Where to pay your Philadelphia parking ticket
You can pay a Philadelphia parking ticket online through the city's Department of Revenue website, by mail, in person at a payment center, or by phone. The online method is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the amount owed, and payment posts within one business day. If you don't have internet access or prefer to pay in person, the city operates payment locations in Center City and other neighborhoods during business hours.
The city also accepts payment by mail if you send a check or money order to the Department of Revenue at the address printed on your ticket. Include your ticket number with the payment so it gets credited to the right violation. Mail payments take longer to process — typically five to seven business days — so use this method only if you have time before any important date.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the city's Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and takes about one business day to process.
- You need your ticket number and the violation amount to pay online, by phone, or by mail.
- In-person payment at a city payment center avoids mailing delays and gives you a receipt on the spot.
- If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying, though you'll need to do this within 15 days of the ticket date.
Paying online through the Department of Revenue
Go to the Philadelphia Department of Revenue website and look for the parking violations payment section. Enter your ticket number — this is the citation number printed at the top of your ticket — and the system will pull up the violation details and amount owed. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
The website will show you the exact amount due, including any late fees if the ticket is overdue. Once you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number when ready. The city recommends saving or printing this confirmation as proof of payment, though the transaction will also appear in your account if you create a login.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the Department of Revenue's parking violations line. Have your ticket number and a credit or debit card ready. A representative will confirm the violation amount and process your payment over the phone. This method works if you prefer speaking to someone or if you don't have internet access.
For mail payment, write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Write your ticket number on the back of the check. Mail it to the address listed on your ticket — typically the Department of Revenue's office address. Include a copy of the ticket itself if possible, so the city can match the payment to your violation without delay.
Paying in person at a city payment center
The Philadelphia Department of Revenue operates payment locations where you can pay your ticket and receive a receipt the same day. The main office is located in Center City, and the city maintains satellite locations in other neighborhoods. Hours vary by location, so check the Department of Revenue website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.
Bring your ticket and a form of payment — cash, check, debit card, or credit card. A staff member will process your payment and give you a receipt showing the ticket number, amount paid, and date. Keep this receipt as proof of payment in case there's ever a question about whether you paid.
What happens if your ticket is overdue
If you don't pay within 30 days of the ticket date, the city adds a late fee to the original violation amount. The total owed increases, and the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration or report the debt to a collection agency. Paying as soon as possible keeps the cost from growing.
If your ticket is already overdue and you want to pay now, the online system or a payment center representative will show you the current total, including any penalties. Pay that full amount to clear the violation and prevent further action.
Contesting a ticket before you pay
If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly — for example, you had a valid permit, the sign was obscured, or the meter was broken — you can request a hearing instead of paying when ready. You have 15 days from the ticket date to file a hearing request. Submit your request through the Department of Revenue website or by mail to the address on your ticket.
During the hearing, you can present evidence and explain why you think the ticket should not have been issued. A hearing officer will review your case and decide whether to uphold or dismiss the violation. If the ticket is dismissed, you owe nothing. If it's upheld, you'll be told the amount due and given a important date to pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Philadelphia parking ticket with a credit card online?
Yes, the Department of Revenue website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online payment. You'll enter your card information securely during checkout. The transaction posts within one business day.
What if I lost my ticket and don't have the ticket number?
Contact the Department of Revenue with your license plate number and the approximate date and location where you received the ticket. A representative can look up the violation in the system and provide the ticket number so you can pay online or by phone.
Does paying a parking ticket remove points from my driver's license?
No, parking violations do not add points to your driving record. They are civil violations, not moving violations. Paying the ticket resolves the matter with the city but does not affect your license status.
Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount right now?
Contact the Department of Revenue directly to ask about payment plan options. Some cities offer installment arrangements for unpaid violations, though availability and terms vary. Call the number on your ticket to discuss what might be possible in your situation.
What if I paid my ticket but the city says I didn't?
Check your confirmation number or receipt from the payment. If you paid online, log into your account on the Department of Revenue website to verify the transaction. If there's a discrepancy, contact the Department of Revenue with your proof of payment and they can investigate and correct their records.