Where to pay your New York parking ticket
New York City parking tickets can be paid online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, by phone, or in person at a payment location. The online option is the fastest: you can pay when ready using a credit or debit card, and your payment posts within one business day. The Department of Finance accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call 311 from within New York City or 212-639-9675 from outside the city to pay by phone with a card. Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your ticket, along with a copy of the ticket itself. In-person payment is available at Department of Finance offices in each borough, though this requires a trip and often involves waiting.
You will need your ticket number to pay through any method. The ticket number appears at the top of the violation notice you received. If you have lost the ticket, you can look up your violation online using your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Department of Finance website is the fastest method and posts within one business day.
- You can pay by phone at 311 (in NYC) or 212-639-9675, by mail to the address on your ticket, or in person at a Department of Finance office.
- Payment by credit or debit card is accepted for all methods except mail, which may also accept checks.
- Your ticket number is required to pay; if you do not have it, you can search for your violation using your license plate and VIN on the Department of Finance website.
- Paying your ticket does not prevent you from contesting it later if you believe the violation was issued in error.
Payment important date and late fees
New York City parking tickets have a payment important date printed on the violation notice itself. Most tickets must be paid within 30 days of the violation date to avoid a late fee. If you do not pay within 30 days, the city adds a penalty to your balance.
The amount of the late penalty varies depending on the type of violation and how long the ticket remains unpaid. Failure to pay can also result in a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and, in some cases, a boot placed on your vehicle. If your ticket remains unpaid for an extended period, the city may refer it to a collection agency.
If you believe you have a valid reason for missing the important date—such as not receiving the ticket—you can request a hearing to explain your circumstances. This request must be made in writing to the address on your ticket.
Contesting a ticket before or after payment
You do not have to pay a ticket to contest it. You can request a hearing with the Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) before paying, and if you win, you will owe nothing. To request a hearing, you must do so within 30 days of the violation date. You can request a hearing online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or by phone at 311.
If you have already paid the ticket, you can still request a hearing within one year of the violation date, though you will not receive a refund if you lose. Paying the ticket does not waive your right to contest it. Many people pay first to avoid late fees and penalties, then request a hearing afterward to pursue a refund if they believe the violation was improper.
At your hearing, you can present evidence that the violation was issued in error—for example, a photo showing a valid parking sign you did not see, or proof that the meter was broken. The hearing officer will review your evidence and the officer's notes and make a decision.
What happens if you do not pay
Unpaid parking tickets accumulate penalties and can affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will not renew your registration if you have outstanding parking violations with the city. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the tickets are resolved.
If a ticket remains unpaid for several months, the city may place a boot on your vehicle, preventing you from driving it until you pay the ticket and a boot removal fee. The boot removal fee is separate from the ticket amount and the late penalty. In some cases, the city may also tow your vehicle.
Unpaid tickets can also be referred to a collection agency, which may report the debt to credit bureaus and attempt to collect the amount owed. This can affect your credit score and your ability to obtain loans or credit cards in the future.
Payment methods and what to expect
| Payment Method | How to Use | Processing Time | Accepted Payment Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Visit the Department of Finance website, enter your ticket number, and pay | 1 business day | Credit or debit card |
| Phone | Call 311 (NYC) or 212-639-9675 and provide ticket number | 1 business day | Credit or debit card |
| Send ticket copy and payment to address on ticket | 2 to 3 weeks | Check or money order | |
| In Person | Visit Department of Finance office in your borough with ticket | Same day | Cash, check, or card |
When you pay online or by phone, you will receive a confirmation number when ready. Keep this number for your records. If you pay by mail, include a copy of the ticket and your payment in the envelope; do not send cash through the mail. If you pay in person, bring the ticket and your payment method to a Department of Finance office during business hours.
If you lost your ticket or cannot find your violation
If you did not receive your ticket or have lost it, you can search for your violation on the Department of Finance website using your license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). The search tool will show all outstanding violations associated with your vehicle. Once you locate your violation, you can pay it online or note the ticket number to pay by phone or mail.
If you believe you never received a ticket but have a hold on your registration, contact the Department of Finance directly at 311 to verify whether a violation exists under your plate number. It is possible that a ticket was issued to your vehicle but you were not present when it was placed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a New York parking ticket with a debit card online?
Yes. The Department of Finance website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit cards. You will need your ticket number and the debit card information to complete the payment. The transaction posts within one business day.
What if I pay my ticket but still want to contest it?
You can request a hearing within one year of the violation date even after paying. You will not receive a refund if you lose the hearing, but you can pursue a refund if you win. Many people pay first to avoid late fees, then request a hearing afterward.
Will my registration be blocked if I do not pay a parking ticket?
Yes. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will not renew your vehicle registration if you have outstanding parking violations with New York City. You must resolve the tickets before you can renew your registration.
How long does it take to pay a parking ticket by mail?
Mail payments typically take two to three weeks to process from the time the Department of Finance receives your envelope. To avoid late fees, mail your payment well before the 30-day important date printed on your ticket. Include a copy of the ticket with your payment.
What is a boot fee, and when does the city place a boot on my vehicle?
A boot is a device placed on your wheel to prevent you from driving. The city typically boots vehicles after several months of unpaid violations. The boot removal fee is separate from your ticket amount and late penalties. You must pay both the original ticket and the boot fee to have it removed.