Pay your LA parking ticket through the official city website or by phone
The City of Los Angeles runs a single payment system for parking tickets issued by the Department of Transportation (LADOT). You can pay online at www.lacity.gov/parking, by phone at 311 (or 213-473-3231 from outside LA), or in person at LADOT payment locations. The website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Payment typically processes when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number.
Before you pay, have your ticket number ready — it's printed on the citation itself, usually at the top right. You'll also need the citation date and the amount due. If you've lost the ticket or can't find the number, you can search for your ticket using your license plate number and the date you received it.
Paying online is the fastest route. The system is available 24 hours a day, and you don't have to wait on hold or travel to an office. Payment goes through when ready, and you can print or save your receipt right away.
Key Takeaways
- Visit www.lacity.gov/parking and enter your ticket number to pay online with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
- You can also call 311 or 213-473-3231 to pay by phone during business hours, or visit an LADOT payment location in person.
- Have your ticket number, citation date, and the amount due ready before you start the payment process.
- Online payments process when ready and you receive a confirmation number you should save for your records.
- If you cannot locate your ticket number, search using your license plate number and the date of the citation.
Steps to pay online at www.lacity.gov/parking
Go to www.lacity.gov/parking in your web browser. Look for the "Pay a Ticket" or "Pay Citation" option on the homepage — this is usually the first or most prominent link. Click it to reach the payment portal.
Enter your ticket number in the search field. The ticket number is an eight-digit code printed on your citation. If you don't have the ticket in front of you, select the option to search by license plate instead. You'll need to enter your California license plate number and the date you received the ticket.
Review the ticket details that appear: the violation, the date, the location, and the amount due. Make sure this matches the ticket you're paying for. If the information is wrong, do not pay — contact LADOT first to clarify.
Click "Pay Now" or the payment button. You'll be taken to a find payment page. Enter your payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account information for an electronic check. Complete the transaction. You'll see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot.
What happens after you pay online
Your payment processes when ready. The confirmation number you receive is your proof of payment. Save it in your email, phone, or a document — you may need it if there's ever a question about whether you paid.
The city's system updates within one to two business days. After that, your ticket record will show as paid in the LADOT database. If you were worried about a hold on your vehicle registration or a collections notice, payment stops those processes.
You will not receive a separate receipt in the mail. The online confirmation is your receipt. If you need a printed copy for insurance, a loan process, or your records, you can return to www.lacity.gov/parking and look for a "View Payment History" or "Print Receipt" option using your ticket number.
Paying by phone or in person
To pay by phone, call 311 from any phone in Los Angeles. If you're calling from outside the city, dial 213-473-3231. Have your ticket number and payment method ready. A representative will look up your ticket, confirm the amount, and process your payment over the phone. This usually takes five to ten minutes. You'll receive a confirmation number verbally — ask the representative to repeat it and write it down.
To pay in person, visit an LADOT payment location. The main office is at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Other payment locations exist throughout the city — check www.lacity.gov/parking for the full list and hours. Bring your ticket or ticket number, a valid ID, and your payment method (cash, check, credit card, or debit card). Payment is processed on the spot.
If you cannot find your ticket number
You can search for your ticket using your California license plate number and the date you received the citation. Go to www.lacity.gov/parking and select "Search by License Plate" or a similar option. Enter your plate number and the citation date. The system will pull up any tickets associated with that vehicle.
If you received multiple tickets, the system will show all of them. Make sure you're paying the correct one — check the violation type, the location, and the date to match it to the ticket you want to pay.
If the search returns no results, the ticket may not yet be in the system. Parking citations can take up to two weeks to appear in the online database after they're issued. If you received the ticket more than two weeks ago and it's still not showing up, call 311 or 213-473-3231 to report it.
Payment methods and fees
The city accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and electronic checks through the online system. Payment by phone also accepts these methods. In-person payment accepts cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards.
There are no additional fees for paying online or by phone. The amount you owe is the amount printed on your ticket — nothing is added for the payment method you choose. If you pay by check in person, make it out to the City of Los Angeles.
What to do if you disagree with the ticket
If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a reason to contest it, you can request a hearing before paying. Do not pay the ticket if you plan to dispute it — paying may be considered an admission that you owe the fine.
Instead, contact LADOT at 213-473-3231 or visit www.lacity.gov/parking to find information about the hearing process. You'll need to submit a written request within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days from the citation date). The city will schedule a hearing where you can present your case to a hearing officer.
If you pay first and then want to dispute the ticket, you may still be able to request a hearing, but the process is more complicated. It's better to request the hearing before paying whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the system?
Online payments process when ready and you receive a confirmation number right away. The city's database updates within one to two business days, so your ticket record will show as paid by then. You don't have to wait for a mailed receipt — your online confirmation is your proof.
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes. You can pay any ticket as long as you have the ticket number. The system doesn't require you to be the registered vehicle owner. Just enter the ticket number and complete the payment with your own payment method.
What if I lost my ticket and don't remember the date?
Call 311 or 213-473-3231 and provide your license plate number. A representative can search for all tickets on your vehicle and tell you the amounts due. They can also help you pay over the phone if you'd rather not search online.
Is there a important date to pay a parking ticket?
Yes. You typically have 30 days from the citation date to pay or request a hearing. If you don't pay or request a hearing by that date, the fine increases and the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration. Pay as soon as possible to avoid additional penalties.
Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount now?
Contact LADOT at 213-473-3231 to discuss your options. Some situations may allow for a payment plan, but this requires speaking with a representative — you cannot set up a plan through the online system. Call before the 30-day important date to avoid additional fees.