Where to send your Boston parking ticket payment
Boston parking tickets go to the Parking Clerk's Office, which is part of the Boston Municipal Court. You can pay by mail, in person, or online through the city's official payment portal. The address for mailed payments is the Parking Clerk's Office, Boston Municipal Court, 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108.
Online payment is the fastest route. Visit the City of Boston's official parking ticket payment website (boston.gov/parking-tickets) and enter your ticket number and plate number. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. The system processes payments when ready and sends you a confirmation number.
In-person payment happens at the Boston Municipal Court building at 100 Hanover Street, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring your ticket and a form of payment. The office accepts cash, check, credit card, and debit card.
Key Takeaways
- Boston parking tickets must be paid to the Parking Clerk's Office at Boston Municipal Court, not to the city parking department.
- Online payment through boston.gov/parking-tickets is the fastest method and gives you an when ready confirmation number.
- Mailed payments should include your ticket number and be sent to 100 Hanover Street; allow 10 to 14 days for processing.
- If you pay late, the city adds a 10 percent penalty to the original fine amount.
- Contesting a ticket requires filing a hearing request within 20 days of the ticket date, not paying the fine first.
Payment important date and late fees
Boston parking tickets have a 20-day payment important date from the date printed on the ticket. If you pay after that date, the city adds a 10 percent penalty on top of the original fine. For example, a $65 ticket becomes $71.50 if paid late.
After 90 days without payment, the city may refer the ticket to a collection agency and report it to credit bureaus. Your vehicle registration may also be suspended, which means you cannot legally renew your registration until the ticket is paid.
If you believe you have a valid reason for late payment—such as never receiving the ticket—contact the Parking Clerk's Office directly at 617-534-5380 before the 90-day mark. They can sometimes waive or reduce the penalty if you have documentation of the delay.
What information you need to pay
To pay online or by mail, you need the ticket number and your license plate number. Both appear on the physical ticket. If you have lost the ticket, you can look up your outstanding tickets on the City of Boston website by entering your plate number.
For in-person payment, bring the ticket itself and a valid form of payment. If you are paying for someone else's ticket, bring their ticket and your payment method; you do not need to be the registered owner.
Keep your confirmation number or receipt. If you pay online, the system emails a confirmation when ready. If you pay by mail, the Parking Clerk's Office sends a receipt within two weeks. If you pay in person, ask for a stamped receipt before you leave.
Contesting a ticket instead of paying
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying. You have 20 days from the ticket date to file a hearing request with the Parking Clerk's Office. Do not pay the ticket first—paying it closes your right to contest.
To request a hearing, mail a letter to the Parking Clerk's Office at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108, or call 617-534-5380. Include your ticket number, plate number, and a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket is invalid. The office will schedule a hearing date and send you a notice by mail.
At the hearing, you can present evidence—photos, witness statements, or documentation that the sign was missing or obscured, for example. A hearing officer will decide whether to uphold, reduce, or dismiss the ticket. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal to Boston Municipal Court within 10 days.
Payment methods and processing time
| Payment Method | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Online (boston.gov) | when ready | Fastest option; confirmation sent by email |
| In person at 100 Hanover Street | Same day | Need a receipt when ready; prefer to pay in cash |
| 10 to 14 days | Prefer not to go online; allow extra time before important date | |
| Phone (617-534-5380) | Same day | Have questions about the ticket or payment options |
Online payment is the most reliable because you receive a confirmation number when ready and can prove payment if a dispute arises later. Mailed payments take longer to process, so mail your payment at least two weeks before the important date to avoid late fees.
If you mail a check, make it payable to "City of Boston" and include your ticket number and plate number on the check itself. Do not send cash by mail.
What happens if you ignore a parking ticket
Unpaid Boston parking tickets accumulate penalties and can affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration. After 90 days, the city refers the debt to a collection agency, and it may appear on your credit report.
If you move out of state, the ticket can still follow you. Massachusetts shares parking ticket data with other states' motor vehicle departments, and some states will not renew your registration until you settle Massachusetts debts.
If you genuinely cannot pay the full amount, contact the Parking Clerk's Office to ask about payment plans. They do not always offer them, but it is worth asking before the 90-day important date passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Boston parking ticket by phone?
You can call the Parking Clerk's Office at 617-534-5380 to ask about payment options and to clarify questions about your ticket, but you cannot pay directly over the phone. Online payment or in-person payment are the only direct methods.
What if I paid my ticket but the city says I still owe?
Contact the Parking Clerk's Office with your confirmation number or receipt. Processing delays sometimes cause the system to show an unpaid ticket for a few days after payment. If more than two weeks have passed since you paid, bring your receipt to the office in person or call to request a manual review.
Do I have to pay if the parking sign was missing or unclear?
No. If the sign was missing, obscured, or the restriction was not clearly posted, you can request a hearing and present that evidence. You have 20 days from the ticket date to request the hearing. Do not pay first.
Can I pay a Boston parking ticket from another state?
Yes. Online payment works from anywhere with internet access. For mailed payments, send your check to the Parking Clerk's Office at 100 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02108. Allow extra time for mail delivery.
What if my ticket is from several years ago?
Old tickets still accrue penalties and can prevent vehicle registration renewal. Contact the Parking Clerk's Office to find out the current amount owed, including penalties. They may negotiate a reduced amount if you pay when ready, but this is not may provide.