How to pay an SFMTA citation online, by mail, or in person

You can pay a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) citation through three main routes: online at sfgov.org/sfmta, by mail to the address on your citation, or in person at an SFMTA payment location. Online payment is the fastest — it takes minutes and you get immediate confirmation. You will need your citation number, which appears at the top of your ticket.

The SFMTA issues citations for parking violations, traffic violations, and transit infractions. Each citation has a due date printed on it, usually 21 days from the date issued. Paying before that date costs less than paying after the deadline, and paying late can result in additional penalties and collection action.

Key Takeaways

  • Your citation number is on the front of your ticket and is required to pay online or check the status of your case.
  • Paying within 21 days of the citation date costs less than paying after the deadline, which adds penalties.
  • Online payment at sfgov.org/sfmta is the fastest method and provides immediate confirmation of payment.
  • If you disagree with the citation, you can request a hearing or trial instead of paying; the deadline to request one is the same as the payment deadline.
  • Late payments can trigger collection action, vehicle registration holds, and additional fees beyond the original fine.

Paying online through the SFMTA website

Go to sfgov.org/sfmta and select the option to pay a citation or parking ticket. Enter your citation number and the license plate number on the ticket. The system will display the amount due, any penalties if you are paying late, and the payment methods accepted (credit card, debit card, or electronic check).

After you submit payment, the SFMTA sends a confirmation email to the address you provide. Keep this confirmation — it serves as proof of payment if there are any disputes later. Payment typically posts to your account within one business day, though the SFMTA recommends allowing up to five business days for processing.

Paying by mail

The mailing address for your citation is printed on the back of the ticket. Write your citation number on the check or money order and include the payment stub that came with your citation. Mail it to arrive before the due date shown on your ticket.

Paying by mail is slower than online payment — the SFMTA may not receive and process your payment for one to two weeks. If your due date is approaching, online payment or in-person payment is safer because you have proof of payment immediately. If you mail a check and it arrives after the due date, late fees will be added to your account.

Paying in person at an SFMTA office

The SFMTA operates payment locations in San Francisco where you can pay by cash, check, or card. The main office is at 25 Van Ness Avenue, and there are additional payment windows at other city locations. Hours vary by location, so check sfgov.org/sfmta for current hours before you go.

Bring your citation and a valid form of identification. You will receive a receipt immediately, which is your proof of payment. In-person payment is useful if you need to pay by cash or if you want to speak with someone about your citation in real time.

What happens if you do not pay by the due date

If you do not pay or request a hearing by the due date, the SFMTA adds a late penalty to your balance. The amount varies depending on the type of citation, but late fees typically range from $50 to $100 or more. Your account will show as delinquent, and the SFMTA may refer it to a collection agency.

A delinquent SFMTA citation can also trigger a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. The California Department of Motor Vehicles will not renew your registration until the citation is paid. Additionally, unpaid citations can affect your credit report if they are sent to collections, and the SFMTA may pursue wage garnishment or bank levies in cases of large unpaid balances.

Requesting a hearing or trial instead of paying

You do not have to pay immediately. If you believe the citation was issued in error or you want to contest it, you can request a hearing or trial. The deadline to request one is the same as the payment deadline — usually 21 days from the citation date. You can request a hearing online at sfgov.org/sfmta, by mail, or in person.

A hearing is conducted by an administrative officer who reviews the evidence and your explanation. If you lose the hearing, you will owe the fine plus any hearing fees. If you win, the citation is dismissed and you owe nothing. The hearing process typically takes several weeks to schedule.

Checking the status of your citation

You can check whether your payment has been processed by visiting sfgov.org/sfmta and entering your citation number and license plate. The system shows your current balance, payment history, and any scheduled hearings or court dates. If you paid online or in person, the status should update within one to two business days.

If you paid by mail and your status still shows unpaid after two weeks, contact the SFMTA directly to confirm receipt. Having your confirmation number or cancelled check helps speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay an SFMTA citation with a credit card?

Yes. Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks are all accepted online at sfgov.org/sfmta. In-person payment locations also accept cards. Online payment may charge a small processing fee depending on your payment method.

What if I lost my citation and do not have the citation number?

You can search for your citation using your license plate number and the approximate date of the violation on the SFMTA website. If you cannot find it online, call the SFMTA or visit an office in person with your driver's license and vehicle registration to look up your account.

Can I pay a citation for someone else's vehicle?

Yes. You can pay online using the citation number and license plate, or you can pay in person on behalf of the registered owner. Online payment does not require you to be the registered owner, but you will need the citation number.

What if I paid but my account still shows a balance?

Online and in-person payments typically post within one to two business days. If more than two business days have passed and your balance has not updated, contact the SFMTA with your confirmation number or receipt to verify the payment was received.

Can I set up a payment plan if I cannot pay the full amount?

The SFMTA does not offer formal payment plans for citations. However, you can request a hearing to contest the citation, which delays the due date. If you have financial hardship, contact the SFMTA office directly to discuss your options — some circumstances may may have access to for reduced fines or extended payment time.