Where to pay your NYC traffic ticket

You can pay a New York City traffic ticket online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. The online option is the fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the violation date. The Department of Finance processes online payments when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen.

If you prefer to pay by mail, send your ticket and a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket. Mail payments take longer to process, typically two to three weeks. In-person payment is available at Department of Finance offices in each borough, though you may wait in line. Some traffic violations courts also accept payment during business hours.

Do not send cash through the mail. If you pay online or by mail, keep your confirmation number or receipt — you'll need it if you ever need to prove payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the Department of Finance website is the fastest method and requires only your ticket number and violation date.
  • You must pay by the due date on your ticket or you may face additional penalties and a suspended registration.
  • If you disagree with the ticket, you can request a hearing instead of paying, but you must do so before the due date.
  • Paying the ticket does not add points to your driver's license for most parking violations, but moving violations do add points.
  • If your registration is suspended due to an unpaid ticket, you must pay the ticket and any late fees before the Department of Motor Vehicles will restore it.

What happens if you miss the payment important date

If you don't pay by the due date on your ticket, the Department of Finance will add a late fee to the original violation amount. The late fee is typically 10 percent of the original fine, with a minimum of $25. After 30 days past the due date, your vehicle registration may be suspended, and you won't be able to renew it until the ticket is paid in full.

A suspended registration can also prevent you from passing a vehicle inspection or getting a new registration plate. If you've missed the important date, pay as soon as possible to avoid compounding penalties. You can still pay online even after the due date has passed.

Parking violations versus moving violations

New York City distinguishes between parking violations and moving violations, and they're handled differently. Parking violations — like expired meters, no-standing zones, or hydrant parking — do not add points to your driver's license. You pay the fine, and that's the end of it from a licensing perspective.

Moving violations — like speeding, running a red light, or failing to stop — do add points to your license. These violations also carry higher fines. If you accumulate 11 points within 18 months, the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license. Paying the fine does not remove the points; the points stay on your record for 18 months from the violation date.

Requesting a hearing instead of paying

You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative judge if you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a defense. To request a hearing, you must do so before the due date on your ticket. You can request a hearing online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person.

If you request a hearing, do not pay the ticket. The hearing will be held at a traffic violations bureau, usually within 30 to 60 days. You can represent yourself or bring an attorney. If the judge finds you not guilty, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the judge finds you guilty, you'll be ordered to pay the fine, and you'll have a important date to do so.

Payment methods and processing times

Online payment is processed when ready when you complete the transaction on the Department of Finance website. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or e-check. The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Mail payments take two to three weeks to process from the date received. In-person payments at a Department of Finance office are processed the same day. If you pay in person, ask for a receipt — it's your proof of payment.

If you're paying a ticket for a vehicle you no longer own, you may still need to pay it to clear your registration record. Contact the Department of Finance to confirm the current balance and whether the vehicle is still registered in your name.

Finding your ticket number and due date

Your ticket number and due date are printed on the front of your ticket. The due date is typically 30 days from the date the ticket was issued. If you've lost your ticket, you can look up the ticket online using the Department of Finance's ticket lookup tool — you'll need your license plate number and the date the ticket was issued.

If you can't find your ticket or the lookup tool doesn't return a result, contact the Department of Finance directly. They can tell you the ticket amount, due date, and current balance. Having this information is necessary before you can pay online or request a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a NYC traffic ticket with a credit card?

Yes, the Department of Finance website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online payments. You can also pay with a debit card or e-check. In-person and mail payments may have different options — check the back of your ticket for details.

What happens to my registration if I don't pay a NYC traffic ticket?

Your vehicle registration will be suspended 30 days after the ticket due date if it remains unpaid. You cannot renew your registration or pass inspection until the ticket and any late fees are paid in full. The Department of Motor Vehicles will flag your registration in their system.

Does paying a traffic ticket add points to my license?

Parking violations do not add points. Moving violations do add points, and paying the fine does not remove them. Points stay on your record for 18 months from the violation date. If you accumulate 11 points in 18 months, your license will be suspended.

How do I request a hearing for a NYC traffic ticket?

You must request a hearing before the due date on your ticket. You can request one online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a traffic violations bureau. The hearing will be held within 30 to 60 days, and you can represent yourself or bring an attorney.

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

Use the Department of Finance ticket lookup tool on their website — you'll need your license plate number and the date the ticket was issued. If the lookup tool doesn't work, call the Department of Finance directly and provide your plate number and the approximate date. They can look up the ticket and tell you the amount and due date.