How Texas toll tags work and what you owe
A Texas toll tag is a small electronic device mounted on your windshield that charges you automatically when you drive through a toll plaza. The tag reads a radio signal and deducts the toll amount from a prepaid account you set up. You do not pay at a booth — the system charges you electronically, and you receive a bill or statement showing what you owe.
The main toll tag provider in Texas is TxTag, operated by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Some toll roads also accept tags from other systems like EZPass (used in other states) or Toll-By-Plate, which photographs your license plate instead of using a tag. Each method has its own payment process, but the basic idea is the same: you drive through, the toll is recorded, and you pay later.
Understanding how your account works is the first step to paying on time. If you have a TxTag account, you will receive statements by mail or email showing each toll you have used. If your account balance runs low or goes negative, you will be notified and given time to add money before penalties explore.
Key Takeaways
- TxTag accounts can be set up online at TxTag.org, by phone at 888-468-9824, or in person at a TxTag customer service center.
- You can pay your toll tag bill online, by phone, by mail, or at a TxTag office using a credit card, debit card, or check.
- Setting up automatic replenishment keeps your account from going negative and helps you avoid late fees and vehicle registration holds.
- If your account goes unpaid for more than 60 days, TxDOT can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal until the debt is settled.
- Toll-By-Plate accounts (when you do not have a tag) are billed separately and have their own payment methods through the same TxTag system.
Setting up a TxTag account if you do not have one
If you drive Texas toll roads regularly and do not yet have a TxTag account, you will need to create one before you can pay tolls. You can set up an account online at TxTag.org in about 10 minutes. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, a valid email address, and a payment method (credit card or debit card).
You can also call TxTag customer service at 888-468-9824 to open an account by phone, or visit a TxTag customer service center in person. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time. If you prefer to set up in person, TxTag offices are located in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.
When you open an account, you will choose an initial balance to load onto it — this is the money that will be deducted each time you use a toll road. Most people start with $20 to $100, depending on how often they expect to use tolls. You can add more money at any time.
Paying your TxTag bill online
The fastest way to pay is through the TxTag website at TxTag.org. Log in with your account number and password, then select "Make a Payment" or "Add Funds." You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. The payment processes when ready, and your account balance updates right away.
You can also set up automatic replenishment, which is the easiest option if you use tolls regularly. With auto-replenishment, your account automatically adds a set amount of money (usually $20 to $100) whenever your balance drops below a threshold you choose. This keeps you from accidentally going into debt and triggering late fees or registration holds.
If you lose your password, you can reset it on the TxTag website by clicking "Forgot Password" and following the prompts. You will receive a reset link by email within a few minutes.
Paying by phone, mail, or in person
If you prefer not to pay online, you have three other options. To pay by phone, call 888-468-9824 and speak with a customer service representative. They will ask for your account number and payment method (credit card or debit card). The payment is processed while you are on the phone.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address shown on your TxTag statement. Include your account number on the check so the payment is credited to the right account. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send them early if you are close to a important date.
You can also pay in person at any TxTag customer service center. Bring your account number and a payment method — they accept cash, checks, credit cards, and debit cards. In-person payments are processed when ready.
What happens if you do not pay on time
If your TxTag account balance goes negative, you will receive a notice in the mail or by email asking you to pay within a set timeframe, usually 30 days. If you do not pay within that period, TxDOT can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. This means you will not be able to renew your registration until the toll debt is paid.
Late fees and penalties vary depending on how long the account remains unpaid. The longer you wait, the more you owe. If the debt goes to a collection agency, additional collection fees may be added. The best way to avoid this is to set up automatic replenishment or check your account balance regularly.
If you believe you have a dispute with a charge — for example, if you were charged twice for the same toll — contact TxTag customer service to file a claim. You will need to provide details about the toll date, location, and amount. TxTag investigates disputes and can issue refunds if the charge was an error.
Toll-By-Plate and other payment methods
If you do not have a TxTag mounted on your windshield, some Texas toll roads will still let you drive through using Toll-By-Plate. This system photographs your license plate and sends you a bill by mail. The bill includes the toll amount plus a processing fee (usually $1 to $2 per toll).
To pay a Toll-By-Plate bill, you can go online to TxTag.org, call 888-468-9824, or mail a check to the address on your bill. The process is the same as paying a regular TxTag bill. However, Toll-By-Plate is more expensive because of the processing fee, so getting a physical TxTag tag saves money if you use tolls often.
Some toll roads in Texas also accept EZPass, which is a tag system used in other states. If you have an EZPass from another state, it will work on most Texas toll roads. You pay through your EZPass account, not through TxTag, so contact your EZPass provider for payment options.
Keeping track of your account and avoiding problems
The easiest way to stay on top of your toll payments is to set up email or text notifications through TxTag. You can choose to receive alerts when your balance is low, when a payment is due, or when a toll is charged. These notifications give you time to add funds before your account goes negative.
Check your TxTag statement regularly — you can view it anytime on TxTag.org. Look for any charges that seem wrong or unfamiliar. If you spot an error, report it to customer service right away. The sooner you report a problem, the faster it can be resolved.
If you move or change your email address, update your account information on TxTag.org so you continue to receive statements and notices. If you sell your vehicle or no longer use toll roads, you can close your account online or by calling customer service. Any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's TxTag bill?
Yes. Call 888-468-9824 with the account number and provide your payment information. You can also pay online at TxTag.org if you know the account number and have access to the account. If the account is not in your name, the account holder may need to authorize the payment first.
What if I do not know my TxTag account number?
You can find your account number on any TxTag statement or bill you have received. If you do not have a statement, call 888-468-9824 and provide your license plate number or phone number. Customer service will look up your account and give you the number.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up in my account?
Online payments process when ready when you submit them. Your account balance updates right away, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you pay by mail or phone, allow 7 to 10 business days for the payment to post to your account.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my TxTag account?
Yes. If your account has a credit balance (more money than you owe), you can request a refund by calling 888-468-9824 or logging into TxTag.org and selecting "Request a Refund." Refunds are sent to your original payment method and typically take 5 to 7 business days to arrive.
What if my TxTag is damaged or not working?
Contact TxTag customer service at 888-468-9824 or visit TxTag.org to request a replacement tag. There is usually no charge for a replacement if your tag is defective. You can also pick up a replacement tag in person at a TxTag customer service center.