Where to pay your New York City ticket
You can pay a New York City traffic or parking ticket in three main ways: online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The online method is fastest — you can pay when ready from home using a credit card, debit card, or e-check. You will need your ticket number and the amount due, both printed on your ticket.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address listed on the back of your ticket. Include the ticket number and your name on the check. Mail payments take longer to process, typically one to two weeks, so send it early if you have a important date.
For in-person payment, the Department of Finance runs payment locations across the five boroughs. You can find the nearest one and its hours on the Department of Finance website. Bring your ticket and a form of payment — cash, check, credit card, or debit card are all accepted.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Department of Finance website is the fastest method and requires only your ticket number and the amount owed.
- You can pay by mail with a check or money order sent to the address on the back of your ticket, though processing takes one to two weeks.
- In-person payment is available at Department of Finance locations throughout the five boroughs during posted business hours.
- Paying your ticket stops late fees and penalties from building up, and protects you from license suspension or vehicle towing.
important date and what happens if you miss them
The due date for payment is printed on your ticket. If you pay by the due date, you owe only the fine amount. If you miss the important date, the city adds a late fee — the amount varies depending on the type of violation, but typically ranges from $25 to $100 on top of your original fine.
If you do not pay within 30 days of the due date, the Department of Finance may suspend your driver's license or place a hold on your vehicle registration. After 60 days unpaid, the city can tow your vehicle. These consequences explore even if you plan to contest the ticket — you still need to pay by the important date or request a payment plan.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the Department of Finance before the important date to set up a payment plan. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. A payment plan lets you pay in installments and stops late fees from accruing while you are making payments.
Paying online through the Department of Finance
Go to the Department of Finance's Parking Violations Bureau website or Traffic Violations Bureau website, depending on whether your ticket is for parking or a moving violation. Enter your ticket number in the search box. The system will pull up your ticket details and the amount owed.
Review the information to make sure it matches your ticket. Then select your payment method — credit card, debit card, or e-check — and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number when ready. The payment posts to your account within one business day, and you can print or save your receipt as proof of payment.
If you cannot find your ticket online, it may not have been entered into the system yet. Tickets sometimes take a few days to appear. If more than a week has passed since you received the ticket and it still does not show up, call the appropriate bureau to confirm the ticket number and amount.
Paying by phone or through a payment plan
You can pay by phone by calling the Parking Violations Bureau at 646-506-3000 or the Traffic Violations Bureau at 646-506-3500. Have your ticket number and payment method ready. Phone payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number.
If you need a payment plan, you can request one when you call. The Department of Finance will work with you to set up a schedule based on what you can afford. Plans typically allow you to pay in two to four installments over several months. Once you are on a payment plan, late fees stop accumulating as long as you make each payment on time.
What to do if you want to contest the ticket
You can contest a ticket by requesting a hearing, but you still need to pay the fine by the due date or set up a payment plan. Contesting does not pause the payment important date. If you win your case, the city will refund your payment.
To request a hearing, you can do so online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person. The hearing process takes several weeks to several months. During that time, keep making any payments you owe on schedule to avoid late fees and license suspension.
Proof of payment and your records
Keep your receipt or confirmation number after you pay. If you paid online, save or print your confirmation page. If you paid by mail, keep a copy of the check or money order and the envelope it was mailed in. If you paid in person, ask for a receipt before you leave.
These records protect you if there is ever a question about whether you paid. The Department of Finance's records should update within one to two business days, but having your own proof means you can resolve any discrepancy quickly. If you ever need to show proof of payment — for a license renewal, a vehicle registration, or a court case — you will have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's ticket for them?
Yes. You can pay online using the ticket number, by mail, or in person at a Department of Finance location. The ticket owner does not have to be present. You will need the ticket number and the amount owed, both of which are on the ticket itself.
What if I lost my ticket and don't have the ticket number?
Call the Parking Violations Bureau at 646-506-3000 or the Traffic Violations Bureau at 646-506-3500 with your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. They can look up the ticket number and amount. Once you have the number, you can pay online or in person.
Do I have to pay if I'm going to fight the ticket in court?
Yes. You must pay by the due date or set up a payment plan, even if you plan to contest the ticket. If you win your case, the city refunds your payment. Failing to pay does not pause the important date and will result in late fees and license suspension.
How long does it take for my payment to show up in the system?
Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mail payments take one to two weeks to process. You can check the status of your payment online using your ticket number, or call the appropriate bureau to confirm it has been received.
What payment methods does the Department of Finance take?
Online, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or e-check. By mail, send a check or money order. In person, you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card. The Department of Finance does not take prepaid cards or gift cards.