Where to pay your LA parking ticket
You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online, by mail, by phone, or in person at a payment location. The fastest way is online through the LA Department of Transportation (LADOT) website or the LAParking app, which you can do from your phone in minutes. If you prefer not to use a computer, you can call the Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700 during business hours, mail a check to the address on your ticket, or visit a payment office in person.
Each method has a different timeline. Online and phone payments usually process the same day. Mail takes one to two weeks to reach the office and another week to process, so if your important date is soon, avoid this route. In-person payments at a LADOT office are when ready — you walk in, pay, and leave with a receipt.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the LADOT website or LAParking app is the fastest option and works 24/7, while phone and in-person payments have business-hour limits.
- You will need your citation number (the ticket number) and the amount due, both printed on your parking ticket.
- Paying online or by phone costs the same as the ticket amount — there is no extra fee for using these methods.
- If you miss the important date, a late fee is added and your vehicle registration may be flagged, so paying before the due date matters even if you plan to contest the ticket later.
How to pay online or through the app
Go to the LADOT website (ladot.lacity.gov) and look for the "Pay a Parking Citation" link, or read the LAParking app from your phone's app store. You will enter your citation number (the ticket number printed at the top of your ticket) and the amount due. The system will show you the ticket details to confirm you have the right one.
You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Credit and debit cards process when ready. If you pay by bank account transfer, the payment may take one to two business days to clear. Once your payment goes through, you will get a confirmation number on screen — take a screenshot or write it down. You do not need to print anything or visit an office.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700. Have your citation number and a credit or debit card ready. The staff member will confirm your ticket details, process the payment, and give you a confirmation number. This takes about five minutes. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and city holidays.
If you pay by mail, write a check or money order for the full amount and mail it to the address printed on your ticket. Include your citation number on the check. Mail it to the Parking Violations Bureau, 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Because mail is slow, this method works only if your important date is at least three weeks away. Keep a copy of the check or money order number for your records.
Paying in person at a LADOT office
LADOT has payment offices in downtown Los Angeles and other locations. The main office is at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. You can bring cash, a check, or a card. Bring your ticket with you. Payment is when ready, and you will receive a receipt on the spot.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lines can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning or mid-morning usually means a shorter wait. If you cannot reach the downtown office, call (323) 529-3700 to ask about other payment locations or hours.
What happens if you miss the important date
The due date is printed on your ticket, usually 21 days from the date you received it. If you do not pay by that date, a late fee is added to your balance. The amount of the late fee varies depending on the original ticket amount, but it is typically 10 percent of the ticket cost or a set amount like $25 to $50.
After you miss the important date, the ticket may be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration until the ticket is paid. If you owe multiple unpaid tickets, your vehicle registration can be suspended. Paying late is more expensive than paying on time, so even if you plan to contest the ticket, paying by the important date and then fighting it is usually the better choice.
If you want to contest the ticket
You can request a hearing to contest the ticket, but you must do this before or on the due date. You cannot pay the ticket and then contest it — paying means you accept the violation. If you want to challenge the ticket, contact the Parking Violations Bureau before the important date and ask for a hearing. You will have the chance to explain why you believe the ticket was issued in error.
If you request a hearing, you do not pay the ticket until after the hearing is over. The hearing officer will decide whether the ticket stands or is dismissed. If the ticket is upheld, you will then be told to pay. If it is dismissed, you owe nothing.
Payment methods and fees
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Cost | Hours Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (LADOT website or LAParking app) | Same day | No extra fee | 24/7 |
| Phone | Same day | No extra fee | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| In person | when ready | No extra fee | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| 1–2 weeks | No extra fee | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a parking ticket for someone else's car?
Yes. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the citation number from their ticket. You do not need to be the registered owner to pay. If you pay in person, bring the ticket and your payment method — no ID is required.
What if I lost my parking ticket?
Call the Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700 with your license plate number and the approximate date you received the ticket. They can look up the citation number and tell you the amount due. Once you have the citation number, you can pay online or by phone.
Does paying the ticket mean I admit fault?
Yes, paying the ticket is considered an admission that the violation occurred. If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly, request a hearing before the due date instead of paying. You can only contest after paying if you pay under protest, which requires a separate written request — call the bureau to ask about this option.
What if the ticket amount seems wrong?
The amount due is printed on your ticket and depends on the type of violation. If you think the amount is incorrect, call the Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700 to verify. They can confirm whether the amount matches the violation code on your ticket.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount?
Contact the Parking Violations Bureau at (323) 529-3700 to ask about payment plan options. They may be able to work with you if you explain your situation, but this is not may provide. Requesting a payment plan before the important date is better than paying late, as it may prevent late fees and registration holds.