Pay your SFMTA citation online, by mail, or in person

You can pay a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) citation through three main routes: the SFMTA website using your citation number, by mailing a check to the SFMTA Parking Citations office, or by visiting an in-person payment location. The fastest method is online, which takes about five minutes and lets you pay when ready with a credit or debit card. Payment by mail takes one to two weeks to process, and in-person payment is processed the same day.

Your citation number appears on the parking ticket itself — it's a seven-digit number printed near the top of the notice. You'll need this number no matter which payment method you choose. If you've lost the ticket, you can still look up your citation using your license plate number on the SFMTA website, though this requires creating an account.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the SFMTA website is the fastest option and processes when ready with a credit or debit card.
  • You need your seven-digit citation number to pay online, which appears on the parking ticket itself.
  • Mailing a check to the SFMTA Parking Citations office takes one to two weeks but requires no account or card.
  • In-person payment at an SFMTA office or authorized payment location processes the same day and accepts cash, check, or card.
  • Late fees are added if payment is not received within 21 days of the citation date, so paying early avoids additional charges.

Pay online through the SFMTA website

Go to sfmta.com and look for the "Pay a Citation" or "Parking Citations" link on the homepage. Click it and you'll be directed to enter your citation number. The system will pull up the citation details, including the violation, the amount due, and the date issued.

Once you've confirmed the citation details are correct, you'll enter your payment information. The SFMTA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent is added to credit and debit card payments — this fee goes to the payment processor, not the city. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email. Keep this confirmation for your records.

Online payment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The transaction posts to your account when ready, so there's no waiting period. If you need to dispute the citation, you can still do so after paying — payment does not waive your right to contest the ticket.

Pay by mail with a check

Write a check payable to "SFMTA" for the full amount shown on your citation. Include your citation number and license plate number on the check itself — write these in the memo line. Mail the check to: SFMTA Parking Citations, P.O. Box 880034, San Francisco, CA 94188-0034.

Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks from the date the SFMTA receives your payment. To confirm receipt, you can call the SFMTA Parking Citations office at 311 (or 415-701-2311 from outside San Francisco) about two weeks after mailing. Have your citation number ready when you call.

Do not mail cash. If your check is lost or not received, the SFMTA will not have a record of your payment, and late fees will continue to accrue. For this reason, consider mailing with tracking or using online payment if you're concerned about delivery.

Pay in person at an SFMTA office or authorized location

The main SFMTA office is located at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103. You can also pay at certain DMV offices and authorized payment centers throughout the city. Bring your citation and a valid form of payment — the SFMTA accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card at in-person locations.

In-person payment is processed the same day, and you'll receive a receipt when ready. This is the best option if you want proof of payment on the spot or if you prefer to pay with cash. Office hours vary by location, so call 311 before you go to confirm hours and find the location nearest you.

Understand late fees and payment important date

Payment is due within 21 days of the citation date printed on your ticket. If the SFMTA does not receive payment by this date, a late fee is added to your balance. The late fee amount varies depending on the original violation amount, but it typically ranges from $25 to $100 or more.

If you miss the 21-day important date, you can still pay the citation plus the late fee at any time. However, if payment remains unpaid for an extended period, the SFMTA may refer the debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit and result in additional collection fees. If you believe you cannot pay by the important date, contact the SFMTA to discuss payment plans or other options.

What to do if you want to contest the citation

You have the right to contest a citation before or after paying it. To contest, you must file a written request with the SFMTA Parking Citations office within 21 days of the citation date. You can submit your contest online through the SFMTA website, by mail, or in person. Include your citation number, a clear explanation of why you believe the citation was issued in error, and any supporting evidence (photos, witness statements, proof of payment for parking, etc.).

The SFMTA will review your contest and send you a decision by mail within 30 to 60 days. If your contest is denied and you've already paid, you can request a refund. If your contest is denied and you haven't paid, you'll be notified of the amount due and the new important date for payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's SFMTA citation?

Yes. You can pay online using the citation number, by mail, or in person. The payment method doesn't require you to be the vehicle owner or the person cited. However, if you're paying on behalf of someone else, make sure you have the correct citation number to avoid paying the wrong ticket.

What happens if I don't pay my SFMTA citation?

Late fees are added 21 days after the citation date. If payment remains unpaid for several months, the SFMTA may refer the debt to a collection agency, which can damage your credit and result in additional collection costs. The city may also place a hold on vehicle registration renewal until the citation is paid.

Is there a payment plan option for SFMTA citations?

The SFMTA does not advertise a standard payment plan program on its website. However, if you're unable to pay by the important date, contact the SFMTA at 311 or 415-701-2311 to discuss your situation. They may be able to work with you on an alternative arrangement or extension.

Do I need to create an account to pay online?

No. You can pay online without creating an account if you have your citation number. However, creating an account allows you to look up citations by license plate number and track payment history, which can be useful if you receive multiple citations.

Can I get a refund if I paid a citation I'm disputing?

Yes. If you pay a citation and then file a contest that is approved, the SFMTA will refund your payment. Submit your contest request within 21 days of the citation date, and include your citation number and the reason for your dispute.