How to Pay a Los Angeles City Parking Ticket

Where to Pay Your LA Parking Ticket

You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket through the city's Department of Transportation (LADOT) online portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The online option is fastest — you can pay within minutes using a credit or debit card. If you received a ticket from LADOT (the most common case for street parking violations), you'll use the official LA parking ticket payment system. If your ticket came from a different agency like a parking enforcement company at a private lot, payment instructions will be on the ticket itself.

The city accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There is a convenience fee added to online and phone payments, typically around $2 to $3 depending on the ticket amount. Paying by mail or in person at a payment location avoids this fee.

Key Takeaways

Online payment through the LADOT website is the fastest method and requires only your ticket number and license plate number.
You can also pay by phone at (213) 485-4184, by mail to the address on your ticket, or at in-person payment locations throughout the city.
Paying online or by phone includes a convenience fee; mail and in-person payments do not.
If you dispute the ticket, you must request a hearing before paying, or you lose the right to contest it.

Paying Online Through LADOT

Go to ladot.lacity.gov and look for the parking ticket payment section. You will need your ticket number (printed on the citation) and your license plate number. Enter both, and the system will pull up your ticket details and the amount owed. Review the violation, fine amount, and any late fees that may have accrued.

Once you confirm the information is correct, select your payment method and enter your card details. The system will process the payment when ready and send you a confirmation number via email. Keep this confirmation — it serves as your proof of payment. The city typically records the payment in their system within one business day, though online transactions are usually reflected faster.

Paying by Phone

Call the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau at (213) 485-4184. Have your ticket number and license plate number ready. A representative will look up your ticket, confirm the amount owed, and process your payment over the phone using a credit or debit card. Like online payment, a convenience fee will be added to your total.

Phone lines are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours. Wait times can be long during peak times, so consider calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up and write it down when ready.

Paying by Mail

Write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash. Include your ticket number and license plate number on the check itself. Mail your payment to the address printed on the back of your ticket — this is usually the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau office downtown, but the address on your specific ticket is the correct one to use.

Mail payment typically takes 7 to 10 business days to process after the city receives it. Send your payment at least two weeks before any important date to avoid late fees. Consider using certified mail or a tracked service if you want proof of delivery. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records.

Paying in Person at City Locations

The LADOT Parking Violations Bureau has a payment office at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. You can walk in during business hours and pay with cash, check, or card. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but confirm current hours on the LADOT website before you go, as hours may change seasonally.

Bring your ticket and a valid form of ID. If paying by check, make it out to the City of Los Angeles. If paying by card, be aware that a convenience fee will be charged. You will receive a receipt when ready, which is your proof of payment. Some city payment centers in other neighborhoods may also accept parking ticket payments — check the LADOT website for additional locations near you.

What Happens After You Pay

Once the city records your payment, the ticket is considered satisfied and the case is closed. You will not receive a follow-up notice. If you paid online or by phone, you should see the payment reflected in the LADOT system within one business day. If you paid by mail, allow up to two weeks for processing.

If you believe you were charged incorrectly or the payment did not go through, contact LADOT at (213) 485-4184 with your confirmation number. They can verify the payment status and correct any errors. Do not ignore a ticket after paying — if a second notice arrives, contact the bureau when ready to clarify that payment was already made.

If You Want to Dispute the Ticket Instead

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to request a hearing before paying. You must request this hearing within 21 days of the ticket date — after that window closes, you lose the right to contest it. Requesting a hearing does not mean you should pay the ticket; in fact, paying the ticket before your hearing is held may be treated as an admission and could prevent you from presenting your case.

To request a hearing, contact LADOT at (213) 485-4184 or submit a written request to the address on your ticket. Explain why you believe the ticket is incorrect. The city will schedule a hearing, usually conducted by phone or video, where you can present your side. If the hearing officer rules in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If they uphold the ticket, you will then be required to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my ticket and don't have the ticket number?

Call LADOT at (213) 485-4184 with your license plate number and the approximate date and location where you received the ticket. They can look up the citation in their system and provide the ticket number and amount owed. You can then pay online or by phone using that information.

Can I pay a parking ticket for someone else's car?

Yes. You can pay online using the vehicle's license plate number and ticket number, or by phone or mail. You do not need to be the registered owner to pay the fine. The ticket will be satisfied regardless of who submits the payment.

What if I pay late and there are additional fees?

Late fees are added automatically if payment is not received by the due date shown on your ticket. When you look up your ticket online or call, the system will show the current total including any late fees. Pay the full amount shown to satisfy the ticket completely. Paying late does not prevent you from paying — it only increases what you owe.

Is there a payment plan option if I can't pay the full amount at once?

LADOT does not typically offer payment plans for parking tickets. However, if you have financial hardship, contact the Parking Violations Bureau at (213) 485-4184 to discuss your situation. In some cases, they may be able to work with you, though this is not may provide and depends on individual circumstances.

What happens if I don't pay the ticket?

Unpaid parking tickets accrue additional late fees and penalties. After a certain period, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, report the debt to a collection agency, or pursue other enforcement actions. It is far less expensive to pay the ticket than to face these consequences.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.