Where to pay your New York parking ticket
You can pay a New York parking ticket through the Department of Finance website, by mail, by phone, or in person at a payment location. The method you choose depends on whether you have your ticket number handy and how quickly you want the payment processed.
The fastest route is the Department of Finance website at nycserv.nyc.gov. You'll need your ticket number (the 10-digit number on the ticket itself) and the license plate number. Payment goes through when ready, and you receive a confirmation number on screen. If you don't have internet access, you can call 311 from any phone in New York City and a representative will help you pay over the phone using a credit or debit card.
Mailing a check or money order is slower but works if you prefer not to use a card. Mail your payment to the address printed on the back of your ticket, along with the ticket itself or a copy of it. The Department of Finance processes mail payments within two to three weeks, so send it early if you're approaching a important date.
Key Takeaways
- The Department of Finance website (nycserv.nyc.gov) is the fastest way to pay—you need your 10-digit ticket number and license plate, and payment posts when ready.
- You can also pay by phone through 311, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at a Department of Finance office in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or the Bronx.
- Paying online or by phone costs nothing extra, but mailing takes two to three weeks to process.
- If you dispute the ticket, paying it does not prevent you from contesting it later, though you may need to request a refund if you win the dispute.
Payment methods and what each one costs
Online and phone payments through the Department of Finance accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. There is no processing fee for either method. If you pay by mail with a check or money order, there is also no fee—you only send the amount on the ticket.
In-person payments at a Department of Finance office accept cash, check, money order, or card. Again, no fee applies. The offices are located at 33 Beaver Street in Manhattan, 210 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn, and 1932 Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Hours vary by location, so call 311 before you go to confirm they're open.
Some people use third-party payment services they find online, which may charge a convenience fee on top of the ticket amount. These services are not required—you can always pay the Department of Finance directly and avoid the extra charge.
What happens if you pay late
Parking tickets in New York have a due date printed on the back. If you don't pay by that date, the Department of Finance adds a late penalty to your bill. The penalty amount depends on how long you wait, but it typically starts at 10% of the original ticket amount and can grow from there.
If you ignore the ticket for a long time, the debt can be referred to a collection agency, and the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration or driver's license renewal. Paying as soon as you receive the ticket avoids these complications entirely.
If you believe you paid on time but the Department of Finance shows it as late, you can dispute the late penalty by calling 311 or visiting the website. Keep your payment confirmation number or receipt as proof of when you paid.
Paying in person at a Department of Finance office
Walk-in payment at a Department of Finance office takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the location is. Bring your ticket, a valid ID, and your payment method (cash, check, card, or money order). The staff will process your payment on the spot and give you a receipt.
The three locations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours differ by office. Call 311 to confirm the hours for the location nearest you before you go. If you're paying by check or money order, make it payable to "Department of Finance."
In-person payment is useful if you want a receipt when ready or if you have questions about the ticket itself. However, online or phone payment is faster if you straightforward want to pay and move on.
Paying by mail: what to send and where
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Make it payable to "Department of Finance." Include the ticket itself or a photocopy of it in the envelope, along with your check or money order. Mail everything to the address printed on the back of your ticket.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Finance receives your envelope. If you're close to the due date, mailing is risky because delays in the postal system could push your payment past the important date and trigger a late penalty. Online or phone payment is safer if you're running short on time.
Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records. If you need to confirm payment was received, you can check the status on nycserv.nyc.gov using your ticket number.
Paying by phone through 311
Call 311 from any phone in New York City and tell the representative you want to pay a parking ticket. Have your ticket number and license plate number ready. The representative will walk you through the payment process and accept your credit or debit card information over the phone.
Payment posts when ready, and the representative will give you a confirmation number. Write down this number and keep it with your records. The call is free, and there is no fee for the payment itself.
If you're outside New York City, you can reach the Department of Finance directly at 212-788-8550 to pay by phone. The process is the same, but you'll speak with a Department of Finance representative instead of a 311 operator.
What to do if you want to dispute the ticket instead
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it through the Parking Violations Bureau. You do not have to pay the ticket first to file a dispute. You have 30 days from the date on the ticket to request a hearing.
To request a hearing, visit nycserv.nyc.gov, call 311, or mail a written request to the address on the back of your ticket. Include your ticket number and a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket is wrong. The Parking Violations Bureau will schedule a hearing date and send you a notice by mail.
If you've already paid the ticket and then win your dispute, you can request a refund. The refund process takes several weeks, so contact the Department of Finance with your ticket number and hearing decision to start it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a parking ticket online without a ticket number?
No, the Department of Finance website requires your 10-digit ticket number to process payment. If you've lost the ticket, call 311 and provide your license plate number and the approximate date you received the ticket. A representative can look up the ticket number for you.
What if I pay online but the payment doesn't go through?
If your card is declined or the transaction fails, you'll see an error message on the screen. Try again with the same card or a different payment method. If the problem continues, call 311 and pay by phone instead. Do not assume the payment went through if you didn't receive a confirmation number.
Does paying a parking ticket affect my driving record or insurance?
Parking tickets do not appear on your driving record and do not affect your car insurance rates. They are civil violations, not moving violations. However, unpaid tickets can eventually lead to registration holds or license suspension, which is why paying on time matters.
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes, anyone can pay a parking ticket using the ticket number and license plate. You do not need to be the vehicle owner or the person who received the ticket. Use the Department of Finance website or call 311 with the ticket information.
What if the ticket amount seems wrong?
Before you pay, review the ticket for the violation code and the amount. If the amount doesn't match what you expect for that violation, call 311 to confirm the correct amount. If you believe the amount is incorrect, you can dispute the ticket through the Parking Violations Bureau rather than paying it.