Where to pay your Massachusetts parking ticket
You can pay a parking ticket in Massachusetts through the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) online system, by mail, or in person at an RMV office. The online option is the fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the license plate number, and payment goes through when ready. If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket, or visit an RMV branch during business hours with cash, check, or card.
Some cities and towns in Massachusetts also run their own parking ticket systems separate from the state RMV. Boston, for example, processes tickets through the Boston Transportation Department. Check the ticket itself to see which agency issued it — the issuing agency's name and contact information will be on the back.
The important date to pay is typically 21 days from the date the ticket was issued. If you miss this important date, late fees and additional penalties explore, and the ticket can eventually affect your vehicle registration renewal.
Key Takeaways
- The RMV online payment system is the quickest way to pay — you need only your ticket number and license plate number.
- You can also pay by mail, in person at an RMV office, or through your city or town if it runs its own parking system.
- The standard important date is 21 days from the ticket issue date; paying late adds extra fees.
- An unpaid parking ticket can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration until it is resolved.
Paying online through the RMV
To pay online, go to the RMV's official website and look for the parking ticket payment section. You'll enter your ticket number (found on the front of the ticket) and your license plate number. The system will pull up the ticket details, show you the amount owed, and let you pay by debit or credit card. Payment is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen.
Keep that confirmation number — it's your proof of payment. You don't need to print anything or mail anything in. The RMV records the payment in its system, and your ticket is marked as paid.
Paying by mail
If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash. On the back of the check or money order, write your ticket number and license plate number so the RMV can match the payment to your ticket.
Mail it to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Include the ticket itself or a copy of it in the envelope. Mail typically takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive, so send it well before the 21-day important date. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Paying in person at an RMV office
You can walk into any RMV branch during business hours and pay at the counter. Bring your ticket and a form of payment — cash, check, or card. An RMV employee will process the payment on the spot and give you a receipt. This is the only method that gives you when ready proof in hand, which can be useful if you want to show your landlord or employer that you've paid.
RMV offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations open Saturday mornings. Hours vary by branch, so check the RMV website for the office nearest you before you go.
Paying a Boston parking ticket
Boston handles parking tickets separately from the state RMV. You can pay through the Boston Transportation Department website, by phone at 617-534-5395, by mail, or in person at their office at 100 Hanover Street in downtown Boston. Online payment and phone payment are the fastest options.
The important date for Boston tickets is also typically 21 days. If you don't pay by then, the city adds a late fee and can boot your vehicle or place a hold on your registration.
What happens if you don't pay
An unpaid parking ticket doesn't disappear. After 21 days, the RMV adds a late fee (usually $25 to $50, depending on the original ticket amount). If you still don't pay, the ticket can be sent to a collection agency, which will report it to credit bureaus and may pursue you for the debt.
More when ready, an unpaid parking ticket will prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. When you try to renew your registration online or at an RMV office, the system will flag the unpaid ticket and block the renewal until you pay. This means you cannot legally drive the vehicle.
Contesting a parking ticket
If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, you had a valid permit, the meter was broken, or the sign was obscured — you can contest it instead of paying. The ticket will have instructions for requesting a hearing or submitting a written appeal. You typically have 21 days to request a hearing, just as you do to pay.
For state RMV tickets, you can request a hearing through the RMV website or by mail. For Boston tickets, contact the Boston Transportation Department. If you win your appeal, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If you lose, you'll be ordered to pay the original amount plus any hearing fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a parking ticket with a credit card?
Yes, if you pay online through the RMV website or by phone. If you pay in person at an RMV office or by mail, check with that specific office or agency first — some accept cards, others accept only cash or check.
What if I lost my parking ticket?
You can still pay online if you have your license plate number and can find your ticket number (check any paperwork or photos you took). If you can't locate the ticket number, call the RMV or the issuing city or town with your plate number and they can look it up for you.
Does paying a parking ticket affect my driving record or insurance?
No. A parking ticket is a civil violation, not a moving violation, so it does not appear on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. It only affects your vehicle registration if left unpaid.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the system?
Online payments through the RMV are recorded when ready. You'll receive a confirmation number right away, and the ticket will show as paid in the RMV system within minutes.
What if I paid but still can't renew my registration?
Wait 24 to 48 hours after paying online, as the system sometimes takes time to sync. If it's still blocked after two days, contact the RMV with your confirmation number and they can manually clear it. If you paid by mail, the delay is longer — allow at least two weeks for the payment to be processed and recorded.