Where to pay your Philadelphia parking ticket
Philadelphia parking tickets can be paid through the city's Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The online method is the fastest — you can pay when ready using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The city does not charge a processing fee for online payments.
To pay online, you will need your ticket number, which appears on the citation you received. Go to phillyparking.com and select "Pay a Ticket" from the main menu. Enter your ticket number and the amount owed, then choose your payment method. You will receive a confirmation number when ready.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order payable to "City of Philadelphia" along with your ticket to the address printed on the back of your citation. Include your ticket number on the check. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to process.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through phillyparking.com is the fastest method and requires only your ticket number and a credit or debit card.
- The city charges no processing fee for online payments, but credit card companies may charge their own fees depending on your card.
- Mailed payments should include your ticket number and be sent to the address on the back of your citation; allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.
- In-person payment is available at the Department of Revenue office at 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Unpaid tickets accrue penalties and may result in vehicle boot or towing if left unresolved for an extended period.
What happens if you do not pay by the due date
Philadelphia parking tickets have a due date printed on the citation itself. If you do not pay by that date, the city adds a late penalty to your balance. The amount of the penalty depends on how long the ticket remains unpaid, and it increases over time.
After a ticket goes unpaid for several months, the city may place a boot on your vehicle, preventing you from driving it until the full balance is paid. If the ticket remains unpaid even longer, the vehicle may be towed. Both the boot and tow carry additional fees that you will owe on top of the original ticket and penalties.
Unpaid parking tickets can also affect your ability to renew your vehicle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The city reports outstanding tickets to PennDOT, which may block registration renewal until the debt is resolved.
Paying a ticket you believe is incorrect
If you think your ticket was issued in error, you have the right to contest it before paying. The citation will include instructions for filing a formal appeal with the Department of Revenue. You must submit your appeal within a set timeframe — usually 30 days from the date of the ticket.
To contest a ticket, you can file an appeal online through phillyparking.com or submit a written appeal by mail to the Department of Revenue. Include your ticket number, a clear explanation of why you believe the ticket is incorrect, and any supporting evidence such as photographs or documentation that you had paid parking or were parked legally.
While your appeal is being reviewed, you are not required to pay the ticket. However, if your appeal is denied, you will then owe the full amount plus any penalties that have accrued during the appeal period. If you win your appeal, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing.
Payment methods and what to expect
Philadelphia accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online payments. The city does not accept cash online. If you pay in person at the Department of Revenue office, you can pay with cash, check, credit card, or debit card.
When you pay online, your confirmation number serves as proof of payment. Save or print this number in case you need to reference your payment later. The city typically updates its records within one business day of an online payment, though it may take longer during high-volume periods.
If you pay by mail, keep a copy of your check or money order receipt and the envelope you sent it in. If there is any question about whether the payment was received, you will have proof of when you mailed it. The city's processing time for mailed payments is 7 to 10 business days, but during busy periods it may take longer.
In-person payment at the Department of Revenue
The Department of Revenue office is located at 1401 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, between 13th and Broad Streets. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends and city holidays. You can walk in without an appointment.
Bring your ticket or ticket number with you. The staff can look up your ticket, tell you the current balance including any penalties, and process your payment on the spot. You will receive a receipt when ready. In-person payment is useful if you want to confirm the exact amount owed before paying or if you have questions about your ticket.
Parking is available in nearby lots and garages, though you will want to allow time to find a spot. Some people choose to pay online or by mail instead to avoid the trip downtown.
Understanding ticket amounts and penalties
Philadelphia parking ticket fines vary depending on the violation. Common violations include parking in a no-parking zone, expired meter, handicapped space without a permit, or blocking a fire hydrant. The base fine for each violation is set by the city and ranges from roughly $25 to $75, though the exact amount depends on the specific violation.
If you do not pay by the due date, the city adds a late penalty. This penalty increases the longer the ticket remains unpaid. For example, a ticket unpaid for 30 days may have a smaller penalty than one unpaid for 90 days. The city publishes its penalty schedule on the Department of Revenue website.
Some tickets may also include additional charges if they were issued in a special zone or under specific circumstances. Your citation will show the base fine, any additional charges, and the total amount due. If you are unsure why a charge appears on your ticket, you can contact the Department of Revenue or file an appeal to have it reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Philadelphia parking ticket with a credit card online?
Yes. The city accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online payments through phillyparking.com. Your credit card company may charge a processing fee, but the city does not. Check with your card issuer if you are unsure whether they charge fees for government payments.
What if I lost my ticket and do not have the ticket number?
You can still pay online if you have your license plate number. Go to phillyparking.com and use the "Look Up Ticket" feature to search by plate number. This will show all outstanding tickets on your vehicle. If you cannot find your ticket online, call the Department of Revenue at 311 or visit the office in person with your driver's license and vehicle registration.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the system?
Online payments typically process within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number when ready after paying, which proves the payment was submitted. If you need to verify that the payment cleared, you can check your account on phillyparking.com the next business day or call 311 to confirm.
What happens if I pay the ticket but still get a boot on my vehicle?
If you pay online, your payment should process within one business day, and the boot should not be placed. However, if a boot is already on your vehicle when you pay, you will also owe a boot removal fee. Contact the Department of Revenue when ready after paying to report the boot so it can be removed. Keep your payment confirmation number as proof.
Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount at once?
The city does not offer formal payment plans for parking tickets through its standard system. However, you can contact the Department of Revenue at 311 to discuss your situation. In some cases, the city may work with you on timing, but this is not may provide. Paying as much as you can as soon as possible will reduce the penalties that accrue over time.