Where and how to pay your Denver parking ticket

You can pay a Denver parking ticket online through the city's Parking Violations Bureau website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the bureau's office. The online option is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the citation amount, and payment goes through when ready. Phone payment (720-913-1311) takes a few minutes and works during business hours. Mail and in-person payments take longer to process but don't require internet access.

The Parking Violations Bureau is located at 1290 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204. If you pay in person, bring your ticket and a valid payment method. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on weekends and city holidays. Payments by mail should be sent to the same address with your ticket number clearly marked on your check or money order.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the Parking Violations Bureau website is the fastest method and processes when ready with your ticket number.
  • You can pay by phone at 720-913-1311 during business hours, by mail to 1290 Bannock Street, or in person at the same address Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Payment amounts are printed on your ticket, and late fees accrue if you don't pay within the timeframe listed on the citation.
  • If you dispute the ticket, you must request a hearing before paying; paying the ticket may be considered an admission of liability in some cases.

Payment important date and late fees

The important date to pay your parking ticket is printed on the citation itself, typically 30 days from the date of issue. If you don't pay by that date, Denver adds a late fee to your balance. The exact late fee amount depends on the original violation amount, but it is a percentage-based penalty that increases your total owed.

If you miss the important date, you can still pay at any time, but the late fee will be included in the amount due. Unpaid tickets can eventually result in a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or a report to a collection agency. The sooner you pay, the lower your total cost.

What payment methods Denver accepts

The Parking Violations Bureau accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card. Online payments use debit or credit cards only. Phone payments also accept debit and credit cards. In-person payments at the office accept all methods listed above.

If you're paying by mail, send a check or money order only — the bureau cannot process credit or debit card information through the mail safely. Include your ticket number on the check or money order and mail it to 1290 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204. Allow 7 to 10 business days for mail payments to be processed and recorded in the system.

Disputing a ticket before you pay

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing with the Parking Violations Bureau before paying. You must request the hearing within the timeframe listed on your ticket — usually 30 days. Requesting a hearing does not erase the ticket or stop late fees from accruing if you eventually lose the dispute, so act quickly.

To request a hearing, contact the Parking Violations Bureau by phone at 720-913-1311 or visit their office in person. You'll need your ticket number and a clear explanation of why you believe the citation was wrong. The bureau will schedule a hearing date, typically held within 30 to 60 days. If you win the hearing, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If you lose, you'll be required to pay the original amount plus any accrued late fees.

What happens if you don't pay

Unpaid parking tickets in Denver accumulate late fees and can trigger additional consequences. After a certain period of non-payment, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, preventing you from renewing your plates. The ticket may also be sent to a collection agency, which can affect your credit report and result in collection calls.

If the ticket remains unpaid for an extended period, Denver may file a lien against your vehicle or pursue other collection methods. The longer you wait, the more you'll owe in total fees and penalties. Paying as soon as possible stops the accumulation of late fees and prevents these escalating consequences.

Paying a ticket for a vehicle you no longer own

If you received a ticket for a vehicle you've already sold or traded in, contact the Parking Violations Bureau to explain the situation. You'll need documentation showing the date you sold or transferred the vehicle, such as a bill of sale or registration transfer paperwork. The bureau may be able to transfer the ticket to the new owner or dismiss it if the transfer predates the violation.

Don't ignore a ticket for a vehicle you no longer own — it can still result in collection action and may complicate future vehicle registrations or sales. Call 720-913-1311 to discuss your specific situation with a bureau representative who can explain your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my parking ticket online without a ticket number?

No, you'll need your ticket number to pay online. If you've lost your ticket, call the Parking Violations Bureau at 720-913-1311 and provide your license plate number; they can look up the ticket and give you the number and amount owed.

What if I pay my ticket but the payment doesn't show up in the system?

Online and phone payments typically process when ready, but mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to appear in the system. If you paid online or by phone and it's been more than a day, call 720-913-1311 to confirm the payment was received. Bring your receipt or confirmation number.

Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?

Yes, you can pay another person's ticket if you have their ticket number and the amount owed. You can pay online, by phone, or in person using any accepted payment method. The ticket holder's name doesn't need to match the person making the payment.

Do I have to pay the ticket if I'm disputing it?

No, you should not pay the ticket if you plan to dispute it. Paying may be considered an admission of liability. Request a hearing first through the Parking Violations Bureau. If you lose the hearing, you'll then be required to pay the full amount including any late fees that accrued during the dispute process.