Where to pay your NYC parking ticket
You can pay an NYC parking ticket online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, in person at a payment location, or by phone. The fastest and most common method is online at nycserv.nyc.gov, where you can pay with a credit or debit card using your ticket number and license plate. You'll need the 10-digit violation number printed on the ticket itself.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address on the back of your ticket, call 311 and select the parking violations option, or visit a Department of Finance payment location in person. Payment locations are open during business hours in each borough, though hours vary by location.
The online method typically processes when ready, while mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to record. Phone payments also process the same day. In-person payments are recorded right away and you'll receive a receipt on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through nycserv.nyc.gov is the fastest option and requires only your ticket number and license plate.
- You can also pay by phone through 311, by mail, or in person at a Department of Finance location in your borough.
- Parking ticket amounts in NYC range based on the violation type, and you must pay within 30 days to avoid additional penalties.
- If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it through the Parking Violations Bureau before or instead of paying.
- Unpaid tickets will accrue additional fees and can eventually prevent vehicle registration renewal.
Parking ticket amounts and what affects the fine
NYC parking ticket fines vary based on the specific violation. Common violations include expired meter (typically $65), no standing during rush hour ($115), fire hydrant parking ($115), and double parking ($120). Violations in commercial zones or near schools may carry higher fines. The exact amount is printed on your ticket.
If you don't pay within 30 days, the city adds a late penalty of 10 percent of the original fine, with a minimum of $10. After 60 days without payment, an additional 10 percent penalty accrues. These penalties stack, so a $65 ticket can grow to $79 after 30 days and $87 after 60 days.
The fine amount is set by the city and does not change based on your payment method. Whether you pay online, by mail, or in person, the cost is the same.
How to contest a parking ticket instead of paying
If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly, you can contest it through the Parking Violations Bureau (PVB) before paying. You have 30 days from the ticket date to file a contest. You can submit your contest online at the same nycserv.nyc.gov website, by mail, or in person at a PVB office.
When you contest, explain why you believe the ticket is invalid—for example, if the meter was working, if you were parked legally, or if the sign was missing or unclear. Include any photos or evidence you have. The PVB will review your case and either uphold the ticket, dismiss it, or reduce the fine.
If you contest and lose, you'll still owe the original fine plus any accrued late penalties. If you win, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. You can contest even if you've already paid, though you'll need to request a refund after the contest is granted.
What happens if you don't pay a parking ticket
Unpaid parking tickets accumulate penalties and can affect your vehicle registration. After 30 days, a 10 percent late fee is added. After 60 days, another 10 percent penalty is added. The city can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal, preventing you from renewing your plates until the ticket is paid.
If multiple tickets go unpaid, the city may boot your vehicle (immobilize it with a wheel lock) or tow it. Booting and towing involve additional fees on top of the original fines. Once a boot is placed, you must pay all outstanding parking violations plus the boot fee to have it removed.
Unpaid parking tickets can also be reported to credit agencies and may affect your credit score if they're sent to a collection agency. This typically happens after the ticket has been unpaid for several months.
Payment plans and financial hardship options
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can request a payment plan through the Department of Finance. Call 311 and ask about setting up an installment agreement, or visit a Department of Finance office in person to discuss your options. Payment plans typically allow you to pay the ticket in two to four installments over several months.
To set up a payment plan, you'll need to provide information about your income and expenses. The city uses this information to determine whether you may have access to and what payment schedule is reasonable. Payment plans do not reduce the fine itself, but they allow you to spread the cost over time.
If you're experiencing severe financial hardship, ask the Department of Finance about hardship waivers or reductions. These are granted on a case-by-case basis and are not may provide, but the city does consider requests from people with documented financial difficulties.
Parking ticket payment by mail
To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your ticket and send it to the address printed on the back of the ticket. Include the ticket itself or a copy of it with your payment. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process and post to your record.
Use certified mail or a tracking service if you want proof of delivery. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records. Do not send cash through the mail.
If you're paying multiple tickets, you can send them all in one envelope with one check, but make sure the check amount covers all tickets and that you include all ticket numbers or copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a parking ticket with a credit card by phone?
Yes. Call 311 and select the parking violations option. You'll need your ticket number and a credit or debit card. The payment processes when ready and you'll receive a confirmation number. This is faster than mailing but slower than paying online.
What if I lost my parking ticket?
You can still pay online if you have your license plate number and the violation number. If you don't have the violation number, call 311 with your license plate and they can look up any outstanding violations. You can also visit a Department of Finance office in person with your vehicle registration to locate the ticket.
Do I have to pay a parking ticket if I'm going to sell my car?
Yes. Unpaid parking tickets are tied to your license plate, and the buyer's registration will be blocked until all violations are cleared. It's your responsibility to pay before the sale. If you don't, the new owner will have to pay to register the vehicle.
How long do I have to pay before the city boots my car?
There is no set timeline—booting can happen after multiple unpaid tickets accumulate. The city typically boots vehicles with three or more unpaid violations or when the total owed exceeds a certain amount. Paying as soon as possible reduces the risk.
Can I pay a parking ticket at a police precinct?
No. Police precincts do not accept parking ticket payments. You must pay through the Department of Finance using one of the methods listed above: online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Department of Finance office.