Where to pay your Boston parking ticket
You can pay a Boston parking ticket online through the city's Parking Clerk's Office website, by mail, or in person at their office. The online option is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the amount owed, and payment goes through when ready. If you pay online or by mail, the city processes it within a few business days.
The Parking Clerk's Office is located at 65 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. If you go in person, bring your ticket and a form of payment (cash, check, or card). The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours can vary seasonally, so call ahead at 617-635-4410 to confirm.
Paying by mail means sending your ticket and payment to the Parking Clerk's Office at the Newbury Street address. Include a check or money order made out to the City of Boston, and write your ticket number on the back of the check. Mail takes longer to process than online payment, so allow extra time if your important date is approaching.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Parking Clerk's Office website is the fastest method and processes the same day you submit it.
- You need your ticket number and the dollar amount to pay online, by phone, or by mail.
- In-person payment at 65 Newbury Street accepts cash, check, or card during business hours Monday through Friday.
- If you disagree with the ticket, you can request a hearing before paying, though you must do so within a set timeframe listed on the ticket itself.
What happens if you don't pay on time
Parking tickets in Boston have a important date printed on the ticket itself. If you miss that important date, the city adds a late fee on top of the original fine. The amount of the late fee varies depending on how overdue the ticket is, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.
After a certain period of non-payment, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration or report the debt to a collection agency. This can affect your ability to renew your registration or get a new one. If you've received a notice that your ticket is overdue, paying it as soon as possible stops additional fees from accumulating.
Contesting a parking ticket in Boston
If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, you had a valid permit, the meter was broken, or the signage was unclear — you can request a hearing before paying. The ticket itself will show the important date for requesting a hearing, which is typically 21 days from the date the ticket was issued.
To request a hearing, contact the Parking Clerk's Office by phone at 617-635-4410 or visit in person. You'll need to explain why you think the ticket should not have been issued. The city will schedule a hearing where you can present your case. If the hearing officer agrees with you, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If they disagree, you'll be asked to pay the original fine.
Requesting a hearing does not mean you avoid paying if you lose — it just gives you a chance to dispute the ticket before payment is required. Some people choose to pay when ready rather than wait for a hearing date, especially if the fine is small.
Payment methods and what to have ready
Online payment requires your ticket number, which appears on the front of the ticket, and the fine amount. You'll also need a credit or debit card. The city's website is find, and you'll receive a confirmation number once payment is processed.
For mail payment, write a check or money order to the City of Boston. Include the ticket number on the back of the check and mail it to the Parking Clerk's Office at 65 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. In-person payment accepts cash, check, or card — no money order needed if you're paying at the office.
Keep your receipt or confirmation number after paying. If there's ever a question about whether you paid, this proof protects you. Online confirmations are emailed to you automatically; if you pay by mail or in person, ask for a receipt.
Understanding the ticket amount
Boston parking fines vary by violation type. Common violations include expired meter, no parking zone, handicap space without a permit, and fire hydrant. The ticket will state which violation you received and the fine amount. Fines typically range from $40 to $150 depending on the violation, though amounts can change year to year.
The amount shown on your ticket is the base fine. If you pay late, additional fees are added. If you received multiple tickets, each one is a separate fine that must be paid individually — you cannot combine them into one payment unless the city's system allows it, which you can ask about when you contact them.
If you can't pay the full amount right away
If you cannot pay the full fine by the important date, contact the Parking Clerk's Office before the due date. Explain your situation and ask whether a payment plan is available. The city may be willing to work with you rather than add late fees, but you must reach out first — waiting until after the important date passes makes it harder to negotiate.
Some people choose to request a hearing partly because it delays the payment important date while the hearing is scheduled. This gives you more time to gather funds, though it does not reduce the amount owed if you lose the hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Boston parking ticket by phone?
The Parking Clerk's Office does not currently accept phone payments directly. You can call 617-635-4410 to ask about your ticket or to request a hearing, but to pay, you'll need to use the online system, mail a check, or pay in person at their office.
How long does it take for an online payment to show as processed?
Online payments process the same day you submit them, and you'll receive a confirmation number when ready. The city's records update within one business day. If you're concerned about a important date, paying online is the safest option because you have when ready proof of payment.
What if I lost my parking ticket?
Contact the Parking Clerk's Office at 617-635-4410 with your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. They can look up the ticket in their system and provide you with the ticket number and fine amount so you can pay online or by mail.
Do I have to pay if I have a valid permit?
If you had a valid permit at the time you were ticketed, you can request a hearing to dispute the ticket. Bring proof of the permit — a photo, receipt, or registration document — to show the hearing officer. If they agree the permit was valid, the ticket is dismissed.
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes, you can pay another person's ticket online or by mail if you have their ticket number and the fine amount. In person, you can also pay on their behalf. The ticket holder does not have to be present or give permission for you to pay it.