Paying through the LA Department of Transportation website
The City of Los Angeles parking citation payment system at www.lacity-parking.org lets you pay your ticket online using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. You'll need your citation number (the ticket number printed on your parking citation) and the amount due. The website processes payments immediately, and you receive a confirmation number by email.
The site is available 24 hours a day. Payments are processed the same day if submitted before 11:59 p.m. Pacific time; payments after midnight are processed the next business day. You can pay the full amount or set up a payment plan if you're unable to pay in full.
If you've lost your citation or don't have the number handy, you can search for your ticket using your license plate number and driver's license number instead. This lookup tool helps you find citations issued to your vehicle even if you don't have the physical ticket.
Key Takeaways
- You need your citation number or license plate and driver's license number to pay online at www.lacity-parking.org.
- Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks are accepted, and payments process the same day if submitted before midnight.
- You can set up a payment plan through the website if paying the full amount at once is not possible.
- A confirmation number is sent to your email immediately after payment, which serves as your receipt.
- The website is open around the clock, so you can pay at any time that works for your schedule.
What information you need before you start
Have your citation number ready — it's the ticket number printed at the top of your parking citation. If you don't have the physical ticket, you'll need your vehicle's license plate number and your driver's license number to search for the citation in the system.
You'll also need the amount due, which is printed on the citation itself. If you're unsure of the amount or believe the citation was issued in error, you can look up the ticket details on the website first before deciding to pay. The lookup won't commit you to payment; it just shows you what the system has on file.
Payment methods and fees
The website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. You can also pay with a debit card or use an electronic check (eCheck) if you have a U.S. bank account. Each payment method may carry a processing fee, which the website will show you before you confirm the payment.
The processing fees vary depending on which payment method you choose. Credit and debit card payments typically have a higher fee than electronic checks. The website displays the exact fee for your chosen method before you submit payment, so you know the total cost upfront.
Setting up a payment plan
If you cannot pay the full citation amount at once, the website allows you to set up a payment plan. You'll make an initial payment and then schedule additional payments over time. The exact terms depend on the amount owed and your circumstances.
To set up a plan, select the payment plan option during checkout instead of paying in full. The system will show you available payment schedules and the dates each payment is due. You'll receive email reminders before each payment is due, and you can manage your plan through your online account.
Confirming your payment and getting a receipt
After you submit payment, the website displays a confirmation number on the screen. Write this number down or take a screenshot — you'll need it if you have questions about the payment later. The confirmation number proves the payment was received.
An email receipt is sent to the address you provide during checkout. This email includes your confirmation number, the amount paid, the payment date, and the citation number. Keep this email for your records. If you don't receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or contact the LA Department of Transportation to verify the payment went through.
What to do if payment is declined or the website has an error
If your card is declined, the website will tell you why — usually insufficient funds, an incorrect card number, or the card issuer blocking the transaction. Try again with a different payment method, or contact your bank to ask why the charge was rejected.
If the website shows an error message or won't process your payment after multiple attempts, take note of the error code or message and contact the LA Department of Transportation directly. Have your citation number and the error details ready when you call. They can process your payment over the phone or troubleshoot the technical issue.
Paying in person or by mail if you prefer not to use the website
Not everyone wants to pay online, and the city offers other options. You can pay by mail by sending a check or money order to the address listed on your citation, along with the citation itself. Mail payments take longer to process — typically 7 to 10 business days — so if you're close to a deadline, this method is riskier.
You can also pay in person at LA Department of Transportation payment locations throughout the city. Hours and addresses are listed on the main lacity-parking.org website. In-person payment is processed immediately, and you receive a receipt on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't pay my parking citation?
Unpaid citations accrue late fees and can result in a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. The city may also refer the debt to a collection agency. If the citation remains unpaid long enough, a warrant can be issued for your arrest, though this is rare for parking violations alone.
Can I dispute my citation instead of paying it?
Yes. The lacity-parking.org website has an option to contest the citation. You'll need to submit your dispute within the timeframe listed on the ticket, usually 21 days. If you contest and lose, you'll still owe the full amount plus any late fees that have accrued.
Is my credit card information safe on the lacity-parking.org website?
The website uses encryption to protect your payment information during the transaction. Your card details are not stored on the site after payment is complete. However, as with any online payment, use a secure internet connection and never share your confirmation number or card details via email or phone.
Can I get a refund if I pay by mistake or pay twice?
If you pay the same citation twice or pay in error, contact the LA Department of Transportation with your confirmation numbers. Refunds are processed, but they can take several weeks. It's faster to call than to wait for a refund to appear on your card.
What if my citation shows an amount I don't think is correct?
Before paying, you can contest the citation through the website or call the LA Department of Transportation to ask about the amount. If you believe the fine is wrong, disputing it is better than paying and then trying to get a refund later.