How to Pay a Los Angeles Parking Ticket
Where to pay your Los Angeles parking ticket
You can pay a Los Angeles parking ticket online through the Department of Transportation (DOT) website, by mail, in person at a payment office, or by phone. The fastest route is online at ladot.lacity.gov/pay-citation — you'll need your citation number (the ticket number printed on your notice) and the amount due. Payment by phone goes through a third-party processor at 844-4LA-PARK (844-452-7275), which charges a convenience fee.
In-person payment happens at DOT payment offices located throughout the city. The main office is at 221 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, open Monday through Friday. If you mail a check or money order, send it to the address printed on the back of your ticket — include your citation number and a copy of the ticket itself so the payment reaches the right account.
The payment deadline is typically 21 days from the ticket date, though this can vary. If you miss the deadline, late fees and collection actions begin. Paying before the deadline stops additional penalties from accruing.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment at ladot.lacity.gov/pay-citation is the fastest method and requires only your citation number and the amount owed.
- You have 21 days from the ticket date to pay before late fees are added and collection actions may begin.
- Phone payment through 844-4LA-PARK includes a convenience fee charged by the payment processor.
- Mailing a check or money order works but takes longer — include your citation number and a copy of the ticket.
- If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it through the DOT's citation review process before paying.
What happens if you don't pay by the deadline
Late fees are added automatically if payment is not received by the deadline date. The city also reports unpaid tickets to collection agencies, which can damage your credit score and result in collection calls. If the ticket remains unpaid, the city may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or suspend your driver's license through the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Unpaid parking tickets can also prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration. The DMV will not issue a renewal until the citation is resolved. This creates a cycle where you cannot legally drive the vehicle, but the ticket continues to accrue penalties.
Contesting a parking ticket in Los Angeles
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 citation review through the DOT. You must submit your request within 21 days of the ticket date. Go to ladot.lacity.gov and look for the citation review or appeal section, or call 311 to request the forms by mail.
When you contest, include photographs if you have them (showing the missing sign, broken meter, or valid permit you displayed), a written explanation of why the ticket was wrong, and any supporting documents. The DOT will review your submission and send a decision by mail, usually within 30 to 45 days. If the ticket is dismissed, you owe nothing. If it is upheld, you still have the full payment deadline to pay.
Requesting a review does not extend your payment deadline. If your review is denied and you miss the original deadline, late fees will have already been added. Pay the ticket if you plan to contest it later, or contest it before the deadline passes.
Payment methods and fees
| Payment Method | Where | Fee | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | ladot.lacity.gov/pay-citation | None | Immediate |
| Phone | 844-4LA-PARK (844-452-7275) | Convenience fee applies | Immediate |
| In person | DOT payment offices | None | Same day |
| Address on ticket back | None | 5–10 business days |
Online payment has no fee and is the cheapest option. Phone payment adds a processing fee that varies depending on the payment processor's current rates — ask when you call. In-person and mail payments have no additional fees, but mail takes the longest to process and confirm.
Finding your citation number and ticket information
Your citation number is printed on the parking ticket itself, usually at the top or in a box labeled "Citation Number" or "Ticket Number." If you've lost the physical ticket, you can look up your citation online through the DOT website by entering your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. This will show you the amount owed and the deadline.
If you cannot find your ticket and the online lookup doesn't work, call 311 and provide your license plate number and the approximate date of the ticket. The city can tell you whether a citation is on record for your vehicle and the amount due. Keep this information handy when you pay, because you'll need the citation number to process the payment.
Parking ticket payment plans and hardship options
Los Angeles does not currently offer formal payment plans for parking tickets through the DOT. However, if you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, contact the DOT directly at 311 or visit a payment office in person to discuss your situation. Some offices may be able to work with you on timing, though this is not may provide and does not stop late fees from being added after the deadline.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, paying the ticket as soon as you can prevents additional penalties from compounding. Late fees and collection actions make the total amount owed grow quickly. Prioritizing the payment, even if it's partial, can help you avoid registration holds and license suspension.
How parking tickets affect your driving record and registration
Parking tickets do not appear on your driving record the way moving violations do. However, unpaid parking tickets trigger administrative actions that affect your ability to drive legally. The DMV will not renew your vehicle registration if you have unpaid parking citations on file. This means your registration becomes invalid, and you cannot legally operate the vehicle.
Additionally, unpaid parking tickets can lead to a license suspension through the DMV's administrative process. This is separate from a criminal or traffic court suspension and happens automatically if the debt goes to collection. Once suspended, you cannot legally drive any vehicle until the ticket is paid and the suspension is lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a parking ticket online without a citation number?
You need your citation number to pay online. If you don't have the ticket, use the DOT's online lookup tool with your license plate number and the date you received the ticket. If that doesn't work, call 311 and they can provide your citation number.
What if I paid my ticket but my registration is still on hold?
After you pay, it can take 5 to 10 business days for the payment to process and for the hold to be removed from the DMV system. Check your payment confirmation to confirm the amount was received. If more than 10 days have passed, contact the DOT at 311 to verify the payment was applied to your account.
Do I have to pay a parking ticket if I was parked legally?
No. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, request a citation review within 21 days. Include evidence such as photos of the parking sign, proof of a valid permit, or documentation that the meter was broken. Submit your request through the DOT website or by calling 311.
What happens if I ignore a parking ticket completely?
Unpaid tickets accrue late fees, go to collection, and trigger a hold on your vehicle registration and a potential license suspension through the DMV. Collection agencies may contact you, and the debt can affect your credit score. The longer you wait, the more you owe.
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes. You can pay online using their citation number, by phone, or in person at a DOT payment office. You do not need to be the vehicle owner to pay a ticket — only the citation number and the amount due are required.