Where to pay your NYC ticket online or by mail

You can pay an NYC traffic or parking ticket through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The fastest method is online at nycserv.nyc.gov, where you can pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check using your ticket number. Payment takes effect when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen.

If you prefer mail, send a check or money order payable to "NYC Department of Finance" along with your ticket to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process after arrival. You can also pay in person at a Department of Finance payment location — there are several across the five boroughs, and hours vary by location.

Do not send cash by mail. If you lose your ticket, you can still pay online by searching for your violation using your license plate number and the date you received it on nycserv.nyc.gov.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment at nycserv.nyc.gov is the fastest option and processes when ready with a confirmation number.
  • You need your ticket number to pay online, or you can search by license plate and violation date if you've lost the ticket.
  • Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so pay early if a important date is approaching.
  • Payment by credit card, debit card, e-check, check, or money order are all accepted depending on your payment method.
  • Late payment penalties and additional fines begin accruing if you do not pay by the due date on your ticket.

What happens if you miss the payment important date

If you do not pay by the due date printed on your ticket, the Department of Finance adds a late payment penalty to your balance. The amount of this penalty varies depending on the type of violation, but it is typically a percentage of the original fine. Your total debt grows each month you do not pay.

After 60 days of non-payment, the city may report the debt to credit agencies, which can affect your credit score. The Department of Finance can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and suspend your driver's license if the debt remains unpaid for an extended period. If you cannot pay the full amount, you can request a payment plan through nycserv.nyc.gov or by calling 311.

Setting up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full

The Department of Finance offers payment plans for tickets you cannot pay all at once. You can set up a plan online at nycserv.nyc.gov by selecting the payment plan option when you enter your ticket number. You will need to pay at least a portion of the fine upfront, and the remaining balance is divided into monthly installments.

The minimum down payment and monthly payment amounts depend on your total fine. If you cannot complete the online process, call 311 and ask to speak with someone about a payment plan. You must make each monthly payment on time — missing a payment can result in the plan being cancelled and additional penalties being added.

Paying a ticket for someone else's vehicle

If you received a ticket for a vehicle registered to someone else, you can still pay it online using the ticket number or by searching the vehicle's license plate. The person whose name is on the registration is responsible for the ticket, but anyone can make the payment on their behalf.

When you pay, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number and share it with the vehicle owner so they have proof the ticket was paid. If the ticket was issued in error or the vehicle was not yours, the registered owner should contest the ticket through the Department of Finance's dispute process rather than paying.

Paying a ticket you want to dispute

You do not have to pay a ticket when ready if you believe it was issued in error. Instead, you can contest it through the Department of Finance's Hearing by Mail or Hearing by Telephone process. You have 30 days from the ticket date to request a hearing. If you request a hearing before paying, you will not owe late penalties while your case is being reviewed.

To request a hearing, go to nycserv.nyc.gov, enter your ticket number, and select the option to contest the violation. You will be asked to explain why you believe the ticket is incorrect. A hearing officer will review your case and either uphold the ticket, dismiss it, or reduce the fine. If the ticket is upheld and you lose your hearing, you will then need to pay the fine plus any accrued late penalties.

Payment methods and what to expect

Online payment accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. E-check payments are also available and are processed like a standard check. There is no additional fee for paying by card or e-check on the Department of Finance website.

By mail, send a check or money order. Include your ticket number on the check and mail it to the address on the back of your ticket. In person, you can pay at any Department of Finance payment location with cash, check, money order, or card. Payment locations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. Call 311 to find the nearest location and confirm hours before you go.

What to do if you paid but your ticket still shows as unpaid

If you paid online and received a confirmation number, your payment was processed. It can take 3 to 5 business days for the payment to show on nycserv.nyc.gov, so check back after that time. If you paid by mail or in person, allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to be recorded in the system.

If more than 10 business days have passed and your ticket still shows as unpaid, call 311 and provide your confirmation number or the date you paid. They can verify whether the payment was received and help you resolve any delays. Keep your confirmation number or receipt for at least one year in case you need to prove you paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a parking ticket with cash online?

No, online payment requires a credit card, debit card, or e-check. You can pay with cash only in person at a Department of Finance payment location. Call 311 to find the nearest location.

What if I paid my ticket but got another notice saying I still owe?

This usually means your payment has not yet been recorded in the system. Wait 7 to 10 business days after paying by mail or in person, or 3 to 5 days after paying online. If the notice persists after that time, call 311 with your confirmation number to verify the payment was received.

Do I have to pay if the ticket has the wrong license plate number on it?

No. If the ticket contains incorrect information about your vehicle, you should contest it rather than pay. Request a hearing through nycserv.nyc.gov within 30 days of the ticket date and explain the error. Do not pay until the hearing is resolved.

Can I pay a ticket over the phone?

You cannot pay directly over the phone, but you can call 311 to set up a payment plan or to get help paying online. 311 can also provide information about payment locations where you can pay in person.

What happens if I ignore an unpaid NYC ticket?

Late penalties accumulate, your credit score may be affected after 60 days, and the city can suspend your vehicle registration and driver's license. The debt does not go away and can result in wage garnishment or other collection actions.