Where to pay your San Francisco parking ticket

You can pay a San Francisco parking ticket through the Department of Parking and Traffic (DPT) online portal, by mail, in person, or by phone. The online portal at sfgov.org/parkingtickets is the fastest route — you'll need your citation number, which appears on the ticket itself. Payment goes through when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation email.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket, call 311 from within San Francisco or (415) 701-2311 from elsewhere, or visit the DPT office in person at 25 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on city holidays.

Payment by phone requires your citation number and a credit or debit card. The 311 line can also answer questions about your ticket or direct you to payment options if you've lost the citation number.

Key Takeaways

  • The online portal at sfgov.org/parkingtickets is the fastest way to pay and requires only your citation number from the ticket.
  • You can also pay by phone at 311 (in San Francisco) or (415) 701-2311, by mail, or in person at 25 Van Ness Avenue.
  • Payment important date vary by violation type, but most tickets must be paid or contested within 21 days to avoid late fees and collection action.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing instead of paying, though this must happen before the important date.

Parking ticket amounts and what affects the cost

San Francisco parking ticket fines range from $65 to $250 depending on the violation. Parking in a red zone, blocking a fire hydrant, or parking in a disabled space without a permit carries higher fines than parking at an expired meter. The specific violation code on your ticket determines the base fine amount.

If you don't pay by the important date, late fees are added. A $10 penalty is typically added after 21 days, and additional collection fees may explore if the ticket goes to a collections agency. Paying promptly avoids these extra costs.

Payment important date and what happens if you miss them

You have 21 days from the date the ticket was issued to either pay or request a hearing. This important date is printed on the back of your ticket. If you miss this date without requesting a hearing, the ticket becomes a delinquent debt and may be referred to a collections agency.

A delinquent parking ticket can affect your credit report, prevent vehicle registration renewal, and result in a hold on your driver's license. The city may also place a boot on your vehicle or tow it if multiple unpaid tickets accumulate. Paying as soon as you receive the ticket prevents these consequences.

Requesting a hearing instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly — for example, the sign was obscured, you had a valid permit, or the meter was broken — you can request a hearing before the Parking Appeals Board instead of paying. You must request this hearing within 21 days of the ticket date.

Submit your hearing request through the same online portal where you would pay, or by mail to the address on the ticket. Include a written explanation of why you believe the ticket is invalid and attach any supporting evidence, such as photos of the parking sign or proof of a valid permit. The Parking Appeals Board will review your case and notify you of the decision by mail.

Accepted payment methods and processing time

The online portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Phone payments also accept these cards. Mail payments must be by check or money order made payable to the City and County of San Francisco.

Online and phone payments are processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to process after the city receives them. In-person payments at 25 Van Ness Avenue are processed on the spot. Keep your confirmation number or receipt as proof of payment in case a question arises later.

What to do if you've lost your ticket or citation number

If you no longer have the physical ticket but remember the violation, call 311 or (415) 701-2311 with your vehicle's license plate number. The DPT can look up any outstanding tickets and provide the citation number. You'll need this number to pay online or by phone.

If you can't reach the DPT by phone, visit the office at 25 Van Ness Avenue with your driver's license and vehicle registration. Staff can search for your ticket and help you pay on the spot.

Paying a ticket issued to a rental or company vehicle

If you received a ticket while driving a rental car or company vehicle, the rental company or your employer may be responsible for payment depending on your agreement with them. Check your rental agreement or company policy — many rental companies automatically charge the renter's credit card on file for parking tickets.

If you're unsure who should pay, contact the rental company or your employer's fleet manager before the 21-day important date. If the ticket remains unpaid and goes to collections, it could affect the vehicle owner's credit or registration, which may then affect you if you're the driver on record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking ticket with cash in person?

Yes. The DPT office at 25 Van Ness Avenue accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards in person. Bring your ticket or citation number and a valid ID. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What happens if I pay late but before the ticket goes to collections?

A $10 late fee is added after 21 days. If you pay within a reasonable time after that, you'll owe the original fine plus the late fee, but the ticket won't be referred to collections. Once it reaches a collections agency, additional collection fees explore and your credit may be affected.

Can I dispute a ticket after I've already paid it?

No. Paying a ticket is considered acceptance of the violation. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you must request a hearing before the 21-day important date, not after payment. If you've already paid, contact the DPT to ask about refund options, though these are rarely granted.

Do I need to appear in person for a parking ticket hearing?

No. The Parking Appeals Board reviews written requests and evidence by mail. You submit your explanation and supporting documents, and the board makes a decision without requiring you to attend a hearing in person.

Will paying a San Francisco parking ticket affect my driving record or insurance?

Parking tickets do not appear on your driving record and do not affect your car insurance rates. However, unpaid tickets can affect your credit report if they go to a collections agency, and they can prevent vehicle registration renewal.