Protest a San Francisco parking or transit citation by mail

If you want to protest a San Francisco parking or transit citation by mail, this page helps you send the right first-level review package. You get the current Citation Review address, a tailored protest letter, and the key deadline and evidence rules SFMTA applies to written protests.

Use this page for the first-level written protest of a San Francisco parking or transit citation. It is designed for the initial Citation Review stage, not the later Administrative Hearing or court appeal. It is also useful if you searched for SFMTA protest by mail, Citation Review 11 South Van Ness, San Francisco parking citation protest letter, or transit citation protest form.

Need to protest a San Francisco parking or transit citation by mail? Open a ready-made protest letter, add your facts and evidence, and mail it to the SFMTA Customer Service Center.

These details are ready

This is the current SFMTA Citation Review mailing address for first-level protests by mail. Last checked: April 4, 2026.

So your letter looks

SFMTA Customer Service Center

11 S Van Ness Avenue

ATTN: Citation Review

San Francisco, CA 94103

United States

April 4, 2026 SFMTA Customer Service Center ATTN: Citation Review 11 South Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94103 Subject: Protest of San Francisco parking or transit citation Dear Citation Review, I am submitting a first-level protest of the citation listed below and request administrative review. Citation information: Citation number(s): [citation number(s)] License plate number: [plate number] Date of citation: [date] Time of citation: [time] Location: [location] Type of citation: [parking / transit] Contact information: Full name: [your full name] Mailing address: [your mailing address] Phone number: [your phone number] Email address: [your email address] Reason for protest: [Write a clear statement of facts explaining why the citation should be dismissed. Refer to any attached exhibits by name.] Evidence enclosed: - Photos / receipts / permit records / ownership records / police report: [list] - Other supporting documents: [list] Please review this protest and send me the decision letter at the mailing address above. Sincerely, [Signature] [Printed name]

Open your San Francisco protest letter

Short lines that fit common San Francisco citation protests

• • The meter was paid or malfunctioning, and I attached the supporting records.
• • The sign or curb marking was missing or obscured, and my photos show the condition on the date of the citation.
• • A valid permit or disabled placard was displayed at the time of the citation.
• • I did not own the vehicle yet, or no longer owned it, when the citation was issued.
• • The vehicle or license plate was stolen, and I attached the full police report.

Before you continue

• • SFMTA says your first-level protest must be submitted within 21 days from the date the citation was issued or 21 days from the date of the first mailed citation notice.
• • You can use SFMTA's protest form or your own letter. Either way, include your citation numbers, plate number, contact details, and statement of facts.
• • Attach copies of the documents that support your protest. SFMTA says documents submitted with the protest cannot be returned.
• • Do not pay the citation if you wish to file the first protest.
• • If the citation involved a stolen vehicle or stolen plate, SFMTA says you must include the full written police report, not just a case number.
• • If your first protest is denied, a second-level Administrative Hearing must generally be requested within 25 calendar days from the date of the denial letter.