Contest a Parking Ticket in Denver
Got a ticket you don't think you deserve? A short, factual written appeal with evidence is the most effective way to contest it. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your mailing address]
October 15, 2026
Denver Parking Violations Bureau
P.O. Box 46500, Denver, CO 80201-6500
Re: Request for review of parking citation [Citation (ticket) number] — license plate [License plate]
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to contest parking citation [Citation (ticket) number], issued on [Date of the ticket] at [Where the ticket was issued] to the vehicle with license plate [License plate]. I respectfully ask that the citation be dismissed.
Reason for contesting: [Main reason you're contesting].
[What happened]
I am submitting this dispute within the 20 days Denver allows for contesting a parking citation, by the deadline of [Date of the ticket]. I ask that the citation be reviewed and dismissed.
Please review this citation and dismiss it. I would appreciate written confirmation of your decision, sent to the address above.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How to contest a parking ticket in Denver
In Denver, parking tickets are disputed through the city's Parking Violations Bureau, with online reviews carried out by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. A citation must be no more than 20 calendar days old to dispute it online, and disputes sent by mail must be postmarked within 20 days of the date the ticket was issued.
You can dispute online through the city's Dispute My Parking Ticket page or mail your dispute to the Parking Violations Bureau at P.O. Box 46500. Depending on your reason, you may need documents such as proof of a vehicle sale, a stolen plate report, a valid disability placard, a valid permit or proof of payment. Disputes that do not fit a listed category can be filed as other.
You can request a final hearing in Denver County Court instead of an online review, or after an online decision you disagree with. Once a ticket is 21 days old, you can no longer dispute online or schedule a final hearing, but you can file a general motion with the court. Three or more unpaid tickets can lead to a boot and a $100 boot fee.
What to do, step by step
Check the deadline
In Denver you generally have 20 days from the ticket date to contest it. Missing it can add late penalties.
Gather your evidence
Photograph the signs, curb markings, meter or pay station, and where your car was parked. Keep receipts, permits and any repair or police records.
Write your appeal
Answer the questions above. Keep it short and factual — reviewers read a lot of these, and a calm, specific letter with evidence is the most persuasive.
Submit it on time
Submit online through Denver Parking Violations Bureau, or mail it to P.O. Box 46500, Denver, CO 80201-6500. Keep a copy and proof that you sent it.
Follow up
If you disagree with the online or mail decision, you can request an in-person final hearing in Denver County Court. If the judge finds the ticket valid, a judgment is entered for the amount imposed plus $26 in court costs.
What if your appeal is denied?
A denial at the first review isn't the end. Most cities offer at least one more level — usually a hearing in person, by phone or by mail — where a different person looks at your evidence.
In Denver: If you disagree with the online or mail decision, you can request an in-person final hearing in Denver County Court. If the judge finds the ticket valid, a judgment is entered for the amount imposed plus $26 in court costs.
Keep every notice and receipt. If you win at a later stage, any amount you paid is normally refunded.
Example Denver parking ticket appeal letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Alex Morgan
410 Grand Ave, Apt 2
September 28, 2026
Denver Parking Violations Bureau
P.O. Box 46500, Denver, CO 80201-6500
Re: Request for review of parking citation 4012345678 — license plate 7XYZ442
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to contest parking citation 4012345678, issued on September 20, 2026 at 300 block of Main St to the vehicle with license plate 7XYZ442. I respectfully ask that the citation be dismissed.
Reason for contesting: The signs were missing, unclear or blocked.
The only no-parking sign on the block was covered by overgrown tree branches. Photos I took a few minutes after finding the ticket show the sign could not be seen from where I parked.
I have included the following evidence in support of this request: Two dated photos of the covered sign and a map showing where my car was parked.
I am submitting this dispute within the 20 days Denver allows for contesting a parking citation, by the deadline of October 10, 2026. I ask that the citation be reviewed and dismissed.
Please review this citation and dismiss it. I would appreciate written confirmation of your decision, sent to the address above.
Sincerely,
Alex Morgan
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to dispute a parking ticket in Denver?
20 calendar days. Online disputes require the citation to be no more than 20 days old, and mailed disputes must be postmarked within 20 days of issuance. The same 20-day window applies to paying the base fine before it increases.
What documents does Denver want with a parking dispute?
It depends on your reason. The city asks for proof such as a bill of sale if you sold the vehicle, a report for a stolen plate, a copy of a valid disability placard or permit, or a receipt showing you paid. Include everything with your first submission.
What if I miss Denver's 20-day dispute window?
After 21 days you can no longer dispute online or schedule a final hearing. For citations from 21 to 120 days old, you can still file a general motion with Denver County Court at 1437 Bannock St., Room 140, explaining your situation.
Can I go to court over a Denver parking ticket?
Yes. You can schedule an in-person final hearing in Denver County Court, either instead of an online review or after one. You cannot have an online review once a final hearing is set. If the judge upholds the ticket, $26 in court costs is added to the amount owed.
Is it worth contesting a parking ticket?
If you have a genuine reason and some evidence — a hidden sign, a broken meter, a valid permit or a ticket with wrong details — a written appeal costs little and succeeds often enough to be worth the few minutes it takes.
What evidence helps the most?
Clear, dated photos of the signs, curb and meter; payment receipts or permits; and anything showing the ticket's details are wrong, such as the wrong plate or vehicle make.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.