Where to pay your San Francisco parking ticket

You can pay an SFMTA (San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency) parking ticket online, by phone, by mail, or in person at an SFMTA payment location. The online option is the fastest — you'll need your citation number, which appears on the ticket itself, and you can pay through the SFMTA website. By phone, you can call 311 from within San Francisco or (415) 701-2311 from outside the city. Payment by mail means sending a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket. In-person payment happens at SFMTA offices, though hours and locations change, so check sfmta.com before you go.

Each method takes different amounts of time to process. Online and phone payments usually show as received within one business day. Mail payments take longer — typically one to two weeks after the SFMTA receives your envelope. In-person payments are recorded when ready, which can matter if you're close to a important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Your citation number on the ticket is what you need to pay online or by phone, and it's the fastest way to get a payment recorded.
  • The SFMTA website, 311, or (415) 701-2311 are the official channels; avoid third-party ticket payment sites that charge extra fees.
  • If you pay by mail, keep a copy of your check or money order number and the envelope's tracking information in case the payment gets lost.
  • Paying the ticket does not mean you waive your right to contest it, though the important date to contest is usually 21 days from the ticket date.

What information you need to pay online or by phone

To pay through the SFMTA website or by phone, have your citation number ready. This is a seven-digit number printed on the front of your ticket. You'll also need the amount due, which is also on the ticket. If you're paying by phone, a representative will walk you through the process and can answer questions about the fine amount or what the violation was.

The SFMTA website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers. Phone payments also accept these methods. Neither channel charges an extra processing fee — the amount you see is what you pay.

Paying by mail or check

The back or bottom of your ticket shows a mailing address where you can send payment. Write your citation number on the check or money order itself. Include a copy of the ticket if you have one, though it's not required. Mail your payment to the address listed on the ticket.

Because mail can be delayed or lost, keep a record of what you sent: write down the check number, the amount, and the date you mailed it. If you use a tracking service through the post office, save that confirmation too. If more than three weeks pass and you haven't received a payment confirmation, contact the SFMTA to verify they received it.

In-person payment at SFMTA offices

The SFMTA has payment locations in San Francisco, but their hours and exact addresses change. Before you go, visit sfmta.com or call 311 to confirm the current location and hours. Payment in person is when ready — you'll get a receipt on the spot, and the payment is recorded that day.

Bring your ticket and a valid form of payment. Most locations accept cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards, but call ahead to confirm what your specific location takes.

What happens if you don't pay by the important date

Parking tickets in San Francisco have a payment important date printed on the ticket itself, usually 21 days from the date of the violation. If you don't pay by that date, the SFMTA can add penalties and late fees to the original amount. Your vehicle registration can also be flagged, which may prevent renewal.

If you miss the important date but want to pay now, you can still do so — the ticket doesn't disappear. Contact the SFMTA to find out what the current amount owed is, since fees may have been added. Paying late is better than not paying, because it stops additional penalties from accumulating.

Contesting a ticket instead of paying

Paying a ticket is separate from contesting it. You can pay and still request a hearing to dispute the violation, though you must request the hearing within 21 days of the ticket date. The SFMTA will tell you how to request a hearing when you contact them, or you can find the process on sfmta.com.

If you believe the ticket was issued in error — for example, the sign was missing, you were parked legally, or the meter was broken — you have the right to present your case. Requesting a hearing does not cost money, and you can do it even after you've paid.

Avoiding payment scams and extra fees

Only pay through official SFMTA channels: the website sfmta.com, the phone number 311 or (415) 701-2311, by mail to the address on your ticket, or in person at an SFMTA office. Third-party websites that claim to process parking tickets often charge extra fees on top of the fine itself. The SFMTA does not use outside payment processors for parking tickets.

If you receive an email or text claiming to be from SFMTA asking you to pay through a link, do not click it. The SFMTA does not initiate contact by email or text about unpaid tickets. If you're unsure whether a payment site is legitimate, call 311 and ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking ticket online with a credit card?

Yes. The SFMTA website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You'll need your citation number and the amount due from your ticket. There is no extra fee for paying by credit card online.

What if I lost my ticket and don't have the citation number?

Call 311 or (415) 701-2311 with your vehicle's license plate number. The SFMTA can look up any outstanding tickets and provide the citation number. You can then pay online or by phone using that number.

Does paying the ticket mean I admit fault?

Paying does not automatically mean you admit the violation was correct. You can pay the ticket and still request a hearing to contest it within 21 days of the ticket date. Contact the SFMTA to learn how to request a hearing.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up?

Online payments are usually recorded within one business day. If you need when ready confirmation, pay in person at an SFMTA office and get a receipt on the spot. For mail payments, allow two to three weeks.

What if I paid but still see the ticket as unpaid?

If you paid online or by phone, wait one business day for the system to update. If you paid by mail, wait three weeks. If the ticket still shows unpaid after that time, call 311 with your payment confirmation number or check number, and the SFMTA can investigate.