Pay your Texas tollway bill through your toll operator's website or mobile app

Texas tollways are operated by different agencies depending on which road you used. The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) runs tollways in the Houston area. The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) operates roads around Dallas and Fort Worth. Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) manages Austin-area tollways. Each operator has its own payment system, so you'll pay through the agency that issued your bill.

You can pay online through a computer or smartphone, usually within minutes. Most operators let you pay a single bill or set up automatic payments. You'll need your toll bill or account number, which appears on the invoice mailed to your vehicle's registered address.

Key Takeaways

  • Find which toll operator issued your bill by checking the invoice or looking up your vehicle's registration on the operator's website.
  • HCTRA (Houston), NTTA (Dallas-Fort Worth), and CTRMA (Austin) each have separate online payment portals with different web addresses.
  • You can pay a single bill when ready or set up automatic monthly payments to avoid future bills.
  • Payment methods typically include credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, though options vary by operator.

Identify which toll operator issued your bill

The toll operator depends on which tollway you drove. Look at your bill — it will show the operator's name and logo at the top. If you don't have the bill, you can search by vehicle registration on each operator's website.

For Houston-area tollways (including the Hardy Toll Road, Westpark Toll Road, and Sam Houston Tollway), contact HCTRA at hctra.org or call 281-875-3279. For Dallas-Fort Worth tollways (including the Dallas North Tollway, President George Bush Turnpike, and Lewisville Lake Toll Road), go to ntta.org or call 972-818-6882. For Austin-area tollways (including Mopac and 130 Toll Road), visit mobilityauthority.org or call 512-996-9778.

Pay through HCTRA's online portal

Go to hctra.org and click "Pay Your Bill" or "Account Management." Enter your account number or vehicle license plate number. The system will show your current balance and any past-due amounts.

Select the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method. HCTRA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic bank transfers. Enter your payment details and confirm. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and the payment typically posts within one business day.

To set up automatic payments, log into your account, select "Manage Payment Methods," and choose "Autopay." You can set it to pay your full balance monthly or a fixed amount on a date you choose.

Pay through NTTA's online portal

Go to ntta.org and select "Pay a Bill" from the homepage. You can pay as a guest without creating an account, or log in if you have one. Enter your license plate number or account number and the last four digits of the phone number on file.

Review your balance and select how much to pay. NTTA accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards. Enter your card information and billing address, then submit. You'll see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email receipt.

To set up recurring payments, create an NTTA online account first. Go to "My Account," select "Payment Methods," and add autopay. You can choose to pay your full balance or a set amount each month.

Pay through CTRMA's online portal

Visit mobilityauthority.org and click "Pay Your Toll Bill." Enter your license plate number or account number. The system will display your current balance and any outstanding charges.

Choose your payment amount and payment method. CTRMA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and bank account transfers. Complete your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number and email receipt within minutes.

For automatic payments, create an account on the CTRMA website, go to "Account Settings," and select "Set Up Autopay." Choose whether to pay your full monthly balance or a fixed amount.

What to do if you can't find your account online

If your license plate number doesn't appear in the system, your bill may not have been processed yet or your vehicle registration may not match the toll operator's records. Call the toll operator directly with your license plate number and the phone number on your vehicle registration.

If you received a bill in the mail but can't locate it online, the operator's system may still be updating. Most bills appear in the online portal within 24 to 48 hours of being mailed. You can still pay by phone by calling the operator and providing your account number or license plate.

If you believe you received a bill in error, contact the operator before paying. They can review the toll transaction and correct billing mistakes. Keep any documentation of your toll tag or transponder if you have one, as this helps resolve disputes.

Set up automatic payments to avoid future bills

Automatic payment is the simplest way to stay current. Once you set it up, your account balance is paid automatically each month, and you won't receive past-due notices. All three major Texas toll operators offer this option through their websites.

You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your online account. If you want to pause payments temporarily, log in and turn off autopay, then pay manually when you're ready. Most operators let you choose the payment date and whether to pay the full balance or a set amount each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my toll bill over the phone?

Yes. HCTRA accepts phone payments at 281-875-3279, NTTA at 972-818-6882, and CTRMA at 512-996-9778. Have your account number or license plate ready. Phone payments typically process within one business day, though you may be charged a convenience fee.

What payment methods do toll operators accept?

All three major operators accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Most also accept bank transfers or electronic checks. Some accept PayPal or other digital wallets, but this varies by operator. Check your operator's website for the full list.

How long does it take for my payment to show up?

Online payments typically post within one business day. Payments made after 5 p.m. may not process until the next business day. If you're paying a past-due bill to avoid a late fee, pay early in the day to may support it posts the same day.

What if I don't have a toll tag or transponder?

You can still drive on tollways without a tag. The toll operator will photograph your license plate and send you a bill by mail. You pay the same toll amount plus a small administrative fee. You can reduce future fees by getting a toll tag, which you can order through your operator's website.

Can I dispute a toll charge I think is wrong?

Yes. Contact your toll operator directly with the date, time, and location of the toll you're questioning. Provide your license plate number and any photos or documentation you have. Operators investigate disputes and can issue refunds if they find an error. This process usually takes two to four weeks.