Where to pay your NYC parking ticket
You can pay a New York City parking ticket through the Department of Finance website, by mail, by phone, or in person at a payment location. The fastest method is online at nycparkingtickets.com, where you can pay when ready with a credit or debit card using your ticket number and license plate. Payment by phone goes through the same system: call 311 from within New York City or (212) 639-9675 from outside the city, and a representative will process your payment over the phone.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket, along with the ticket itself or a copy of it. Payment by check takes longer to process — typically 10 to 15 business days — so use this method only if you have time before any important date. In-person payment is available at Department of Finance offices in each borough, though you will need to bring the ticket and a valid form of payment.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through nycparkingtickets.com is the fastest option and processes when ready with a credit or debit card.
- You can pay by phone by calling 311 (in NYC) or (212) 639-9675 (outside NYC) and speaking to a representative.
- Payment by mail requires you to send a check or money order to the address on your ticket, which takes 10 to 15 business days to process.
- The ticket number and license plate are the key pieces of information you will need to pay online or by phone.
What information you need to pay online
To pay through nycparkingtickets.com, you will need your ticket number and your license plate number. The ticket number appears on the parking ticket itself, usually at the top or in a corner. If you have lost the physical ticket, you can still look up the ticket using your license plate on the same website — enter your plate number and the system will show you any outstanding tickets associated with that vehicle.
Once you enter this information, the website will display the ticket details, the amount owed, and any late fees that have been added. You can then proceed to payment using a credit card, debit card, or e-check. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
How late fees and penalties work
A parking ticket in New York City has a base fine amount printed on the ticket itself. If you do not pay within a certain window, the city adds a late fee. The exact timing and amount of the late fee depend on the type of violation — some violations trigger a late fee after 30 days, while others may have a different timeline. You can see the current amount owed, including any late fees already added, when you look up your ticket online.
If a ticket remains unpaid long enough, the city may place a debt on your vehicle registration or report it to a collection agency. This can affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration or obtain a new one. Paying as soon as you receive the ticket avoids these additional consequences.
Paying if you want to contest the ticket
You have the right to contest a parking ticket by requesting a hearing before a hearing officer at the Department of Finance. If you choose to contest, you should not pay the ticket first — paying it is considered an admission that you owe the fine. Instead, look for the "Request a Hearing" option on nycparkingtickets.com or on the back of the ticket itself.
The hearing request must be made within 30 days of the ticket date. After you request a hearing, you will receive a notice with a hearing date and time. If you lose the hearing, you will then be required to pay the fine. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. Do not pay the ticket during the period between your hearing request and your actual hearing date.
Payment methods and processing times
| Payment Method | Processing Time | How to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Online (nycparkingtickets.com) | when ready | Enter ticket number and license plate; pay with card or e-check |
| Phone (311 or 212-639-9675) | when ready | Speak to representative; provide ticket number and payment information |
| Mail (check or money order) | 10–15 business days | Send payment and ticket to address on ticket |
| In-person at DOF office | Same day | Bring ticket and payment; visit borough office |
What happens after you pay
Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. If you paid online or by phone, the confirmation appears on your screen or is provided by the representative. If you paid by mail, the Department of Finance will send you a receipt showing that your payment was received.
After payment is confirmed, the ticket is closed and no further action is required. If you were concerned about the ticket affecting your vehicle registration or credit, paying it stops any collection action. You can check the status of your payment on nycparkingtickets.com at any time by entering your ticket number and license plate again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes. You can pay any ticket using the ticket number and license plate, regardless of who received it. You do not need to be the vehicle owner or the person cited. Online and phone payment do not require proof of ownership or authorization.
What if I lost my ticket and don't have the ticket number?
Go to nycparkingtickets.com and enter your license plate number in the search field. The system will show all outstanding tickets for that vehicle. You can then pay directly from the search results without needing the ticket number.
Do I get a refund if I pay and then contest the ticket?
No. If you pay the ticket, that payment is final and is treated as an admission of liability. You cannot contest a ticket after paying it. Always request a hearing before paying if you believe the ticket was issued in error.
How long do I have to pay before the ticket goes to collections?
The timeline varies by violation type, but late fees typically begin after 30 days. Collection action can begin after several months of non-payment. Paying within 30 days avoids late fees and collection risk.
Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount now?
The Department of Finance does not offer payment plans for parking tickets through the standard online or phone system. If you are unable to pay, contact the Department of Finance directly at (212) 639-9675 to discuss your options.