Florida toll-by-plate charges appear on your invoice as a toll transaction without a transponder, and you can pay them through the SunPass website, by phone, or by mail

When you drive through a Florida toll plaza without a SunPass transponder, the toll authority photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice weeks later. This system is called toll-by-plate. The invoice arrives by mail and includes the toll amount, a transaction reference number, and payment instructions. You have three ways to pay: online through the SunPass website, by phone with a customer service representative, or by mailing a check to the address on your invoice.

The online method is fastest and requires only your invoice number and the last four digits of your license plate. Payment posts to your account within one business day, and you receive an email confirmation when ready. If you miss the payment important date on your invoice, late fees and collection notices follow, so paying promptly matters even if you dispute the charge.

Key Takeaways

  • Pay toll-by-plate invoices online at sunpass.com by entering your invoice number and license plate information.
  • Online payment takes minutes and posts within one business day, while mailed checks take two to three weeks to clear.
  • Late payments trigger additional fees and may result in collection action or suspension of your vehicle registration.
  • If you drive Florida toll roads regularly, opening a SunPass account with a prepaid balance avoids toll-by-plate invoices altogether.

Steps to pay online through SunPass

Go to sunpass.com and look for the "Pay a Toll Invoice" or "Pay Without an Account" option on the homepage. Click that link and you will land on a payment form that does not require you to log in or create an account. Enter your invoice number exactly as it appears on your mailed invoice, then enter the last four digits of your Florida license plate.

The system will display the toll amount, the transaction date, and the toll plaza where you drove through. Review this information to confirm it matches your invoice. Then select your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Enter your payment details and billing address, then submit. You will see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email receipt within minutes.

If the system cannot find your invoice, double-check that you entered the invoice number correctly. Invoice numbers are typically 10 to 12 digits and appear near the top of your mailed bill. If you still cannot locate it, call SunPass customer service at 1-888-865-0000 and provide your license plate number; they can look up your invoice and process payment over the phone.

What happens if you pay late or miss the important date

Your toll-by-plate invoice includes a payment due date, usually 30 days from the invoice date. If payment does not arrive by that date, SunPass adds a late fee to your balance. The amount of the late fee varies but typically ranges from $2.50 to $5.00 per transaction. A second notice arrives in the mail with the new total due.

If you ignore the second notice, collection action begins. SunPass may report the debt to a credit bureau, which can lower your credit score. In some cases, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your vehicle registration until the toll debt is paid. This suspension prevents you from renewing your registration and can result in a traffic stop if you drive with an expired tag.

Paying as soon as you receive your invoice avoids these consequences. If you believe the charge is incorrect—for example, if you had a transponder that malfunctioned or if the photograph was of a different vehicle—contact SunPass to dispute the charge before the payment important date. Disputes do not stop the clock on payment, so you should pay while your case is under review to avoid late fees.

Paying by phone or mail if you cannot pay online

To pay by phone, call SunPass customer service at 1-888-865-0000. Have your invoice number and payment method ready. A representative will verify your information, process your payment, and provide a confirmation number. Phone payments are processed the same day and post within one business day, just like online payments.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order for the exact amount shown on your invoice. Write your invoice number on the back of the check. Mail it to the address printed on your invoice—this is typically a SunPass processing center in Florida. Mail payments take two to three weeks to clear, so the toll authority may send you a late notice before your check arrives. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or a photo of the front and back as proof of payment in case a dispute arises.

How toll-by-plate differs from a SunPass account

Toll-by-plate is a one-time transaction: you drive through a toll plaza, your plate is photographed, and you receive an invoice. You pay that invoice and the transaction is closed. SunPass is a prepaid account linked to a transponder mounted on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza with an active SunPass transponder, the toll is deducted from your prepaid balance when ready, and no invoice is sent.

SunPass accounts offer several advantages if you use Florida toll roads regularly. You avoid the delay and hassle of mailed invoices. You receive a small discount on each toll—typically 25 to 50 cents per transaction depending on the road. You can set up automatic replenishment so your balance never runs out. And you can monitor all your toll transactions online in real time.

Opening a SunPass account is free. You purchase a transponder (usually $13.95 to $25.00) and load it with a prepaid balance of at least $25. You can open an account online at sunpass.com or by phone at 1-888-865-0000. If you drive Florida tolls more than a few times per year, the discount and convenience usually justify the transponder cost.

Disputing a toll-by-plate charge

If you believe a toll-by-plate charge is incorrect, contact SunPass within 30 days of receiving your invoice. Common reasons for disputes include: the photograph shows a different vehicle, you had a working transponder that should have been read, or you drove a rental car and the charge should have gone to the rental company.

Call SunPass at 1-888-865-0000 and explain the issue. Have your invoice number and any supporting documents ready—for example, a rental agreement showing you were not responsible for tolls, or proof that your transponder was active on that date. SunPass will review your dispute and may dismiss the charge, transfer it to the correct account, or uphold it if the evidence does not support your claim.

Disputes do not pause the payment important date on your invoice. Pay the toll while your dispute is pending to avoid late fees. If SunPass rules in your favor, they will refund the payment to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a toll-by-plate invoice with a prepaid card or gift card?

Yes. The SunPass website accepts any Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card, including prepaid and gift cards. You will need the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Electronic check payments also work if your bank account is linked to a debit card.

What if I never received my toll-by-plate invoice in the mail?

Call SunPass at 1-888-865-0000 with your license plate number. They can confirm whether an invoice was mailed and provide the invoice number and amount due. You can then pay online or over the phone without waiting for the physical invoice to arrive.

Do I have to pay a toll-by-plate charge if I dispute it?

Yes. Paying does not waive your right to dispute the charge. If SunPass rules in your favor after you pay, they will refund the amount. If you do not pay by the important date while disputing, late fees will be added to your balance regardless of the dispute outcome.

Will paying my toll-by-plate invoice online affect my credit score?

No. Paying on time has no effect on your credit. Only unpaid tolls that go to collection are reported to credit bureaus. Paying promptly keeps the debt off your credit report entirely.

Can someone else pay my toll-by-plate invoice for me?

Yes. Anyone with your invoice number and the last four digits of your license plate can pay online at sunpass.com. You can also authorize someone to pay by phone on your behalf by calling SunPass and providing them permission to discuss your account.