How to pay tolls in Texas

Texas tolls are paid either at the toll booth when you drive through, or in advance through an account. Most major toll roads in Texas use TxTag, a prepaid account system run by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). You can also pay tolls without an account by mail after receiving an invoice, though this costs more and takes longer.

The method you use depends on whether you drive the same toll road regularly, whether you want to avoid stopping at booths, and whether you prefer automatic payments or paying as you go. Each approach has different costs and timing.

Key Takeaways

  • TxTag is a prepaid account that charges tolls automatically when you drive through; you load money in advance and it deducts the toll amount each time.
  • You can pay tolls by mail after receiving an invoice, but this method costs significantly more per toll and takes weeks to process.
  • Some toll roads accept cash at booths, but most Texas toll roads have moved to all-electronic collection, meaning you must have TxTag or pay by mail.
  • TxTag accounts can be set up online or by phone and work across multiple toll roads in Texas, including roads in the Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio areas.
  • If you receive a toll invoice and do not pay within the important date, late fees and collection actions can follow.

Setting up a TxTag account

To open a TxTag account, visit the TxTag website or call 888-468-9824. You will need a valid driver's license or ID, a vehicle license plate number, and a payment method (debit card or bank account). The account setup takes about 10 minutes online.

Once your account is active, you receive a TxTag transponder in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. This small device mounts on your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you drive through. You load money into your account before or after you drive; the toll is deducted automatically each time you use a toll road.

TxTag works on toll roads operated by TxDOT and also on some toll roads run by regional authorities. Before opening an account, check which roads in your area accept TxTag, since some toll roads use different systems.

Paying tolls without an account

If you do not have a TxTag account and drive a toll road, you will receive an invoice by mail. The invoice shows the toll amount, the date you drove, and the road you used. You have a set number of days to pay (usually 30 days from the invoice date).

Paying by mail costs more than TxTag. A single toll that might be $2 to $4 with TxTag can cost $5 to $8 or more when paid by invoice, because administrative fees are added. You pay by check or money order and mail it to the address on the invoice.

Some toll roads still have cash booths, but most Texas toll roads have converted to all-electronic collection. If you see a booth, you can usually pay cash there, but this is becoming rare. Check the specific toll road's website to confirm whether cash payment is an option.

What happens if you do not pay a toll invoice

If you miss the payment important date on a toll invoice, the toll authority sends a second notice with a late fee added. Late fees vary by toll road but typically range from $25 to $100 or more. If you still do not pay, the account can be referred to a collection agency, and the debt can affect your credit report.

In some cases, toll authorities can place a hold on vehicle registration renewal or report the debt to credit bureaus. If you receive an invoice you believe is incorrect, contact the toll road's customer service to dispute it before the important date passes.

Toll roads in major Texas cities

Texas has toll roads in and around Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and other cities. The Dallas area has the Dallas North Tollway, the President George Bush Turnpike, and several others. Houston has the Hardy Toll Road, the Westpark Tollway, and the Sam Houston Tollway. Austin has the Mopac Expressway and Loop 1. Most of these roads accept TxTag.

Each toll road has different toll rates based on distance and time of day. Some roads charge higher tolls during rush hours. You can find current toll rates and which roads accept TxTag on the TxTag website or by calling customer service.

Managing your TxTag account

Once you have a TxTag account, you can check your balance and transaction history online or by phone. You can set up automatic replenishment, which adds money to your account when the balance drops below a certain amount. This prevents your account from running empty and incurring late fees.

You can also update your payment method, change your vehicle information, or add multiple vehicles to one account. If you move or sell your vehicle, update your account information to avoid receiving invoices at an old address or for a vehicle you no longer own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use TxTag on toll roads outside Texas?

TxTag works only on toll roads in Texas. If you travel to other states with toll roads, you may need to set up separate accounts or pay by invoice. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but you should check before traveling.

What if I lose my TxTag transponder?

Contact TxTag customer service to report it lost. You can request a replacement transponder, which is usually mailed within a week. Until the new one arrives, you can still use your account; tolls will be charged based on your license plate.

Do I have to use TxTag, or can I always pay by mail?

Most Texas toll roads are now all-electronic, meaning you must have TxTag or pay by mail after receiving an invoice. A few older toll roads still have cash booths, but this is uncommon. Paying by mail is always an option, but it costs significantly more.

How long does it take to get a TxTag transponder?

After you open an account online or by phone, the transponder arrives by mail in 5 to 7 business days. You can start using your account when ready by license plate recognition while you wait for the physical transponder to arrive.

What if I get an invoice for a toll I did not drive?

Contact the toll road's customer service with your invoice number and the date in question. Provide your vehicle information and explain why you believe the charge is wrong. They will investigate and may remove the charge if it was an error.