Where and how to pay your NYC fine depends on the type of violation and when you received it

New York City handles parking tickets, traffic violations, and other municipal fines through the Department of Finance. Most fines can be paid online through the NYC Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The method available to you depends on whether your violation is a parking ticket, a moving violation, a red light camera ticket, or another type of municipal fine — and whether you have already received a notice.

The fastest route is usually the online payment system, which processes when ready and gives you a receipt. If you do not have a notice number or summons yet, you may need to wait for the ticket to arrive in the mail before you can pay online. Paying before a court date is important because unpaid fines can result in license suspension, vehicle impoundment, or a judgment against you.

Key Takeaways

  • NYC parking tickets and most traffic violations can be paid online at the Department of Finance website using your notice number, which appears on the ticket or summons.
  • Payment methods include online, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a Department of Finance payment location in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx.
  • Red light camera tickets and school zone speed camera tickets follow the same payment process as parking tickets through the Department of Finance.
  • If you cannot pay in full, you can request a payment plan through the Department of Finance, which allows you to spread the cost over several months.
  • Paying your fine does not prevent you from contesting it in court if you believe the ticket was issued in error.

Paying online through the NYC Department of Finance website

The Department of Finance website (nyc.gov/finance) has a "Pay a Violation" tool that accepts most parking tickets, moving violations, and camera-issued tickets. You will need your notice number, which is printed on the front of your ticket or summons. Enter the number, and the system will display the violation details and the amount owed.

The site accepts credit cards, debit cards, and e-check payments. There is a processing fee for credit and debit card payments, typically around 2 percent of the fine amount. E-check payments have no fee. Payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number and receipt that you can print or save. This receipt is your proof of payment and should be kept in case questions arise later.

If you do not have your notice number, you can search for violations under your license plate or vehicle identification number (VIN) on the same website. This is useful if you received a parking ticket but lost the physical notice, or if you are unsure whether a fine has been issued against your vehicle.

Mailing a payment to the Department of Finance

You can pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the address listed on your ticket or summons. Write your notice number on the back of the check or money order. Include a copy of the ticket itself if possible, though the notice number alone is usually sufficient for processing.

Mail payments take longer to process than online payments — typically 7 to 10 business days after the Department of Finance receives your envelope. If you are close to a court date or a important date, mailing is riskier because delays in postal delivery could result in your payment arriving after the important date. Keep a copy of your mailed check or money order for your records.

Paying in person at a Department of Finance location

The Department of Finance operates payment locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx where you can pay in person with cash, check, or debit card. The main office is located at 33 Beaver Street in lower Manhattan. Payment locations also exist in Brooklyn at 210 Joralemon Street and in the Bronx at 1932 Arthur Avenue.

Hours vary by location and change seasonally. Check the Department of Finance website for current hours before visiting. In-person payment is processed when ready, and you receive a receipt on the spot. This method is useful if you prefer to pay with cash or if you want to speak with a staff member about your violation.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount

If you cannot pay the full fine at once, the Department of Finance allows you to request a payment plan. You can request a plan online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person. The plan typically spreads the payment over three to twelve months, depending on the amount owed and the circumstances.

To request a plan, you will need to provide your notice number and information about your financial situation. The Department of Finance will review your request and notify you of the plan terms. Payments are usually made monthly by automatic bank withdrawal or by check. If you miss a payment on an approved plan, the full balance may become due when ready, so it is important to make payments on time.

Red light camera and school zone speed camera tickets

Red light camera tickets and school zone speed camera tickets are issued by the Department of Finance and follow the same payment process as parking tickets. You will receive a notice in the mail with a photo of your vehicle and the violation details. The notice includes a notice number that you use to pay online, by mail, or in person.

These tickets are issued to the vehicle owner, not the driver. If you were not driving the vehicle at the time, you can contest the ticket by submitting a statement to the Department of Finance. However, you must do this before paying the fine. Paying the fine is considered an admission of liability and may prevent you from contesting it later.

What happens if you do not pay your fine

Unpaid fines accumulate penalties and interest. After a certain period — typically 30 to 60 days depending on the violation type — the Department of Finance may refer your case to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The DMV can suspend your driver's license and vehicle registration until the fine is paid.

If the fine remains unpaid for an extended period, the city may place a lien on your vehicle or pursue a judgment against you in court. This judgment can affect your credit and may result in wage garnishment or bank account levies. Paying the fine, even if you believe it was issued in error, stops these escalating consequences. You can still contest the ticket in court after paying if you have grounds to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking ticket before I receive the notice in the mail?

Not through the online system — you need a notice number to pay online. However, if you know your license plate number, you can search the Department of Finance website to see if a violation has been issued. Once the notice is issued, you can pay when ready online. If you want to pay before receiving the notice, you can visit a Department of Finance payment location in person and provide your license plate number.

What if I paid my fine but still received a notice about an unpaid violation?

This sometimes happens if your payment was processed after the notice was mailed. Contact the Department of Finance with your payment confirmation number and receipt. They can verify that your payment was received and update their records. Keep your receipt and confirmation number as proof of payment.

Can I contest a ticket after I pay it?

Yes, but it is more difficult. Paying a fine is generally considered an admission of liability. If you want to contest the ticket, you should do so before paying. However, you can still request a hearing after payment in some cases. Contact the Department of Finance or the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) to ask about your options.

Is there a fee for paying online?

Yes, credit and debit card payments incur a processing fee of approximately 2 percent of the fine amount. E-check payments have no fee. Payments by mail, in person with cash, or in person with a debit card typically have no additional fee.

What if my vehicle was sold or I no longer own it?

You are responsible for the fine if your name is on the registration at the time the violation was issued. If you sold the vehicle, you should have transferred the registration. Contact the Department of Finance with proof of the sale or transfer. If the new owner should be responsible, the Department of Finance may be able to reassign the violation.