How to Pay an SFMTA Parking or Traffic Citation

What an SFMTA citation is and where to pay it

An SFMTA citation is a parking ticket or traffic violation notice issued by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. It includes a citation number, the violation details, the fine amount, and a due date — usually 30 days from the date on the ticket. You can pay online through the SFMTA website, by mail, in person at an SFMTA office, or by phone.

The fastest way is online at sfmta.com/citations. You will need your citation number (a seven-digit code printed on the ticket) and the license plate number. Payment takes a few minutes, and you receive a confirmation when ready. If you prefer not to pay online, the SFMTA also accepts payments by mail, phone, or at their office at 25 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco.

Key Takeaways

You can pay an SFMTA citation online at sfmta.com/citations using your citation number and license plate, which is the fastest method.
Payment by mail, phone, or in person at 25 Van Ness Avenue is available if you do not want to pay online.
The due date is typically 30 days from the ticket date; paying after that date may result in additional penalties and collection action.
If you disagree with the citation, you can request a hearing or trial instead of paying, but you must do so before the due date.
Unpaid citations can lead to vehicle registration holds, collection referrals, and in some cases, boot or tow of your vehicle.

Paying online through the SFMTA website

Go to sfmta.com/citations and enter your citation number and license plate number in the search box. The citation details will appear, showing the violation, fine amount, and due date. Click the payment option and choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you submit payment, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Save or print this confirmation — it proves you paid. The SFMTA will also send a receipt by email if you provide an email address. Payment is processed when ready, and the citation is marked as paid in the SFMTA system.

Paying by mail or check

Write a check or money order payable to the SFMTA. Write your citation number on the check. Mail it to: SFMTA Citations, P.O. Box 880034, San Francisco, CA 94188-0034. Include a copy of the citation ticket if possible.

Mail payment takes longer to process — typically 7 to 10 business days after the SFMTA receives it. To be safe, mail your payment at least two weeks before the due date. Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records. If you need proof of payment before the check clears, contact the SFMTA at 311 or (415) 701-2311.

Paying by phone or in person

Call the SFMTA at (415) 701-2311 to pay by phone using a credit or debit card. Have your citation number and payment method ready. The call takes about five minutes, and you will receive a confirmation number.

To pay in person, visit the SFMTA office at 25 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your citation ticket and a valid payment method — cash, check, credit card, or debit card. You will receive a receipt on the spot.

What happens if you miss the due date

If you do not pay by the due date shown on your ticket, the SFMTA adds a late penalty to your fine. The amount of the penalty varies but is typically 10 percent of the original fine or a set amount, whichever is greater. After 60 days past due, the citation may be referred to a collection agency, which can report the debt to credit bureaus.

Unpaid citations can also trigger a registration hold — your vehicle registration will not renew until the citation is paid. In some cases, the SFMTA may boot (immobilize) your vehicle or have it towed. If your citation is seriously overdue, you may face additional collection costs and legal action. Paying as soon as possible stops these escalations.

Contesting a citation instead of paying

If you believe the citation was issued in error or you have a valid defense, you can request a hearing or trial instead of paying. You must submit your request before the due date on the ticket. Go to sfmta.com/citations, enter your citation number, and select the option to request a hearing or trial. You can also mail a written request to the address on your ticket.

At a hearing, you can present your side of the case to an SFMTA hearing officer. If you disagree with the hearing decision, you can request a trial in traffic court. This process takes several weeks or months. If you lose, you will owe the original fine plus any court costs. If you win, the citation is dismissed and you owe nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay an SFMTA citation with a credit card online?

Yes. The SFMTA website accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay by debit card or electronic check. Go to sfmta.com/citations, enter your citation number and license plate, and select your payment method at checkout.

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

You can still find your citation online. Go to sfmta.com/citations and search by license plate number instead of citation number. If that does not work, call the SFMTA at (415) 701-2311 and provide your license plate and the approximate date of the violation. They can look up the citation for you.

Will paying a citation affect my driving record or insurance?

Paying a parking citation does not affect your driving record or insurance rates — parking violations are not reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Traffic violations (such as running a red light or speeding) may be reported to the DMV and could affect your record and rates, depending on the violation type and your insurance company's policy.

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

The SFMTA does not offer formal payment plans through their standard citation system. However, if you are facing financial hardship, contact the SFMTA at (415) 701-2311 to discuss your situation. They may be able to work with you or refer you to other resources. Paying something before the due date is better than paying nothing, as it shows good faith and may reduce late penalties.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up in the SFMTA system?

Online payments are processed when ready. Your citation will be marked as paid in the SFMTA system within minutes. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and an email receipt. If you need to verify payment right away, you can search your citation again on sfmta.com/citations and it should show as paid.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.