Where to pay your Boston parking ticket

You can pay a Boston parking ticket through three main channels: online at the City of Boston's parking ticket website, by phone, or in person at the Boston Transportation Department office. The online option is fastest — you enter your ticket number and pay by credit card or debit card without waiting. The phone line is (617) 534-5007, and staff can process payment over the phone during business hours. In-person payment happens at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108, where you can also ask questions about your ticket or dispute it if you believe it was issued in error.

Each method takes the same amount of time to process your payment — usually the same day if you pay before 5 p.m. — but online is the most convenient because you do not have to be available during business hours or travel to an office. If you pay online, you will receive a confirmation number when ready, which you should save in case you need proof of payment later.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the City of Boston website is the fastest route and works 24 hours a day using your ticket number and a credit or debit card.
  • You can also call (617) 534-5007 during business hours or pay in person at 100 Hanover Street in downtown Boston.
  • Payment is usually processed the same day, and you will receive a confirmation number that serves as your receipt.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly, you can dispute it through the same channels before or instead of paying.

What information you need to pay online

To pay online, you will need your parking ticket number, which appears at the top of the ticket itself. You will also need a valid credit card or debit card — the City of Boston accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The payment website does not require you to create an account; you enter your ticket number, confirm the violation and fine amount, and proceed to payment in one session.

Before you pay, check that the ticket number, violation description, and fine amount on the website match what is printed on your physical ticket. If they do not match, contact the Boston Transportation Department by phone to clarify before paying, because paying the wrong amount or ticket number can create confusion later if you need a receipt or proof of payment.

How much you will pay and what affects the fine

Parking ticket fines in Boston range depending on the violation. Common violations like parking in a no-parking zone, expired meter, or fire hydrant parking carry different fine amounts. The specific fine for your ticket is printed on the ticket itself and will also appear on the payment website when you enter your ticket number. Do not assume all tickets cost the same — the amount depends on what rule you violated and where.

If you do not pay within a certain timeframe, late fees may be added to your original fine. The City of Boston charges additional fees for unpaid tickets, so paying sooner rather than later keeps your total cost lower. Check your ticket for the payment important date, or ask when you call (617) 534-5007 if you are unsure.

Paying by mail or through a third party

You can mail a check or money order to the Boston Transportation Department at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. Include your ticket number on the check or money order and mail it with your ticket or a copy of it. Payment by mail takes longer to process — typically 7 to 10 business days — so if you are close to a important date, use online or phone payment instead.

Some third-party payment services advertise that they will pay your ticket for you, but the City of Boston recommends paying directly through official channels to avoid delays or errors. If you do use a third party, confirm that they are sending payment to the correct department and that your ticket number is included, because the city cannot track payments that arrive without proper identification.

What happens if you do not pay

Unpaid parking tickets in Boston accumulate late fees and can eventually result in a boot placed on your vehicle, preventing you from driving it. If your vehicle is booted, you must pay the original fine plus a boot fee to have it removed. Unpaid tickets can also affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration or driver's license in Massachusetts, and the city may report the debt to a collection agency.

If you cannot pay the full amount right now, contact the Boston Transportation Department to ask about payment plans. Some municipalities offer the option to pay in installments, though this varies by location and ticket amount. Call (617) 534-5007 to discuss your situation and learn what options may be available to you.

Disputing a ticket instead of paying

If you believe your ticket was issued in error — for example, the sign was missing, you had a valid permit, or the meter was broken — you can dispute it rather than pay. You have a set window to file a dispute, usually 21 days from the ticket date. You can file a dispute online through the same City of Boston parking ticket website, by mail, or in person at 100 Hanover Street.

When you dispute, explain why you believe the ticket should not have been issued and include any evidence — photos of the area, your permit, a receipt showing you paid the meter, or anything else that supports your case. The city will review your dispute and either dismiss the ticket or uphold it. If you disagree with their decision, you may be able to request a hearing in front of a hearing officer, though this process takes additional time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Boston parking ticket with cash?

Cash payment is only available in person at 100 Hanover Street. Online and phone payments require a credit or debit card. If you are paying in person, bring your ticket and exact cash or be prepared to receive change.

What if I lost my physical ticket?

You can still pay online or by phone if you know your ticket number — it may appear on a photo you took, an email confirmation, or a notice sent to your address. If you cannot locate the ticket number, call (617) 534-5007 and provide your license plate number; staff can look up the ticket and give you the number.

How long does it take for my payment to show up as processed?

Online and phone payments usually process the same day if completed before 5 p.m. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a confirmation number when ready for online payments, which you can use to verify processing if needed.

Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?

Yes, you can pay another person's ticket online or by phone using their ticket number. You do not need to be the registered vehicle owner to make payment. The person whose ticket it is will receive the confirmation and proof of payment.

What if I paid but still see the ticket as unpaid?

Contact the Boston Transportation Department at (617) 534-5007 with your confirmation number. Processing delays or data entry errors can occasionally cause this. Staff can verify that your payment was received and update the system if needed.