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How to Pay a Houston Parking Citation by Mail (And Why You Shouldn’t Send Cash)
If you’ve recently received a parking citation in Houston that says “Mail Payments Only”, you’re not alone. The City of Houston still issues traditional paper parking tickets that require payment by mail—especially in certain areas enforced by HPD (Houston Police Department) and Parking Management Officers.
In this quick guide, we’ll explain how to pay a Houston parking citation by mail, and more importantly, why you should NEVER send cash.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay Your Houston Parking Ticket
Here’s what you need to do:
📬 Mail your payment to:
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City of Houston Parking Management Division
PO Box 203947
Houston, TX 77216-3947
✅ Include with your payment:
Your citation number (found at the top of the ticket)
Your vehicle license plate number
A check or money order for the correct amount listed on the ticket
Optional but smart: A brief note including your name, address, phone number, and citation details
Payment Methods Accepted
You can send:
✅ Personal check
✅ Money order
You should NOT send:
❌ Cash – It’s unsafe, untraceable, and may not be accepted.
Checks and money orders should be made payable to:
City of Houston
Don’t forget to write your citation number and license plate number on the check or money order for proper credit.
Why You Should Never Mail Cash
While it may be tempting to throw a few $20 bills into an envelope and call it a day, this is a huge risk. Here’s why:
Cash can be lost, stolen, or untraceable
The city may never receive your payment
You may still be liable for late fees or even a vehicle tow
You’ll have no proof of payment if anything goes wrong
Play it safe—use a trackable payment method like a check or money order.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay?
Houston takes unpaid parking violations seriously. Unpaid citations may lead to:
🚔 Vehicle booting or towing
📈 Increased fines
❌ Vehicle registration holds
👨⚖️ Referral to collections or court
Don’t ignore the ticket. If you believe the citation was issued in error, you may have options to contest it—but that’s another post.
Final Thoughts
Houston’s parking system may still be a little old-school, but with a little care and attention, you can handle your ticket the right way.
Just remember:
💡 Mail the check, not cash.
For more practical city survival tips, hacks, and real talk from the streets of Houston and beyond, follow us here at illphated.com. We do it so you don’t have to.
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