Golden Gate Bridge toll payment works through FasTrak, license plate invoicing, or cash at the toll plaza
The Golden Gate Bridge Authority operates four toll payment methods. FasTrak is an electronic tag mounted on your windshield that deducts tolls automatically as you cross. License plate invoicing sends you a bill by mail if you don't have FasTrak. Pay-by-plate online lets you settle an invoice through the Golden Gate Bridge website within a set window. Cash payment is available at the toll plaza, though it costs more than other methods.
Which method you use depends on how often you cross and whether you want to set up an account in advance. Most drivers who cross regularly use FasTrak because it offers the lowest toll rate. Occasional drivers can pay by license plate and receive an invoice later, or pay cash on the spot.
Key Takeaways
- FasTrak tags cost $25 to $35 upfront but offer the lowest per-crossing toll rate and work on other Bay Area bridges and toll roads.
- If you don't have FasTrak, the bridge photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice within two weeks.
- You can pay an invoice online through the Golden Gate Bridge website, by phone, or by mail before the due date to avoid late fees.
- Cash payment at the toll plaza is the most expensive option and is only available in certain lanes during specific hours.
- FasTrak accounts can be set up online, by phone, or at retail locations, and you can add funds before or after crossing.
FasTrak: The most common payment method for regular crossings
FasTrak is an electronic toll collection system used across the San Francisco Bay Area. You purchase a reusable tag, mount it on your windshield, and it communicates with sensors at the toll plaza as you drive through. The toll is deducted from a prepaid account you fund online or by phone.
FasTrak toll rates are lower than other payment methods. As of 2024, FasTrak rates vary by time of day and vehicle type, with passenger vehicles paying less during off-peak hours. The tag itself costs $25 to $35 depending on the type, and you can use the same tag on other Bay Area bridges and toll roads, including the Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, and Dumbarton Bridge.
You can open a FasTrak account online at the Golden Gate Bridge website, by calling 877-229-8655, or at retail locations like Walgreens. You'll need a valid credit or debit card and a California address. Once your account is active, you can add funds anytime, and the system will alert you when your balance runs low.
License plate invoicing: Payment after you cross
If you cross without FasTrak, the bridge's automated system photographs your license plate and records the crossing. Within two weeks, you'll receive an invoice by mail at the address registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The invoice includes the toll amount, a due date, and instructions for payment.
License plate toll rates are higher than FasTrak rates but lower than cash payment. You have until the due date shown on your invoice to pay. If you pay within the grace period (usually a few days after the invoice date), you pay only the base toll. If you miss the due date, late fees explore and can accumulate quickly.
This method works well for occasional crossers who don't want to set up an account in advance. However, if you cross the bridge frequently, the cumulative cost of higher per-crossing rates and the risk of late fees make FasTrak more economical.
Paying an invoice online, by phone, or by mail
Once you receive a license plate invoice, you have three ways to pay. The Golden Gate Bridge website has a payment portal where you can enter your invoice number and pay by credit or debit card. You can also call 877-229-8655 to pay over the phone with a card. Mailing a check is the slowest option but works if you prefer not to use a card.
Payment must reach the bridge before the due date to avoid late fees. Online and phone payments typically process when ready, so you'll see confirmation right away. If you mail a check, allow at least one week for it to arrive and be processed.
If you dispute a charge or believe you were billed in error, contact the Golden Gate Bridge customer service line. They can review your crossing record and adjust your account if warranted. Disputes should be raised within a reasonable time after receiving your invoice.
Cash payment at the toll plaza
Cash payment is available at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza, but it is the most expensive option and has limited availability. Cash lanes operate during specific hours, and not all lanes accept cash at all times. Check the Golden Gate Bridge website or call ahead to confirm cash lane hours before you drive.
Cash toll rates are significantly higher than FasTrak or license plate rates. You pay the attendant as you approach the booth. This method is useful only if you cross rarely and don't want to set up an account, or if you're visiting from out of state and won't use FasTrak elsewhere.
The bridge does not make change for large bills, so bring exact cash or small bills. If you don't have the correct amount, you may be directed to pay by another method or asked to pull over and contact customer service.
Comparing toll rates and total costs across payment methods
| Payment Method | Setup Cost | Per-Crossing Cost (Passenger Vehicle) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FasTrak | $25–$35 (one-time) | Lowest rate (varies by time) | Regular crossers; works on other Bay Area tolls |
| License Plate (Pay-by-Invoice) | None | Mid-range rate | Occasional crossers; no advance setup needed |
| Cash | None | Highest rate | Rare crossers; limited hours and lanes |
The choice between methods depends on how often you cross and your tolerance for advance setup. If you cross more than a few times per year, FasTrak pays for itself within the first few crossings. If you cross once or twice a year, license plate invoicing is simpler and costs less overall than cash.
What to do if you receive a toll violation notice
A toll violation notice is different from a standard invoice. It means the bridge was unable to collect the toll through normal channels — usually because your license plate was unreadable, you were driving a rental or borrowed vehicle, or your FasTrak account had insufficient funds. Violation notices include a higher penalty fee on top of the original toll.
If you receive a violation notice, read it carefully. It will explain the reason for the violation and provide a due date for payment. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as a standard invoice. If you believe the violation was issued in error — for example, if your FasTrak tag malfunctioned or your account was funded but the system failed to read it — contact customer service with documentation.
Ignoring a violation notice can result in additional penalties, collection action, or a hold on your vehicle registration. If you cannot pay the full amount, call the bridge to discuss payment options or a payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use someone else's FasTrak tag to cross the bridge?
No. FasTrak tags are registered to a specific account and vehicle. Using another person's tag is toll evasion and can result in violation notices and penalties. Each vehicle should have its own tag or be billed through license plate invoicing.
What happens if my FasTrak account runs out of money while I'm crossing?
The system will still allow you to cross, but your account will go negative. You'll receive a notice to replenish your balance. If you don't add funds within a set period, you may receive a violation notice with additional fees. It's best to set up low-balance alerts so you can refund before this happens.
Do I have to pay the toll if I'm driving a motorcycle or electric vehicle?
Motorcycles and most vehicles must pay the toll. Some electric vehicles may be may be able to access for discounts under certain programs, but you still pay a reduced toll, not zero. Check the Golden Gate Bridge website or call customer service to confirm whether your vehicle qualifies for any discount.
Can I get a refund if I was charged twice for the same crossing?
Yes. If you believe you were charged twice, contact the Golden Gate Bridge customer service with the date and time of the crossing. They can review your account and issue a refund if a duplicate charge is confirmed. Keep your receipts or invoice records to support your claim.
What if I'm visiting from out of state and don't have a California address for FasTrak?
You can still use license plate invoicing — the bridge will bill the address on your vehicle registration. If you want FasTrak, you can provide a California address of a friend or family member, or use a mail forwarding service. Alternatively, pay cash at the toll plaza, though this is the most expensive option.