Where to Pay Your Los Angeles Parking Ticket

You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online through the Department of Transportation (LADOT) website, by mail, in person at a payment location, or by phone. The fastest method is online at ladot.lacity.gov — you'll need your citation number, which appears on the ticket itself. Payment typically processes when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.

If you prefer not to pay online, LADOT accepts payments by mail at the address printed on your ticket. In-person payment is available at LADOT customer service offices located throughout the city; the main office is at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. You can also pay by phone by calling the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau, though you'll need your citation number and a credit or debit card ready.

Payment methods vary slightly by channel. Online and phone payments accept credit cards and debit cards. Mail payments should include a check or money order made payable to the City of Los Angeles. In-person payments accept cash, check, money order, and card payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through ladot.lacity.gov is the fastest option and processes when ready with a confirmation number.
  • Your citation number, printed on the parking ticket, is required for all payment methods except in-person cash payments.
  • The payment amount and due date are listed on the ticket itself; paying late adds penalties and may trigger additional collection action.
  • If you dispute the ticket, you must request a hearing before paying; paying the ticket waives your right to contest it.

What Happens If You Don't Pay by the Due Date

Los Angeles adds a penalty to unpaid parking tickets after the due date passes. The original fine amount varies depending on the violation — parking in a red zone, expired meter, or disabled parking space each carry different base amounts. Once you miss the important date, the city assesses an additional penalty, typically 50% of the original fine amount.

If the ticket remains unpaid for several months, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. This means you cannot renew your registration with the California Department of Motor Vehicles until the parking ticket debt is resolved. The city may also refer the debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit report and result in additional collection fees.

In some cases, the city can boot your vehicle (immobilize it with a wheel lock) or place it on a tow list if multiple unpaid tickets accumulate. The boot removal fee and towing costs are separate from the original ticket amount and add significantly to what you owe.

Disputing a Parking Ticket Before Payment

If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing to contest it. You must do this before paying the ticket — once you pay, you forfeit the right to dispute it. To request a hearing, contact the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau and ask for a hearing request form, or submit your request online through the LADOT website.

Your hearing request must include the citation number and a written explanation of why you believe the ticket is invalid. Common grounds for dispute include: the sign was missing or obscured, the meter was broken, you were parked legally, or the citation was issued to the wrong vehicle. Include any photos or documentation that supports your position.

The city will schedule a hearing, typically held by phone or video conference, within 30 to 60 days. You'll have the opportunity to present your case to a hearing officer. If the officer rules in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the ruling goes against you, you then have the option to pay or pursue further appeal through the Los Angeles Superior Court, which involves additional filing fees and legal process.

Payment Plans for Multiple or High-Amount Tickets

If you owe multiple parking tickets or a single ticket with accumulated penalties has become a large amount, LADOT may offer a payment plan. Contact the Parking Violations Bureau directly to discuss your situation. Payment plans are not automatic — the city evaluates each request based on the total amount owed and your circumstances.

When you contact LADOT about a payment plan, have your citation numbers ready and be prepared to explain your financial situation. If approved, you'll receive a written agreement specifying the monthly payment amount and due dates. Missing payments on a plan can result in the plan being cancelled and the full balance becoming due when ready.

Payment plans do not stop the registration hold or collection action — those continue until the full debt is paid. However, entering into a payment plan with the city may prevent the ticket from being referred to a collection agency, depending on the amount and your payment history.

How Parking Tickets Affect Vehicle Registration

Unpaid parking tickets create a registration hold at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. When you attempt to renew your vehicle registration, the DMV checks for outstanding parking violations in Los Angeles. If a hold exists, your registration renewal will be denied until the ticket is paid.

This hold applies even if your registration is expired and you're trying to renew it. You cannot bypass this by registering in another county or state — the hold follows your vehicle's VIN and license plate in California's system. The only way to clear the hold is to pay the parking ticket or have it dismissed through a successful hearing.

If your registration has already expired because of a parking ticket hold, you'll need to pay the ticket first, then pay the registration renewal fee and any late renewal penalties at the DMV. Driving with an expired registration due to an unpaid parking ticket can result in additional traffic citations.

Parking Ticket Payment by Mail

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to the City of Los Angeles for the amount shown on your ticket. Include the citation number on the back of your check or money order. Mail it to the address printed on the ticket — this is typically the LADOT Parking Violations Bureau address, though some tickets may direct payment elsewhere.

Mail payment takes longer to process than online or in-person payment. Allow 7 to 10 business days for your payment to be received and recorded in the city's system. During this time, if you receive a notice about collection action or a registration hold, the city may not yet have recorded your payment. Keep your mailing receipt or tracking number as proof of payment if questions arise.

Do not send cash by mail. If your payment is lost in transit, you have no proof of payment and will be responsible for resubmitting it. A check or money order provides a paper trail and can be traced if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online without a citation number?

No. The citation number is required to look up your ticket in the LADOT system. The number is printed on the ticket itself, usually at the top. If you've lost your ticket, contact LADOT with your license plate number and vehicle information, and they can provide the citation number.

What if I paid my ticket but my registration is still on hold?

Processing delays can cause a lag between payment and the hold being lifted. Online and in-person payments typically clear within one to three business days. If you paid by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days. If more time has passed, contact LADOT with your payment confirmation number to verify the payment was recorded.

Do I have to pay the ticket if I'm planning to move out of California?

Yes. The parking ticket debt remains with your vehicle and follows you. If you sell the vehicle, the new owner may inherit the registration hold. If you keep the vehicle and move to another state, you won't be able to register it in that state without clearing California's hold first. The debt can also be referred to a collection agency.

What's the difference between paying online and paying by phone?

Both methods accept credit and debit cards and process when ready. Online payment is faster because you don't wait on hold. Phone payment requires speaking with a representative but may be preferable if you have questions about the ticket amount or need clarification on your citation number before paying.

Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?

Yes. You can pay online using their citation number, by mail, or in person. You do not need to be the registered vehicle owner to pay a parking ticket. However, the vehicle owner remains responsible for the debt if the payment is not made, so paying someone else's ticket is voluntary on your part.