Where to pay your New York parking ticket
New York City parking tickets can be paid through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest method is online through the DOF's Parking Violations Bureau portal at nycparkingtickets.com, where you can pay when ready with a credit or debit card. If you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket, or visit a payment location in person during business hours.
The ticket itself contains all the information you need to identify which payment method works for you. The violation number, amount due, and due date are printed on the front. If you have lost the physical ticket, you can still look up the violation using your license plate number on the DOF website.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through nycparkingtickets.com is the fastest option and processes when ready with a credit or debit card.
- Mail payments must be postmarked by the due date on your ticket; the address for mailing is printed on the ticket itself.
- In-person payment at a DOF office or authorized location accepts cash, check, or card, but requires you to travel during business hours.
- Late payment adds a penalty to your original fine, so paying by the due date matters even if you plan to contest the ticket later.
- You can look up a ticket using your license plate number if you no longer have the physical ticket.
Paying online through the Parking Violations Bureau
The Parking Violations Bureau website at nycparkingtickets.com is operated by the Department of Finance and accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You will need your violation number (a seven-digit code on the ticket) or your license plate number to search for the ticket. Once you find it, the site shows the violation date, location, fine amount, and due date.
Payment is processed when ready when you submit your card information. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. The confirmation serves as your proof of payment. If you pay before the due date, no additional penalty is added. If you pay after the due date, a late penalty of $25 to $50 is added to the original fine amount, depending on how long the ticket has been outstanding.
Paying by mail with check or money order
The mailing address for parking ticket payments is printed on the ticket itself, usually in the lower right corner. You must include the violation number and your name and address on the check or money order. The payment must be postmarked by the due date shown on the ticket for it to be considered on time.
Mail payments take longer to process than online payments. The Department of Finance typically records receipt within 7 to 10 business days after the check arrives. During that time, your ticket may still show as unpaid in their system. If you need proof that you mailed the payment before the due date, keep a copy of the cancelled check or the postal receipt showing the postmark date.
In-person payment at DOF locations
The Department of Finance operates payment locations in all five boroughs where you can pay a parking ticket in cash, by check, or by card. Manhattan locations include offices in Lower Manhattan and Midtown. Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island each have at least one payment location. Hours vary by location but are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can find the address and hours of the location nearest you on the DOF website under "Pay a Parking Ticket." Bring your ticket or violation number and a valid form of identification. Payment is recorded when ready, and you will receive a receipt on the spot. This method is useful if you prefer to pay in cash or need an when ready receipt, but it requires you to travel during business hours.
What happens if you pay late
A late payment penalty is added to your original fine if you pay after the due date on the ticket. The penalty amount depends on how long the ticket has been outstanding. For tickets paid 1 to 30 days late, the penalty is typically $25. For tickets paid 31 to 60 days late, the penalty is $50. After 60 days, additional collection actions may begin, including suspension of your vehicle registration or referral to a collection agency.
Paying late does not prevent you from contesting the ticket later if you believe it was issued in error. However, you must pay the fine first before the Department of Finance will consider a hearing request. If you win the hearing, the fine and any late penalties are refunded.
Contesting a ticket instead of paying
If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly, you can request a hearing before paying. You have 30 days from the ticket date to request a hearing through the Parking Violations Bureau website or by mail. During the hearing, you can present evidence that the violation did not occur — for example, that you were parked legally, that the sign was obscured, or that the meter was broken.
If you request a hearing, you do not have to pay the fine by the original due date. However, if you lose the hearing, you will then owe the fine plus any late penalties that have accrued while the hearing was pending. The hearing officer's decision is final and cannot be appealed to a higher court, though you may have limited grounds to challenge the decision in civil court.
Payment methods and what each one costs
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Cost | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online at nycparkingtickets.com | when ready | No additional fee | Fastest option; best if you have a credit or debit card and internet access |
| Mail (check or money order) | 7–10 business days | No additional fee (postage cost only) | Best if you prefer not to pay online; must be postmarked by due date |
| In-person at DOF location | when ready | No additional fee | Best if you prefer to pay in cash or need an when ready receipt |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a New York parking ticket with a debit card online?
Yes. The Parking Violations Bureau website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover debit cards. You will need your violation number or license plate number to look up the ticket, then enter your card information to complete the payment.
What if I lost my parking ticket and don't have the violation number?
You can search for the ticket on nycparkingtickets.com using your license plate number instead. Enter your plate and the date range when you believe the ticket was issued, and the system will display all outstanding violations for that vehicle.
Do I have to pay the ticket before I can contest it?
No. You can request a hearing within 30 days of the ticket date without paying first. If you lose the hearing, you will then owe the fine plus any late penalties that have accrued. If you win, the fine is refunded.
What happens if I don't pay a parking ticket?
After 60 days unpaid, the Department of Finance may suspend your vehicle registration or refer the debt to a collection agency. The debt can also affect your ability to renew your registration or obtain a new license plate. Late penalties continue to accrue, increasing the total amount owed.
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes. You can pay online using the violation number or license plate number, or by mail or in person. You do not need to be the vehicle owner to pay the fine. The payment will be recorded under that violation number regardless of who submits it.