Where and how to pay a Seattle parking ticket
Seattle parking tickets can be paid through the Seattle Municipal Court's online system, by mail, or in person at the courthouse. The online option is fastest — you can pay 24/7 through the court's website using a credit or debit card, and your payment posts when ready. If you prefer mail, send a check or money order to the address on your ticket; allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. In-person payment happens at the Seattle Municipal Court cashier window during business hours, and you can pay by cash, check, card, or money order.
The ticket itself contains all the information you need: a case number, the violation code, the fine amount, and payment instructions. You will need this case number to pay online. If you have lost the ticket, you can look up your case through the court's online search tool using your name and driver's license number, which will show the amount owed and payment options.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Seattle Municipal Court website is available 24/7 and requires only your case number and a credit or debit card.
- Mail payment takes 7 to 10 business days to process, so send it well before any important date shown on your ticket.
- In-person payment at the Seattle Municipal Court cashier accepts cash, check, card, or money order during regular business hours.
- If you cannot find your ticket, search for your case online using your name and driver's license number to retrieve the case number and amount owed.
- Parking ticket fines in Seattle vary by violation type and location; the ticket shows the specific amount you owe.
Paying online through the Seattle Municipal Court website
The Seattle Municipal Court operates an online payment portal at municourt.seattle.gov. Go to the "Pay Your Ticket" section and enter your case number, which appears on the front of your ticket. You will then see the violation, the fine amount, and any late fees that may have accrued. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
A processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent is added to credit and debit card payments. If you want to avoid this fee, use mail or in-person payment instead. Once you submit payment online, you receive a confirmation number when ready, and the court records the payment the same day. Print or save your confirmation for your records.
If you cannot locate your case number, the court's website includes a case search tool. Enter your last name and driver's license number, and the system will display all open parking cases associated with that license. This search is free and does not require a login.
Paying by mail
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash. On the back of the check or money order, write your case number and the violation date. Include a copy of the ticket itself if you have it, though it is not required.
Mail your payment to the address printed on your ticket. This address is typically the Seattle Municipal Court, but some tickets may direct payment elsewhere, so check the ticket carefully. The court processes mail payments within 7 to 10 business days. If your ticket has a payment important date, account for mail time — send payment at least two weeks before the due date to be safe.
Keep a copy of your check or money order number and the date you mailed it. If you need proof of payment before the court processes it, you can call the Seattle Municipal Court at the number on your ticket and provide this information.
Paying in person at the courthouse
The Seattle Municipal Court cashier window is located at 600 5th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on weekends and court holidays. Bring your ticket or case number and a valid form of payment. The cashier accepts cash, check, card, or money order.
If you pay by check or money order in person, bring it made out to "City of Seattle." If you pay by card, the same 2.5 percent processing fee applies as it does online. Payment is recorded when ready, and you receive a receipt on the spot.
Parking can be tight near the courthouse. Plan extra time to find a spot, and note that paying for a parking ticket in person does not waive any parking fees you incur while you are there.
What happens if you miss the payment important date
The payment important date is shown on your ticket, typically 15 to 30 days from the violation date. If you do not pay by that date, the court adds a late fee to your balance. The amount of the late fee varies but is usually a percentage of the original fine or a flat amount — check your ticket or the court's website for the specific late fee schedule.
If you continue not to pay, the court may suspend your vehicle registration or report the debt to a collection agency. A suspended registration can prevent you from renewing your license plates and may result in additional fines if you drive with expired tags. The sooner you pay, the lower your total cost will be.
If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a reason to contest it, you can request a hearing before the important date. This is a separate process from payment and must be done through the court, not through the parking enforcement agency.
Finding your case number if you lost the ticket
If your ticket is lost or damaged, use the Seattle Municipal Court's online case search at municourt.seattle.gov. Click "Search Cases" and select "Parking" as the case type. Enter your last name and driver's license number. The system will show all parking cases linked to that license, including the case number, violation date, fine amount, and current balance.
Once you have your case number, you can pay online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above. If the online search does not find your case, call the Seattle Municipal Court directly. The phone number is on any correspondence you may have received from the court.
Payment options comparison
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Fee | Hours Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (credit/debit card) | Same day | ~2.5% processing fee | 24/7 |
| Mail (check or money order) | 7–10 business days | None | Any time (allow mail time) |
| In person (cash, check, card, money order) | Same day | ~2.5% if paying by card | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Seattle parking ticket with a debit card online?
Yes. The online payment system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, whether the card is a credit or debit card. A processing fee of roughly 2.5 percent is added to the transaction.
What if I pay online but my payment does not go through?
If your card is declined, the court will not process the payment. Check that your card information is correct and that your card has sufficient funds. If the problem persists, try a different card or use mail or in-person payment instead. If you believe the payment went through but the court has no record, contact the Seattle Municipal Court with your confirmation number.
Do I need to include anything with my mailed check besides the check itself?
Write your case number and violation date on the back of the check. Including a copy of the ticket is helpful but not required. Do not send cash through the mail.
What if I cannot pay the full amount by the important date?
Contact the Seattle Municipal Court to ask about a payment plan. The court may allow you to pay in installments, though this must be arranged before the important date passes. Late fees will continue to accrue if you do not pay or arrange a plan by the due date.
Can I dispute the ticket instead of paying it?
Yes. You can request a hearing to contest the ticket, but you must do so before the payment important date. This is a separate process from payment and involves filing a request with the court, not the parking enforcement agency. The ticket or the court's website will explain how to request a hearing.