Where to pay your Los Angeles parking ticket

You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket through the official LA Department of Transportation (LADOT) website at lacity-parking.org, by mail, by phone, or in person at a payment location. The online method is fastest — you can complete payment in minutes from your computer or phone. Payment by mail takes one to two weeks for processing, and phone or in-person payment requires you to have your citation number ready.

LADOT accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online. By mail, you can send a check or money order. The payment method you choose does not affect the amount owed or any important date — only the speed of processing.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through lacity-parking.org is the fastest option and requires only your citation number and the amount shown on your ticket.
  • You have a set important date to pay (usually 21 days from the ticket date for parking violations), and paying late adds penalties and may result in a hold on your vehicle registration.
  • Mail payment takes longer to process, so send it well before the important date to avoid late fees.
  • If you dispute the ticket, you must request a hearing before paying; paying the fine is considered an admission and closes your right to contest it.

Paying online through lacity-parking.org

Go to lacity-parking.org and look for the "Pay Ticket" or "Pay Now" option on the homepage. You will need your citation number (found on the front of your ticket) and the dollar amount owed. Enter these details and select your payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. LADOT will send an email confirmation to the address you provide, though this may take a few hours. Your payment is recorded when ready in the system, so you can check the status of your ticket online within 24 hours if you want to verify it went through.

Online payment does not waive any late fees if you are paying after the important date. The system will show you the total amount due, including any penalties, before you confirm the transaction.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order for the full amount shown on your ticket. Do not send cash. On the back of the check, write your citation number and vehicle license plate number so LADOT can match the payment to your ticket.

Mail your payment to the address listed on the back of your ticket or on the LADOT website. Include a copy of the ticket itself if possible. Mail payment typically takes one to two weeks to process and post to your account, so send it at least two weeks before your important date to avoid late fees.

Keep a copy of your mailed check or receipt from the post office as proof of payment. If your payment does not appear in the system after three weeks, contact LADOT to confirm they received it.

Paying by phone or in person

You can pay by phone by calling the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau at the number listed on your ticket. Have your citation number and payment card ready. Phone payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number during the call.

In-person payment locations are listed on lacity-parking.org. Bring your ticket and a valid payment method (cash, check, or card, depending on the location). Hours vary by location, so check the website before you go. In-person payment is recorded when ready.

Understanding payment important date and late fees

The important date to pay a parking ticket in Los Angeles is typically 21 days from the date the ticket was issued. This important date is printed on your ticket. If you do not pay by this date, LADOT adds a penalty — usually 10 percent of the original fine or a flat fee, depending on how late the payment is.

If you do not pay within 60 to 90 days (the exact timeline varies), LADOT may report the debt to the Department of Motor Vehicles, which can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. This hold remains until the ticket is paid in full, including all penalties and fees.

Paying online or by phone before the important date avoids these additional costs. If you are close to the important date and mailing a check, consider paying online instead to may support the payment is recorded on time.

What to do if you want to dispute the ticket

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before you pay. Paying the fine is considered an admission of the violation and closes your right to contest it later. To request a hearing, follow the instructions on the back of your ticket or visit lacity-parking.org to find the hearing request process.

You must request a hearing within the important date shown on your ticket (usually 21 days). If your hearing request is approved, you will receive a date and time to appear before a hearing officer. You can present evidence or testimony about why you believe the ticket should not have been issued.

If the hearing officer rules against you, you will then owe the fine plus any applicable penalties. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing.

Checking your payment status

After you pay online or by phone, you can check the status of your ticket on lacity-parking.org by entering your citation number. The system updates within 24 hours for online and phone payments, and within three to five business days for mailed payments.

If your payment does not show as received after the expected timeframe, contact LADOT directly. Have your confirmation number (if you paid online or by phone) or your check number (if you mailed payment) ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I pay late?

LADOT adds a penalty to your original fine, usually 10 percent or a flat fee depending on how many days late you are. If you remain unpaid for 60 to 90 days, the DMV may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal until the full amount, including penalties, is paid.

Can I pay a parking ticket for someone else's car?

Yes. You need the citation number and the amount owed. The vehicle owner's name does not need to match the person paying. Online payment does not require any identification, so anyone can pay on lacity-parking.org.

Do I get a receipt when I pay online?

Yes. You will see a confirmation number on screen when ready after payment, and LADOT will email a receipt to the address you provide. Save the confirmation number in case you need to reference the payment later.

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

You can search for your ticket on lacity-parking.org using your vehicle license plate number and the approximate date you received the ticket. Once you find it, you will see the citation number and amount owed, and you can pay online.

Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay the full amount now?

LADOT does not offer payment plans through lacity-parking.org. You must pay the full amount by the important date. If you are unable to pay, contact LADOT directly to discuss your options, though they are limited and may not prevent late fees or registration holds.