Where and how to pay your NYC speeding ticket

You can pay a New York City speeding ticket online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest method is online at nycpay.gov, where you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or e-check using your ticket number and license plate. Payment usually processes the same day.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket, or visit a Department of Finance payment location in person. In-person payment at a location in your borough takes a few minutes and you receive a receipt when ready. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send yours early if you have a important date.

Your ticket shows a due date by which payment must arrive. Missing this date can result in additional penalties and may affect your driver's license or vehicle registration. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Finance before that date to discuss your options.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at nycpay.gov using your ticket number and license plate for same-day processing.
  • The due date on your ticket is the important date for payment to arrive, not the date you must submit it.
  • Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 business days, so send it well before your due date.
  • If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Department of Finance before that date rather than waiting.
  • Failure to pay can result in late fees, suspension of your driver's license, and vehicle registration holds.

What information you need to pay online

To pay through nycpay.gov, have your ticket number and New York license plate number ready. The ticket number appears at the top of your ticket. If you cannot locate your ticket number, you can search for your violation using your license plate number and the date of the violation instead.

Once you enter this information, the system will display the violation, the fine amount, and any additional penalties or surcharges that have been added. Review the total before you submit payment. The Department of Finance charges a convenience fee for online payment, which varies depending on your payment method.

Payment methods and fees

Online payment accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and e-checks. Each payment method carries a different convenience fee set by the payment processor. Credit and debit card payments typically cost 2.5 to 3 percent of the fine amount. E-check payments usually have a flat fee of a few dollars.

Mailing a check or money order has no convenience fee. Make the check payable to "NYC Department of Finance" and include your ticket number on the check. In-person payment at a Department of Finance location accepts cash, check, money order, credit card, and debit card, with no convenience fee for cash or check.

In-person payment locations and hours

The Department of Finance operates payment locations in each borough. Manhattan has multiple locations; Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island each have at least one. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours.

You can find the address, phone number, and hours for the location nearest you on the Department of Finance website. Bring your ticket and a valid form of payment. Payment at a location is when ready, and you receive a receipt on the spot.

What happens if you pay late

If payment does not arrive by the due date on your ticket, the Department of Finance will add a late penalty to your fine. This penalty is typically 10 percent of the original fine amount, though it can vary. You will also begin accruing interest on the unpaid balance.

After 60 days without payment, the Department of Finance may suspend your New York driver's license and place a hold on your vehicle registration. These actions make it illegal to drive and prevent you from renewing your registration. If you have not paid and your license has been suspended, paying the ticket and any accumulated penalties will restore your license once the payment processes.

If you want to contest the ticket instead of paying

You have the right to contest a speeding ticket in traffic court rather than pay it. To do this, you must request a hearing within 30 days of receiving the ticket. You can request a hearing online through nycpay.gov, by mail, or in person at a Department of Finance location.

If you request a hearing, do not pay the ticket. The court will schedule a date for you to appear before a judge or administrative law judge. At the hearing, you can present evidence or testimony about the violation. The judge will decide whether to uphold the ticket, reduce the fine, or dismiss it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a NYC speeding ticket with a credit card online?

Yes. nycpay.gov accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A convenience fee of 2.5 to 3 percent of the fine will be added to your total. You will need your ticket number or license plate number and the violation date to start payment.

What happens if I miss the due date on my ticket?

A late penalty of roughly 10 percent of the original fine will be added, plus interest on the unpaid balance. After 60 days, the Department of Finance may suspend your driver's license and place a hold on your vehicle registration, making it illegal to drive.

How long does it take for a mailed payment to process?

Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to process. Send your check or money order well before your due date to may support it arrives on time. Write your ticket number on the check and mail it to the address on your ticket.

Can I pay my ticket at a police precinct?

No. Speeding tickets must be paid through the Department of Finance, either online, by mail, or at a Department of Finance payment location. Police precincts do not accept ticket payments.

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

You can search for your violation on nycpay.gov using your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. Once you find it, you can pay online. If you cannot find it online, call the Department of Finance to locate your ticket and receive the number.