Where to pay your Chicago ticket online or by mail
The City of Chicago processes ticket payments through its Department of Finance website and by mail. You can pay online at chicago.gov/finance using your ticket number, or mail a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket. Online payment is faster — it typically processes the same day — while mail takes one to two weeks to reach the city and be recorded.
You do not need to create an account to pay online. Enter your ticket number and the amount due, then choose to pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The city charges a processing fee for card payments, which varies but is typically a few dollars depending on the payment method you select.
If you cannot locate your ticket number, you can search for unpaid tickets using your license plate number on the same city website. This search shows all outstanding violations tied to your vehicle and the amounts owed.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at chicago.gov/finance using your ticket number, or mail a check to the address on your ticket.
- Online payments process the same day; mailed payments take one to two weeks to be recorded.
- Credit and debit card payments include a processing fee; electronic check and mail payments do not.
- You can search for unpaid tickets by license plate number if you do not have your ticket handy.
- Paying before the due date shown on your ticket stops late fees and collection actions from starting.
Payment deadlines and late fees
Your ticket shows a specific due date, usually 21 days from the date of violation for parking tickets and 30 days for traffic violations. If you do not pay by that date, the city adds a late fee — typically 10 percent of the original fine — and may report the debt to a collection agency or place a boot on your vehicle.
Paying even one day after the deadline triggers the late fee. There is no grace period. If you are unable to pay the full amount by the due date, contact the city to ask about a payment plan before the deadline passes; waiting until after the deadline closes that option.
Setting up a payment plan
If you cannot pay the full ticket amount at once, the City of Chicago allows payment plans for certain violations. Call the Department of Finance at 311 (or 312-744-4444 from outside Chicago) to request a plan. You must contact them before your ticket becomes overdue; once a late fee is added, the payment plan option is no longer available.
A payment plan typically requires you to pay a portion upfront and the remainder in installments over several months. The exact terms depend on the amount owed and your circumstances. The city will provide a written agreement showing the payment schedule and due dates for each installment.
What happens if you do not pay
Unpaid tickets accumulate late fees and can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. The city may also place a boot on your vehicle, which immobilizes it until you pay the full amount owed plus a boot fee. Booted vehicles can be towed if not paid within 24 hours.
Unpaid parking and traffic tickets can also be reported to credit agencies, affecting your credit score. If the debt is large enough, the city may pursue collection through a third-party agency or file a lawsuit to recover the amount.
Paying in person at city offices
You can pay a Chicago ticket in person at the Department of Finance office located at 121 North LaSalle Street, Suite 700, during business hours. Bring your ticket or ticket number and a form of payment — cash, check, money order, or card. In-person payments are recorded immediately.
Some city service centers and police districts also accept ticket payments, though not all locations do. Call 311 to confirm which offices near you accept payments before making a trip.
Disputing or requesting a hearing
If you believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a valid defense, you can request a hearing instead of paying. Your ticket includes instructions for requesting a hearing, usually through the same chicago.gov/finance website or by mail. You must request a hearing before the due date on your ticket.
During a hearing, you can present your case to a hearing officer. If the officer finds in your favor, the ticket is dismissed and you owe nothing. If the officer upholds the ticket, you will be ordered to pay and may still owe late fees if you do not pay promptly after the hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Chicago ticket with a credit card online?
Yes, the city website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. A processing fee applies to card payments, typically a few dollars depending on the card type. Electronic check payments and mailed checks do not include a fee.
What if I lost my ticket and do not have the ticket number?
Search for your ticket on chicago.gov/finance using your license plate number. The search shows all unpaid violations tied to your vehicle, the violation dates, and the amounts owed. You can then pay using the ticket number shown in the search results.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up as paid?
Online payments typically process and are recorded the same day. If you pay after business hours, it may not show as received until the next business day. Mailed payments take one to two weeks to be processed and recorded in the city system.
Can I get a payment plan if my ticket is already overdue?
No. Payment plans are only available if you request them before the due date passes. Once a late fee is added, you must pay the full amount owed. Contact the city immediately if you think you may miss the deadline.
What does a boot fee cost if my car is booted?
The boot fee varies but is typically several hundred dollars in addition to the original ticket amount and any late fees. You must pay the full amount owed plus the boot fee to have the boot removed. The vehicle can be towed if not paid within 24 hours of booting.