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 option is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the amount owed, and payment processes when ready. The city accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online and phone payments.

If you prefer to pay in person, the Department of Revenue has a payment office at 1401 Arch Street in Center City Philadelphia, open Monday through Friday. You can also pay at any PNC Bank branch in the Philadelphia area. By mail, send your check or money order to the address printed on your ticket, along with the ticket itself or a copy of it.

Phone payment is available by calling the Department of Revenue's automated line. Have your ticket number and payment method ready when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the city's Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and processes when ready with a credit or debit card.
  • You can pay in person at 1401 Arch Street in Center City or at any PNC Bank branch during business hours.
  • Payment by mail should include your ticket number and be sent to the address on your ticket; allow extra time for processing.
  • Late fees and additional penalties begin accruing after a set number of days, so paying sooner rather than later costs less.
  • If you dispute the ticket, you can request a hearing before paying, though the ticket amount is still due if you lose the appeal.

What happens if you don't pay on time

Philadelphia adds a late fee to unpaid parking tickets after 30 days. The amount of the late fee depends on the original ticket amount, but it typically ranges from $25 to $50. After 60 days, the city may report the debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit report and result in additional collection fees.

If a ticket remains unpaid for an extended period, the city can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or suspend your registration entirely. This means you won't be able to legally drive the vehicle until the ticket is paid. The city can also place a lien on your vehicle title, which complicates any future sale.

Disputing a ticket before you pay

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 with the Parking Authority before paying. You must request the hearing within 15 days of the ticket date. You can request a hearing online through the Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person.

During the hearing, you'll have the chance to present your side of the case to a hearing officer. If the officer rules in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the officer upholds the ticket, you'll be required to pay the original amount plus any accrued late fees. Requesting a hearing does not prevent late fees from accruing while your case is pending, so the sooner you request one, the better.

Payment methods and fees

The Department of Revenue accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online and phone payments. Electronic check payments are also accepted online. If you pay by mail, send a personal check or money order — do not send cash.

Credit card and debit card payments online or by phone may include a processing fee charged by the payment processor, though the city's website will show you the total amount before you confirm. This fee is separate from the ticket amount and late fees. Paying in person at the Department of Revenue office or at a PNC Bank branch typically does not include an additional processing fee.

How to find your ticket number and amount

Your ticket number and the amount owed appear on the physical ticket left on your windshield. If you've lost the ticket, you can look up your vehicle's parking violations on the Department of Revenue website by entering your license plate number. The website will show all outstanding tickets associated with that plate, along with the ticket numbers, dates, locations, and amounts owed.

If you can't find your ticket information online or on the physical ticket, you can call the Department of Revenue's customer service line during business hours. Have your license plate number and the approximate date and location of the ticket ready.

Paying a ticket for a vehicle you no longer own

If you received a ticket for a vehicle you've since sold, you can still pay it under your name, or you can provide proof that you sold the vehicle and request that the ticket be transferred to the new owner. To transfer the ticket, contact the Department of Revenue with your bill of sale or other proof of sale. The new owner then becomes responsible for the ticket.

If you don't transfer the ticket and don't pay it, the debt may follow you and affect your credit. It's simpler to pay the ticket yourself than to deal with the collection process later, even if you no longer own the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Philadelphia parking ticket online right now?

Yes. Go to the Department of Revenue website, enter your ticket number and the amount owed, and pay with a credit or debit card. The payment processes when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep this confirmation for your records.

What if I can't pay the full amount right now?

The city does not offer payment plans for parking tickets. You must pay the full amount. However, if you're facing financial hardship, you can contact the Department of Revenue to discuss your situation — they may be able to direct you to resources or explain your options.

How long does it take for a payment to show up in the system?

Online and phone payments show when ready. Payments by mail typically take 7 to 10 business days to process, depending on when the Department of Revenue receives and processes your check or money order. In-person payments at the office or PNC Bank show when ready.

Will paying the ticket remove it from my record?

Paying the ticket settles the debt but does not remove the violation from your driving or parking record. The ticket remains part of your history with the city. If you want the ticket removed from your record, you would need to successfully dispute it at a hearing before paying.

What if I paid the ticket but still see it listed as unpaid online?

If you paid by mail or in person, allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to appear in the system. If you paid online or by phone, the payment should show when ready. If more than 10 days have passed and the ticket still shows as unpaid, contact the Department of Revenue with your payment confirmation number.