Where to pay your Los Angeles parking ticket

You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online through the Department of Transportation website, by mail, in person at a payment office, 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 processing takes a few minutes, and you receive confirmation immediately.

If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check or money order to the address printed on your ticket, call 311 from within Los Angeles or (213) 485-2137 from outside the city, or visit a payment office in person. Payment offices are located throughout the city; the main office is at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Hours vary by location, so check the website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through the city's Department of Transportation website is the fastest option and requires only your citation number.
  • You can also pay by phone at 311 (or 213-485-2137), by mail with a check or money order, or in person at any city payment office.
  • Payment must be received by the deadline on your ticket or additional penalties and collection actions may follow.
  • If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing before paying, though this delays the deadline.

What the ticket deadline means

Your parking ticket includes a specific date by which payment must be received — not postmarked, but actually received. If you mail your payment, allow at least one week for delivery to avoid late fees. The deadline is typically 21 days from the date the ticket was issued, though this can vary depending on the violation type.

If you miss the deadline, the city adds a penalty to your balance and may report the debt to a collection agency. This can affect your credit and may prevent vehicle registration renewal. If you believe you have a valid reason for missing the deadline — such as the ticket being mailed to an incorrect address — you can contact the Department of Transportation to request a deadline extension, though this is not may provide.

Payment methods and what each costs

Online payment and phone payment through 311 cost nothing beyond the ticket amount itself. There are no processing fees added by the city. Paying by mail is also free, though you cover the cost of postage and the check or money order itself.

Paying in person at a payment office is free as well. Some offices accept cash, checks, and card payments; others accept only certain methods. Call ahead or check the website to confirm what your nearest office accepts before you go. If you use a third-party payment service or app not run by the city, that service may charge a convenience fee on top of the ticket amount.

How to find your citation number

Your citation number is printed on the parking ticket itself, usually near the top or in a box labeled "Citation No." or "Ticket No." This is the number you need to pay online or by phone. If you've lost the physical ticket, you can search for your citation on the Department of Transportation website using your license plate number and the date you received the ticket.

If you cannot locate your citation number and cannot find it online, call 311 or (213) 485-2137 and provide your license plate number and the approximate date of the violation. The city can look up the ticket and provide the citation number over the phone.

What happens if you don't pay

If payment is not received by the deadline, the city adds a penalty to your balance — typically 10% of the original fine or a flat fee, depending on the violation. The total amount owed increases. After 30 days past the deadline, the city may report the debt to a collection agency, which can appear on your credit report and affect your ability to borrow money.

Unpaid parking tickets can also prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. The Department of Motor Vehicles will not issue a renewal until all outstanding parking debts in Los Angeles are paid. If you have multiple unpaid tickets, the total can become substantial. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the Department of Transportation to ask about payment plans or hardship waivers, though availability varies.

Requesting a hearing instead of paying

If you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly — for example, the sign was missing, you had a valid permit, or the meter was broken — you can request a hearing before paying. You must request the hearing within 21 days of the ticket date. Requesting a hearing does not stop the deadline from running; if you lose the hearing, you will owe the original fine plus any penalties that have accrued.

To request a hearing, visit the Department of Transportation website, call 311, or mail a written request to the address on your ticket. Include your citation number, the reason you believe the ticket is invalid, and any supporting evidence such as photos or documentation of a valid permit. The hearing is typically conducted by mail or phone; you do not usually have to appear in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you need the citation number to pay online. If you don't have it, search for the ticket on the Department of Transportation website using your license plate number, or call 311 to have the city look it up for you.

What if I paid but the city says I still owe?

Payment can take several business days to process and appear in the city's system. Check your confirmation number from when you paid, and wait at least five business days before contacting the city. If the payment was received but not credited, call 311 with your confirmation number and citation number.

Can I get the ticket dismissed if I pay late?

No. Paying late does not dismiss the ticket; it only adds penalties. If you want to challenge the ticket itself, you must request a hearing within 21 days of the ticket date, before or instead of paying.

Does paying a parking ticket affect my driving record?

No. A parking ticket is a civil violation, not a moving violation, so it does not appear on your driving record or affect your insurance rates. It only affects your vehicle registration if left unpaid.

Can I set up a payment plan for multiple tickets?

Contact the Department of Transportation at 311 or (213) 485-2137 to ask about payment plan options. Availability depends on the total amount owed and your circumstances, and the city does not may provide a plan will be offered.