Where to pay your Denver parking ticket

You can pay a Denver parking ticket online through the Denver Municipal Court website, by mail, in person at the courthouse, or by phone. The online option is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the citation amount, and payment processes when ready. The Denver Municipal Court accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online and phone payments.

If you prefer to pay in person, the Denver Municipal Court is located at 1437 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80202. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also mail a check or money order to the same address with your ticket number written on the back. Mail payments take longer to process, so allow at least two weeks before assuming your payment didn't arrive.

The phone number for Denver parking violations is (720) 913-6000. A staff member can take your payment over the phone and provide a confirmation number when ready. This is useful if you don't have internet access or prefer speaking to someone directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the Denver Municipal Court website is the fastest option and processes when ready with a confirmation number.
  • You need your ticket number and the citation amount to pay online, by phone, or by mail.
  • In-person payment at 1437 Bannock Street takes the same time as online payment and lets you ask questions about the ticket.
  • Mail payments require two to three weeks to process, so don't use this method if your important date is approaching.
  • Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks are accepted for all payment methods except in-person cash payments, which Denver courts do not accept.

Payment important date and late fees

Your parking ticket will show a due date, usually 30 days from the citation date. If you don't pay by that date, Denver adds a late fee to your balance. The exact late fee amount depends on the original citation amount, but it typically ranges from $25 to $50. After 60 days unpaid, the city may report the debt to a collection agency or place a hold on your vehicle registration.

If you miss the important date, paying when ready stops additional penalties from accumulating. The late fee itself won't disappear, but no further fees will be added once you pay. If your ticket is already in collections, paying the original amount plus the late fee to the court may not fully resolve the debt — you may also owe collection agency fees. Contact the Denver Municipal Court directly to confirm the total amount owed before paying.

Disputing a parking ticket in Denver

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying. You have 20 days from the citation date to request a hearing in writing. Send your request to the Denver Municipal Court at 1437 Bannock Street or submit it online through the court website. Include your ticket number, a brief explanation of why you dispute the ticket, and any supporting evidence such as photos or documentation that you had a valid permit.

The hearing officer will review your case and either uphold the ticket, reduce the fine, or dismiss it. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days. During this time, you don't need to pay the ticket, but if you lose the hearing, you'll owe the original amount plus any late fees that accumulated while waiting for the decision. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing.

Common reasons for disputing include: the meter was broken, you had a valid permit that wasn't visible, the sign was missing or unclear, or you were parked legally. Having photos or receipts for permits strengthens your case significantly.

Payment plans for multiple or high-value tickets

If you owe multiple tickets or a single large fine, Denver Municipal Court may allow you to set up a payment plan. Contact the court at (720) 913-6000 to discuss your situation. The court considers your ability to pay and may agree to monthly installments instead of a lump sum.

Payment plans typically require a down payment and then monthly payments over three to six months. Missing a payment on a plan can result in the entire remaining balance becoming due when ready, so only agree to a plan you can actually maintain. If your financial situation changes, contact the court before missing a payment — they may be willing to adjust the schedule.

What happens if you don't pay

Unpaid Denver parking tickets can affect your vehicle registration renewal. When you try to renew your registration at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles, the system will flag any outstanding parking violations. You won't be able to complete the renewal until the ticket is paid or a hearing is scheduled.

After 90 days unpaid, Denver may place a boot on your vehicle or initiate towing. The city also reports unpaid tickets to collection agencies, which can damage your credit score and result in collection calls. If the debt goes to collections, you'll owe not just the original fine and late fees, but also collection agency fees, which can add hundreds of dollars to your total debt.

Out-of-state residents should be aware that unpaid Denver parking tickets can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration in your home state if the states share violation databases. Paying the ticket promptly avoids all of these complications.

Parking ticket payment methods and fees

Denver accepts the following payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and electronic checks. There is no additional processing fee for credit or debit card payments made online or by phone. If you pay by mail with a check or money order, there is no fee, but processing takes longer.

In-person payments at the courthouse must be made by card or electronic check — cash is not accepted. This is a security measure for the court. If you only have cash, you can use an ATM nearby to withdraw money and then use a debit card, or you can pay online using a prepaid card if you have one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Denver parking ticket online without a ticket number?

No, you need your ticket number to pay online. If you've lost your ticket, call the Denver Municipal Court at (720) 913-6000 and provide your license plate number. They can look up the ticket and either give you the number or process your payment over the phone.

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

Online payments process when ready and you'll receive a confirmation number right away. The court's system updates within hours, so you can check your status online the next business day if you need proof of payment.

What if I paid my ticket but still got a notice about an unpaid violation?

This usually means your payment hasn't processed yet or there's a delay in the court's system updating. Check your confirmation number and contact the court with that number. If you paid by mail, allow two to three weeks before calling — mail payments take longer to post.

Can I pay a Denver parking ticket from another state?

Yes. You can pay online from anywhere with internet access, or by phone at (720) 913-6000. Mail payments also work from out of state, though they take longer. You don't need to be in Colorado to settle the ticket.

What if the parking ticket amount seems wrong?

Request a hearing to dispute the amount. You have 20 days from the citation date. If the fine itself is correct but you believe the ticket shouldn't have been issued, the hearing officer can review both the amount and the validity of the citation.