Pay on Your Phone

Pay for Parking on Your Phone

Seattle has two ways to pay for parking using your phone. You can use the PaybyPhone app or use the new "text-to-pay" service on a smart phone. SDOT is launching text to pay in Pioneer Square in October 2026 and will be expanding this service by early 2027. (For more information, read our blog post about the text to pay option.)

SDOT does not use QR codes for parking payment. 

PayByPhone parking is convenient, easy, and secure:

• Free to use in Seattle
• Extend your parking session remotely (if time available)
• Get text message reminders before time expires
• Use other great features including email receipts for business travel and adding multiple vehicles and credit cards

Download the PayByPhone app on your smartphone and register.

Please DO NOT search “Pay By Phone” online and sign up with one of the search results via the Internet. PayByPhone is aware of scammers setting up fake services. Note that neither Seattle nor PayByPhone charge for any subscription service, and PayByPhone will never charge your card without your authorization when you purchase parking time. More here.  

Text-to-Pay 

Beginning in Pioneer Square, you will see decals on pay stations offering text to pay.  This service is provided by IPS, who provides Seattle’s physical pay stations. After an initial signup by texting ‘PAY’ to 77447, you can utilize the mobile payment code for your parking location (six digits beginning with ‘8’ – look for signage).  The service will then prompt you to complete payment in a web browser window on your phone. You do not need to download an app for this service.  For the IPS service ALWAYS utilize text code 77447 to ensure proper payment.

Other Mobile Parking Payment Tips

Use the correct Location Number for the side of the street that you are parked. DO NOT use a location number from across the street or around the corner. You can find mobile payment zone numbers on our Parking Rates Map as well by zooming into the map and clicking on a pay station.

How does enforcement work? No need to display a receipt but enter your license plate correctly. Parking Enforcement can see your payment automatically on their enforcement equipment. Learn about paying for tickets at the Court here: Parking Tickets and Payment.

What if I have a special license plate? Enter the full license plate number as it reads on your vehicle registration. This is different than the symbols on your plate. A UW plate = WSMPLE.

Pay By Phone at Commercial Vehicle Load Zones. Commercial Vehicles can now use their Pay By Phone app to pay for parking at CVLZs. These zones have distinct location numbers separate from the rest of the block that start with the number ‘9’. This service offers Commercial Vehicles an easier payment option instead  of getting a Commercial Vehicle permit.