Where to pay your LA parking ticket

You can pay an LA parking ticket through the Department of Transportation (LADOT) online portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The online option is fastest — you can complete payment in minutes from home. If you prefer other methods, LADOT accepts payments at their downtown office, by mailing a check, or by calling their payment line.

The online system requires your citation number (the ticket number printed on your citation) and the license plate number. You'll find both on the front of your ticket. Payment goes through when ready, and you receive a confirmation number by email.

If you've lost your ticket or can't locate the citation number, you can search for your ticket on the LADOT website using your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. This search also shows whether the ticket is still unpaid, has been paid, or is overdue.

Key Takeaways

  • The LADOT online payment portal is the fastest method and requires only your citation number and license plate.
  • Payment by phone, mail, or in-person at the LADOT office are available alternatives if you prefer not to pay online.
  • Late fees and penalties increase significantly if you don't pay within 21 days, so paying promptly saves money.
  • If you dispute the ticket, you must request a hearing before paying, or you forfeit your right to contest it.

Payment methods and what you'll need

Online payment through the LADOT website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. You'll need your citation number and the license plate number from your vehicle. The system processes payment when ready and sends a confirmation email with a receipt number.

By phone, call the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700. Have your citation number ready. Payment by phone accepts credit and debit cards only. The representative will provide a confirmation number when payment is complete.

By mail, send a check or money order payable to the City of Los Angeles along with your citation number and a copy of the ticket to the address listed on the back of your citation. Mail payments take longer to process — typically 10 to 15 business days — so send your payment well before any important date.

In person, visit the LADOT office at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring your ticket or citation number. They accept cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards.

Understanding late fees and payment important date

You have 21 days from the date on your ticket to pay without additional penalties. After 21 days, LADOT adds a late fee to your balance. The amount of the late fee depends on the original violation amount, but it typically ranges from $10 to $50 or more.

If you don't pay within 60 days, the ticket may be referred to a collection agency, and your vehicle registration renewal may be blocked. The city can also place a hold on your driver's license or report the debt to credit bureaus. These consequences make paying within the initial 21-day window financially important.

If you believe you paid but your account still shows a balance, contact LADOT directly. Processing delays can occur with mail payments, and they can verify whether your payment was received and applied to your account.

How to dispute a ticket instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying. You must submit your request within 21 days of the ticket date. Paying the ticket forfeits your right to dispute it, so request a hearing first if you plan to contest the violation.

Submit your hearing request through the LADOT website, by mail to the address on your ticket, or in person at their office. Include your citation number, a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket is incorrect, and any supporting documents (photos, witness statements, or proof that the sign was obscured, for example).

A hearing officer will review your case and either uphold the ticket, dismiss it, or reduce the fine. If the ticket is upheld, you'll receive a notice with payment instructions and a new important date. If it's dismissed, you owe nothing.

What happens if you don't pay

Unpaid parking tickets accumulate penalties and can trigger serious consequences. After 60 days, LADOT refers the debt to a collection agency. Your vehicle registration renewal will be blocked until the ticket is paid, and you won't be able to renew your registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

The city can also place a hold on your driver's license or report the unpaid debt to credit bureaus, which affects your credit score. If the ticket remains unpaid for an extended period, the city may pursue additional collection actions or place a boot on your vehicle.

Paying the ticket, even if it's overdue, stops these escalating consequences. Contact LADOT to confirm your current balance and any late fees owed before sending payment.

Checking your ticket status and payment history

Use the LADOT online ticket search to check whether your ticket has been paid or remains outstanding. Enter your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. The system shows the ticket status, the violation amount, any late fees, and your current balance.

If you've paid and the system still shows a balance, your payment may not have processed yet. Mail payments take 10 to 15 business days to appear in the system. Online and phone payments typically show within 24 hours. If more than 15 days have passed since you mailed payment and the balance hasn't updated, contact LADOT to verify receipt.

Keep your payment confirmation number or receipt for your records. If a dispute arises about whether you paid, this documentation proves payment and the date it was made.

Payment plans and hardship options

LADOT does not currently offer formal payment plans for parking tickets. However, if you're facing financial hardship, you can contact the Parking Violations Bureau to discuss your situation. In some cases, they may be willing to work with you on timing or refer you to resources.

If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, paying any portion before the 21-day important date stops the late fee from accruing on that portion. Partial payments are accepted online, by phone, and in person. This approach doesn't eliminate the debt, but it slows the accumulation of additional penalties.

Contact LADOT at (323) 529-3700 to discuss your specific circumstances before the important date passes. The sooner you communicate, the more options may be available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Use the LADOT ticket search tool on their website and enter your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. The system will display your citation number and allow you to pay from there. You'll need both pieces of information to search.

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

Mail payments take 10 to 15 business days to appear in the system. Online and phone payments usually show within 24 hours. If more than 15 days have passed since you mailed payment, contact LADOT at (323) 529-3700 with your confirmation number or receipt to verify the payment was received.

Will paying a parking ticket affect my credit score?

A single unpaid parking ticket won't when ready affect your credit. However, if it remains unpaid for 60+ days and is referred to a collection agency, it can be reported to credit bureaus and lower your score. Paying the ticket before it reaches collections prevents this damage.

Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?

Yes. You can pay online using the citation number and license plate, by phone, by mail, or in person. The payment method doesn't require proof of vehicle ownership, only the ticket information. Provide the citation number to whoever is paying on your behalf.

What if I disagree with the ticket amount?

Request a hearing within 21 days of the ticket date before paying. Submit your request through the LADOT website, by mail, or in person. A hearing officer will review your case and can uphold, dismiss, or reduce the fine. Paying the ticket forfeits your right to dispute it.