adds a late fee to your balance. The amount of the late fee varies depending on how overdue the ticket is.

If a ticket remains unpaid beyond a certain period, the city may refer it to a collection agency or place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. Paying as soon as you receive the ticket prevents these consequences and keeps your costs down. If you're unable to pay by the due date, contact the Parking Violations Bureau to discuss a payment plan or extension.

Requesting a hearing instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly — for example, you had a valid permit, the meter was broken, or the sign was obscured — you can request a hearing before paying. You must request the hearing in writing within 21 days of receiving the ticket. Send your request to the address on the back of the ticket and include your ticket number, a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket is invalid, and any supporting evidence such as photos or receipts.

A hearing officer will review your case and either dismiss the ticket or uphold it. If the ticket is upheld, you'll receive a notice with a new due date for payment. Requesting a hearing delays payment but does not add fees if you ultimately lose and pay within the new important date. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing.

What happens if you don't pay

Unpaid parking tickets accumulate late fees and can trigger collection action. After a certain period of non-payment, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing your plates. You may also receive notices from a collection agency attempting to recover the debt.

If you're facing financial hardship, contact the Parking Violations Bureau directly before the ticket becomes severely overdue. Staff can sometimes work out a payment arrangement that prevents collection action. Ignoring the ticket does not make it go away and only increases what you owe.

Paying a ticket for a vehicle you no longer own

If you received a ticket for a vehicle you've sold or traded in, you can still be held responsible depending on when you transferred the title. Contact the Parking Violations Bureau with your ticket number and explain that you no longer own the vehicle. Provide documentation of the sale or transfer if you have it.

The city may be able to release you from liability if the transfer was completed before the ticket was issued. If the transfer happened after the ticket date, you remain responsible for payment. In either case, contact the bureau promptly — waiting makes resolution more difficult and allows late fees to accumulate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Denver parking ticket with cash?

Cash payments are accepted only at the in-person office at 1880 Gaylord Street. Online, phone, and mail payments require a card or check. If you're paying in person with cash, bring your ticket and arrive during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

Online payments process when ready and are recorded in the city's system right away. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. If you need proof of payment for any reason, save or print your confirmation number.

What if I paid my ticket but still got a collection notice?

This sometimes happens if payment was processed after the collection agency had already been notified. Contact the Parking Violations Bureau with your confirmation number and proof of payment. The city can request that the collection agency stop pursuing the debt once they verify payment was received.

Can I dispute a ticket after I've already paid it?

Paying a ticket is generally considered acceptance of the violation. If you paid in error or believe the ticket was wrongly issued, contact the Parking Violations Bureau when ready with your confirmation number and an explanation. They can review your case, though reversing a payment is not may provide.

Do I need to pay a ticket if I have a valid permit for that spot?

No. If you had a valid permit, the ticket should not have been issued. Request a hearing within 21 days and include proof of your permit — a photo, receipt, or permit number. The hearing officer will dismiss the ticket if you can show you were legally parked.