Contest a Chicago parking, red-light, or speed ticket by mail

If you want to contest a Chicago parking, red-light, or speed ticket by mail, this page helps you send the right kind of written defense. You get a correspondence-hearing template, the evidence checklist Chicago tells you to include, and the main timing rules that matter before a default is entered.

Use this page for written Chicago correspondence hearings when you want an Administrative Law Judge to review your defense by mail. It is a good fit for parking tickets, red-light notices, and automated speed-enforcement notices when your defense depends on documents, photos, ownership records, or police reports. It is also useful if you searched for Chicago contest by mail, Chicago parking ticket dispute letter, Chicago red light ticket mail contest, or Chicago speed ticket correspondence hearing.

Need to contest a Chicago parking, red-light, or speed ticket by mail? Open a ready-made correspondence-hearing letter, add your signed defense and evidence, and mail it to the current Department of Finance routing address.

These details are ready

This page uses the current City of Chicago correspondence-hearing mailing block for mail contests. The city's public page explains what to send and the deadline flow, and the mailing block should still be spot-checked during QA against current notice materials. Last checked: April 4, 2026.

So your letter looks

City of Chicago Department of Finance

806407 P.O. Box

Chicago, IL 60680-4125

United States

April 4, 2026 City of Chicago Department of Finance P.O. Box 806407 Chicago, IL 60680-4125 Subject: Contest by mail for Chicago ticket Dear Department of Finance, I am the registered owner of the vehicle listed below, and I submit this signed written statement to contest the following ticket by mail. Ticket information: Ticket number: [ticket number] Notice number, if applicable: [notice number] Vehicle plate number: [plate number] State of registration: [state] Date of violation: [date] Time of violation: [time] Location of violation: [location] Type of ticket: [parking / red-light / speed] Registered owner information: Full name: [your full name] Mailing address: [your mailing address] Phone number: [your phone number] Email address: [your email address] Facts establishing my defense: [Write a clear factual explanation of why the ticket should be dismissed. Refer to each exhibit by name, such as Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, and so on.] Supporting evidence enclosed: - Photographs: [list] - Affidavit(s): [list] - Vehicle registration or ownership records: [list] - Police theft or recovery report, if applicable: [list] - Other supporting documents: [list] I request that the hearing officer review this correspondence hearing package and dismiss the ticket based on the enclosed facts and evidence. Sincerely, [Signature of registered owner] [Printed name]

Open your Chicago mail-contest letter

Short lines that fit common Chicago ticket defenses

• • The facts on the ticket do not support the charged violation, and the attached evidence shows why.
• • The vehicle or plate was stolen at the time of the violation. I attached the official police report.
• • The signs, curb markings, or roadway conditions did not support this citation. Photos are attached.
• • I was not the registered owner responsible for the vehicle on the date of the violation.
• • The ticket information or automated evidence does not match the vehicle or event charged.

Before you continue

• • The City of Chicago says a mail contest should include a statement signed by the registered owner of the vehicle that sets forth facts establishing a defense.
• • Add supporting evidence that matches your defense, such as photographs, affidavits, your state vehicle registration, or official police vehicle theft or recovery reports.
• • Put the ticket number on every document you send and make sure every copy is legible and complete.
• • Send copies, not originals. Chicago says mailed contest documents will not be returned.
• • Contest quickly. Chicago's official ticket FAQ says you generally have 7 days from issuance to contest a ticket, or 21 days after a Notice of Violation if that is the stage you are in.
• • Enclose all of your evidence at once. Chicago says the hearing officer's decision on a correspondence hearing is final.