Where to pay your Massachusetts parking ticket

You can pay a Massachusetts parking ticket online through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) website, by mail, or in person at a local traffic or parking clerk's office. The fastest route is online if you have your ticket number and the citation details in front of you. Payment by mail takes longer but works if you prefer not to go online or visit an office.

The RMV's online payment system accepts most major credit and debit cards. You'll need the ticket number, the date the ticket was issued, and the fine amount. If you're paying by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket — do not send cash. In-person payment at your city or town's parking clerk office is when ready and gives you a receipt on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the RMV website is the fastest method and requires only your ticket number and citation details.
  • Payment by mail should be sent to the address on the back of your ticket as a check or money order, never cash.
  • In-person payment at your local parking or traffic clerk's office gives you an when ready receipt and takes minutes.
  • Parking fines in Massachusetts vary by city and violation type, so check your ticket for the exact amount owed.
  • Paying late may result in additional penalties or a suspension of your vehicle registration, so pay before the important date on your ticket.

Paying online through the RMV website

Go to mass.gov/rmv and look for the parking ticket payment option on the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your ticket number, the date of issue, and the fine amount shown on your citation. The system will confirm the ticket details and show you the total due, including any late fees if payment is overdue.

Once you confirm the amount, you can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The RMV charges a processing fee for online payments — this fee varies but is typically a few dollars. After payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this confirmation for your records in case you need to dispute the ticket later or prove payment.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Do not include extra money or send cash — the payment must match the fine amount. On the back of the check or money order, write your ticket number and vehicle registration number so the clerk can match the payment to your citation.

Address the envelope to the parking or traffic clerk's office listed on the back of your ticket. Mail it at least two weeks before the due date to may support it arrives on time. Keep a copy of the check or money order number and the mailing date for your records. Payment by mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to process, so if you're close to the important date, consider paying online or in person instead.

Paying in person at your local clerk's office

Find your city or town's parking clerk or traffic violations office by searching "[your city name] parking clerk" online or calling your town hall. Most offices are open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Bring your ticket and a form of payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on what the office accepts.

When you arrive, give your ticket to the clerk and ask for the current balance due. Some offices may have added late fees if your payment is overdue. Pay the amount shown and request a receipt. The clerk will stamp your ticket or give you a separate receipt showing the payment date and amount. This receipt is your proof of payment and protects you if any question arises later.

What happens if you miss the payment important date

The due date for payment is printed on your ticket, usually 20 days from the issue date. If you don't pay by that date, late fees are added to your original fine. The amount of the late fee varies by municipality but is typically 10 to 25 percent of the original fine.

If you continue not to pay after the late fee is added, the Registry of Motor Vehicles may suspend your vehicle registration. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle until the ticket and all fees are paid. A suspension also prevents you from renewing your registration. If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, contact your local parking clerk's office to ask about payment plans — some municipalities offer them, though not all.

Disputing a parking ticket before or after payment

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to contest it. The back of your ticket will show a important date to request a hearing, usually 20 days from the issue date. You do not have to pay the ticket before requesting a hearing. Send a written request to the address on your ticket explaining why you believe the citation is wrong — for example, if the meter was working, if you had a valid permit, or if the sign was unclear.

If you've already paid and later want to dispute the ticket, you can still request a hearing within a set timeframe. Contact your local parking clerk's office to ask about the process for disputing a paid ticket. If you win your dispute, the fine will be refunded. If you lose, you keep the payment you've already made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Massachusetts parking ticket with a credit card by phone?

The RMV does not accept phone payments for parking tickets. You must pay online through mass.gov/rmv, by mail, or in person at your local parking clerk's office. Some municipal offices may accept credit card payments in person, so call ahead to confirm what payment methods your local office takes.

What if I lost my parking ticket?

Contact your local parking clerk's office with your vehicle registration number and the approximate date the ticket was issued. The clerk can look up the ticket in the system and tell you the fine amount and due date. You can then pay online or in person without the physical ticket.

Do I have to pay if I was parked in a handicap space but have a valid permit?

No. If you have a valid handicap parking permit, the ticket should not have been issued. Request a hearing and bring your permit as proof. The ticket will be dismissed and you will not owe the fine. If you've already paid, submit your permit to the parking clerk's office and request a refund.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the system?

Online payments through the RMV typically process within 24 hours. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after payment, which serves as proof. If you need to show proof of payment right away, use the confirmation number from your receipt.

What if the parking ticket amount seems wrong?

Check the back of your ticket for the fine amount and any applicable late fees. If you believe the amount is incorrect, contact your local parking clerk's office before paying. They can review the citation and confirm the correct amount. If you've already paid an incorrect amount, you can request a refund or credit toward future violations.