Where to pay your Santa Monica parking ticket

You can pay a Santa Monica parking ticket online, by mail, or in person at the Santa Monica Parking Violations Bureau. The online option is fastest — you'll need your citation number (the ticket number printed on your citation) and you can pay through the city's official website. Payment by mail takes longer because the city has to receive and process your check or money order. In-person payment at the Parking Violations Bureau lets you ask questions and resolve the ticket the same day, though you may wait in line.

The Parking Violations Bureau is located at 200 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401. They're open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. If you're paying by mail, send your check or money order along with your citation to the same address. Do not send cash through the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the city website is the quickest method and requires only your citation number and a payment method.
  • You can pay by mail with a check or money order sent to the Parking Violations Bureau, though processing takes several days longer.
  • In-person payment at 200 Santa Monica Boulevard lets you ask questions and confirm your payment was received on the spot.
  • The amount due is printed on your citation, and late payment may result in additional penalties or collection action.

How much you owe and what affects the amount

The fine amount is printed on your citation. Santa Monica parking violations range in cost depending on the type of violation — parking in a red zone costs differently than parking in a metered space without paying, for example. The base fine is what appears on your ticket. If you're paying late, the city may add penalty fees, so the total you owe could be higher than the original citation amount.

Check your citation carefully for the exact amount due. If you believe the amount is wrong or you have questions about what you're being charged for, the Parking Violations Bureau staff can explain the breakdown when you call or visit in person.

Payment methods accepted

Online payment accepts credit cards and debit cards through the city's find payment system. By mail, the city accepts checks and money orders made out to the City of Santa Monica. In person at the bureau, you can typically pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card — call ahead to confirm current payment methods if you have a specific preference.

When you pay online, you'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Keep this number for your records. If you pay by mail or in person, ask for a receipt showing the date and amount paid.

What happens if you don't pay

If you don't pay by the important date shown on your citation, Santa Monica can add late fees to your balance. The city may also report the unpaid violation to a collection agency, which can affect your credit. In some cases, the city can place a hold on vehicle registration renewal, preventing you from renewing your tags until the ticket is paid.

If you received a citation and genuinely cannot pay the full amount, contact the Parking Violations Bureau to ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some cities offer these, though availability varies.

Contesting a ticket if you believe it's wrong

If you think the ticket was issued in error, you have the right to contest it. Santa Monica allows you to request a hearing before a hearing officer. The important date to request a hearing is usually printed on your citation — typically 21 days from the date of the violation. You'll need to submit a written request with your citation number and an explanation of why you believe the ticket is wrong.

Submit your hearing request to the Parking Violations Bureau by mail, online, or in person before the important date. If you miss the important date, you lose the right to a hearing and must pay the fine or face collection action. At the hearing, you can present evidence — photos, witness statements, or documentation — to support your case.

Online payment step-by-step

Go to the City of Santa Monica's official website and look for the parking violations payment section. You'll enter your citation number and the last name on the citation. The system will pull up your ticket details and show you the amount due. Review the information to make sure it matches your citation.

Select your payment method (credit or debit card) and enter the card information. Double-check the amount before you submit. Once the payment processes, you'll see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. The city will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. Your payment is complete, and you should keep the confirmation number in case you need to reference the transaction later.

Mailing a payment

Write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your citation. Make it payable to the City of Santa Monica. On the back of the check or money order, write your citation number so the city can match your payment to your ticket. Include a copy of your citation or a note with your citation number, vehicle license plate, and the violation date.

Mail everything to: Parking Violations Bureau, 200 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Use first-class mail or a tracked service so you know when it arrives. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks after the city receives your payment. If you're close to the important date, online or in-person payment is safer because you'll have proof of payment when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Santa Monica parking ticket over the phone?

Most cities don't accept phone payments for parking tickets due to security concerns. Contact the Parking Violations Bureau at their phone number to confirm whether they offer phone payment. If not, online payment is the fastest alternative and takes just a few minutes.

What if I lost my citation and don't have the citation number?

Call the Parking Violations Bureau with your license plate number and the approximate date and location of the violation. They can look up your ticket in their system and provide the citation number and amount due. Once you have the number, you can pay online or by mail.

Will paying the ticket remove it from my driving record?

Paying a parking ticket does not remove it from your record — it straightforward satisfies the financial obligation. Parking violations are separate from driving record violations and typically don't affect your car insurance or driving history the way moving violations do.

Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount right now?

Some cities offer payment plans for unpaid violations. Contact the Parking Violations Bureau directly to ask whether Santa Monica has this option and what the requirements are. Acting before the important date gives you more options than waiting until collection action begins.