How to Pay a Denver Parking Ticket
Where to pay your Denver parking ticket
You can pay a Denver parking ticket online through the city's Parking Violations Bureau website, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Parking Violations Bureau office. The online option is fastest — you'll need your ticket number and the citation date, and payment processes immediately. Phone payment goes through an automated system at (720) 913-1311, also available 24/7.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send your check or money order to the Parking Violations Bureau, 1200 Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO 80204. Include your ticket number and citation date with your payment. In-person payments are accepted at the same address during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The city accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online and phone payments. Cash is accepted only at the in-person office location. Payment must arrive before the due date on your ticket to avoid additional penalties.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through the Parking Violations Bureau website is the fastest method and available 24/7 using your ticket number and citation date.
- The payment due date is printed on your ticket, and paying after that date adds late fees and may result in a hold on your vehicle registration.
- You can contest the ticket by requesting a hearing within 21 days of the citation date, which pauses the payment deadline while your case is reviewed.
- If you ignore the ticket, the city can place a boot on your vehicle or report the debt to a collection agency.
How much you owe and what the deadline is
The fine amount and due date are both printed on your ticket. Most Denver parking violations range from $25 to $100 depending on the violation type — expired meter, no-parking zone, handicap space violation, and street cleaning violations carry different amounts. Your ticket shows the exact fine you owe.
The due date is typically 21 days from the citation date. If you pay after that date, the city adds a late fee. The longer you wait, the more you owe. If your ticket goes unpaid for several months, the city may report it to a collection agency, which can damage your credit and result in additional collection fees.
Contesting a ticket if you believe it was issued in error
You have the right to request a hearing to contest the ticket. You must submit your request within 21 days of the citation date — this is the same deadline as the payment due date. Requesting a hearing does not mean you don't have to pay; it pauses the payment requirement while your case is reviewed by a hearing officer.
To request a hearing, contact the Parking Violations Bureau by phone at (720) 913-1311 or submit a written request by mail to 1200 Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO 80204. Include your ticket number, citation date, and a brief explanation of why you believe the ticket was issued incorrectly. The hearing is typically conducted by phone or in person, and you'll receive notice of the date and time.
Common reasons for contesting include: the sign was missing or obscured, you were parked legally, the meter was malfunctioning, or the citation was issued after the violation ended. Bring any evidence you have — photos of the parking area, receipts showing you paid the meter, or witness statements.
What happens if you don't pay
If your ticket remains unpaid past the due date, penalties accumulate. The city first adds a late fee to your original fine. After several months of non-payment, the Parking Violations Bureau may report the debt to a collection agency, which appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
The city can also place a boot (a locking device) on your vehicle's wheel, immobilizing it until you pay the ticket plus a boot fee. Additionally, unpaid parking tickets can result in a hold on your vehicle registration renewal — you won't be able to renew your tags until the ticket is resolved.
If the debt is reported to collections, you may receive calls and letters from the collection agency. Paying the original ticket amount to the city stops collection efforts, though the collection agency may still report the account as paid-in-full rather than cleared.
Payment plans if you can't pay the full amount at once
The Parking Violations Bureau does not automatically offer payment plans for parking tickets. However, you can contact the office directly at (720) 913-1311 to discuss your situation. In some cases, the bureau may work with you on a partial payment arrangement, though this is not may provide and depends on the circumstances.
If you're facing financial hardship, your best option is to call and explain your situation before the due date passes. Waiting until after the deadline makes negotiation much harder. Some people choose to pay what they can immediately and then contact the bureau about the remainder, which at least stops additional late fees from accruing on the full amount.
How payment is processed and when it shows as paid
Online and phone payments are processed immediately, and you'll receive a confirmation number. Your ticket shows as paid in the city's system within one business day. If you pay by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for your check to arrive and be processed — the city dates the payment from when it's received, not when you mailed it.
Once your payment is recorded, you won't receive a separate receipt in the mail unless you request one. You can verify payment by logging into the Parking Violations Bureau website with your ticket number or by calling (720) 913-1311. Keep your confirmation number or receipt for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's parking ticket?
Yes. You'll need the ticket number and citation date. You can pay online, by phone, or in person without being the vehicle owner. The payment goes toward the ticket regardless of who submits it.
What if I paid the ticket but it still shows as unpaid?
Contact the Parking Violations Bureau at (720) 913-1311 with your confirmation number or payment date. Processing delays occasionally occur, especially with mail payments. The bureau can verify receipt and update the system if there's a delay.
Do parking tickets affect my driving record or insurance?
Parking tickets do not appear on your driving record and do not directly affect your auto insurance rates. However, unpaid tickets can result in a vehicle registration hold or collection action, which may indirectly impact your ability to drive legally.
Can I get a ticket dismissed if I paid the meter but the citation was still issued?
This is a common reason to contest a ticket. Request a hearing within 21 days and bring proof of payment — a receipt, credit card statement, or photo of the meter display. The hearing officer will review whether the citation was issued after your payment expired.
What's the difference between a parking ticket and a boot?
A parking ticket is the initial citation for a violation. A boot is a physical lock placed on your wheel after the ticket goes unpaid for an extended period. You must pay the original ticket plus a boot removal fee (typically $50 to $100) to have it removed.