Where to pay your NYC parking ticket

You can pay an NYC parking ticket online through the Department of Finance website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The online option is the fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the license plate number, and payment goes through when ready. The Department of Finance processes online payments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you prefer to call, the Department of Finance phone line is (212) 839-8500. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. By mail, send your payment to the address printed on the back of your ticket, along with the ticket itself or a copy of it. In-person payment locations are open during business hours at several Department of Finance offices across the five boroughs.

The payment method you choose doesn't affect the amount you owe or the important date — only the speed and convenience matter. Online and phone payments are processed the same day. Mail can take one to two weeks to reach the Department of Finance, so if you're close to the important date, don't use this method.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the Department of Finance website is available 24/7 and processes when ready with just your ticket number and license plate.
  • Phone payment at (212) 839-8500 takes a few minutes and accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
  • Mail and in-person payments work but take longer, so use them only if you have time before your important date.
  • Your ticket shows the amount due, the important date, and the mailing address if you choose to pay by mail.
  • Paying on time stops penalties from adding up and prevents your vehicle from being booted or towed.

What happens if you miss the payment important date

If you don't pay by the important date on your ticket, the Department of Finance adds a late penalty to what you owe. The amount of the late penalty depends on how much the original fine was, but it typically ranges from $25 to $50. After that, additional penalties can accumulate if you continue not to pay.

Beyond the extra money, unpaid tickets can lead to a boot being placed on your vehicle, which prevents you from driving it. The Department of Finance can also tow your car if you have multiple unpaid tickets. Once a boot is on your car, you have to pay the ticket fine, the late penalty, and a boot removal fee before you can drive again.

If your vehicle is registered in New York State, unpaid parking tickets can also affect your vehicle registration renewal. The Department of Motor Vehicles may refuse to renew your registration until the ticket is paid.

How to find your ticket number and pay online

Your ticket number appears on the parking ticket itself, usually at the top or bottom. It's a seven-digit number. You'll also need your license plate number. Go to the Department of Finance website and select the option to pay a parking ticket. Enter both pieces of information, and the system will show you the amount due and the important date.

Once you see your ticket details, you can pay when ready using a credit card or debit card. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll receive a confirmation number right away, which you should save or print. That confirmation number is proof that you paid, in case there's ever a question about whether your payment went through.

If you can't find your ticket number, you can search by license plate number instead. The Department of Finance website has a search tool where you enter your plate and it shows all outstanding tickets on that vehicle.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call (212) 839-8500 and have your ticket number and payment method ready. A representative will walk you through the process. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or by providing your bank account information for an electronic check. You'll receive a confirmation number over the phone, so write it down.

If you pay by mail, write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Include the ticket itself or a photocopy of it in the envelope. Mail it to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Do not send cash through the mail. The Department of Finance recommends mailing at least two weeks before the important date to account for mail delivery time.

When you pay by mail, keep a copy of the check or money order number for your records. The Department of Finance can take one to two weeks to process mailed payments, so if you're paying close to the important date, this method is risky.

In-person payment at Department of Finance offices

You can pay in person at Department of Finance payment locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location. You can bring cash, a check, or a credit or debit card.

The advantage of paying in person is that you get an when ready receipt and confirmation that your payment was received. If you have questions about your ticket or need help finding the right office, staff can information you. The Department of Finance website lists all payment locations and their hours.

In-person payment is slower than online or phone payment if you have to travel to an office, but it's useful if you prefer to handle things face-to-face or if you're already in the area.

Disputing a ticket instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, you had a valid parking permit, the meter was broken, or the sign was unclear — you can contest it instead of paying. You have 30 days from the date the ticket was issued to request a hearing. You can request a hearing online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or by phone.

To request a hearing, you'll need your ticket number. Explain briefly why you think the ticket should not have been issued. The Department of Finance will schedule a hearing, usually by phone or video, where you can present your case to a hearing officer. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If they disagree, you'll be told the amount due and given a new important date to pay.

Requesting a hearing does not stop the clock on your original important date. If you want to avoid late penalties while your hearing is pending, you can pay the ticket and then request a refund if you win the hearing. Some people choose to do this to protect themselves from additional penalties.

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 ticket number and license plate. You don't need to be the vehicle owner to pay the fine. However, if you're paying by phone or in person, you may be asked for the ticket number or plate to confirm which ticket you're paying.

What if I lost my parking ticket?

You don't need the physical ticket to pay. Use the Department of Finance website to search by license plate number, and it will show all outstanding tickets on that vehicle. You can then pay online using the ticket number the system provides. Keep a record of your confirmation number.

Does paying a parking ticket affect my driving record or insurance?

No. Parking tickets are civil violations, not moving violations, so they don't appear on your driving record or affect your car insurance rates. However, unpaid tickets can lead to vehicle booting or towing, and they can prevent your vehicle registration from being renewed.

How long do I have to pay before late penalties kick in?

The important date is printed on your ticket. Late penalties begin the day after that important date passes. The sooner you pay, the less you'll owe in total. If you're unsure of your important date, search for your ticket on the Department of Finance website using your license plate number.

Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount right now?

The Department of Finance does not offer payment plans for parking tickets through the standard payment system. You must pay the full amount by the important date. If you're having financial hardship, contact the Department of Finance directly at (212) 839-8500 to ask about your options, though payment plans are not may provide.