Where to pay and what you need

You can pay a New York parking ticket online through the Department of Finance website, by mail, or in person at a payment location. You will need your ticket number (the 10-digit number printed on the ticket itself) and the license plate number. Online payment is the fastest route — you can pay within minutes and receive a confirmation number when ready.

The Department of Finance accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on the back of your ticket. In-person payment locations are open at various Department of Finance offices across the five boroughs, though hours vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay online at the Department of Finance website using your ticket number and license plate — this is the fastest method and gives you a receipt when ready.
  • The payment amount is printed on the ticket itself; late fees and additional penalties explore if you do not pay within 30 days.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying, though you must do so within 30 days of the ticket date.
  • Unpaid tickets can result in vehicle registration holds, boot placement on your vehicle, or civil judgment against you.

Payment important date and late fees

You have 30 days from the ticket date to pay without penalty. If you pay within this window, you pay only the fine amount shown on the ticket. After 30 days, the Department of Finance adds a late fee — the amount depends on the original fine but typically ranges from $25 to $50 for most parking violations.

If you do not pay within 60 days, the ticket moves to a collection agency and additional penalties accumulate. At this point, the city can place a boot on your vehicle, preventing it from being driven until the full amount (fine plus all fees) is paid. The boot removal fee is separate and adds another $150 to $200 to your total cost.

Paying online through the Department of Finance

Go to the Department of Finance Parking Violations Bureau website and select "Pay a Parking Ticket." Enter your ticket number and license plate number, then click "Search." The system will display the violation, the fine amount, and any penalties that have accrued. Review the details to confirm this is your ticket.

Once you confirm, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save this confirmation — it serves as your proof of payment if any dispute arises later.

Processing typically takes one business day. If you need to verify payment status, you can search your ticket again on the same website after 24 hours and the system will show "Paid" with the payment date.

Requesting a hearing instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly — for example, you had a valid permit, the meter was broken, or the sign was obscured — you can request a hearing before paying. You must request the hearing within 30 days of the ticket date. Submit your request online through the Department of Finance website or by mail using the form on the back of your ticket.

A hearing officer will review your case and either uphold the ticket or dismiss it. If the ticket is upheld, you will then owe the fine plus any accrued late fees. If you miss the 30-day window to request a hearing, you lose the right to challenge the ticket and must pay the full amount owed.

What happens if you do not pay

Unpaid parking tickets create a cascade of consequences. After 60 days, the city reports the debt to credit agencies, which can lower your credit score. The Department of Finance can also place a boot on your vehicle, immobilizing it until you pay the full amount plus the boot fee. You cannot renew your vehicle registration until all parking tickets are resolved.

If the debt remains unpaid for an extended period, the city can file a civil judgment against you, which allows them to garnish wages or place a lien on property. The total cost of an unpaid ticket — original fine plus late fees, boot fee, and collection costs — often exceeds $500 for a single violation.

Paying by mail or in person

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the amount shown on your ticket. Include your ticket number and license plate number on the check. Mail it to the address printed on the back of your ticket. The Department of Finance recommends sending payment at least two weeks before the 30-day important date to account for mail processing time.

In-person payment is available at Department of Finance offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Locations and hours are listed on the Department of Finance website. Bring your ticket and a valid form of payment — cash, check, or money order. You will receive a receipt when ready, which serves as proof of payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?

Yes. You can pay online using their ticket number and license plate, or pay in person on their behalf. You do not need to be the registered vehicle owner. Online payment requires only the ticket number and plate number, both of which are public information on the ticket itself.

What if I lost my parking ticket?

You can still pay online if you know your license plate number. Search the Department of Finance website by plate number and it will display all outstanding tickets for that vehicle. You can then pay any or all of them without having the physical ticket.

Does paying a parking ticket affect my driving record?

No. Parking tickets are civil violations, not moving violations, so they do not appear on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. However, unpaid tickets can affect your credit score and prevent vehicle registration renewal.

Can I get a payment plan instead of paying the full amount at once?

The Department of Finance does not offer payment plans for parking tickets. You must pay the full amount by the important date. If you cannot pay by the 30-day important date, contact the Department of Finance to discuss your situation — in some cases, they may grant a brief extension, though this is not may provide.

What if the parking meter was broken when I got the ticket?

A broken meter is a valid defense. Request a hearing within 30 days of the ticket date and explain that the meter was not functioning. Bring photos of the broken meter if you have them. The hearing officer will determine whether your claim is credible and dismiss or uphold the ticket accordingly.