What TxTag is and how payment works

TxTag is the toll collection system used on most toll roads in Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Houston, and Austin. When you drive through a toll plaza, a transponder mounted on your windshield communicates with the toll booth, and the charge is deducted from your prepaid account. You do not pay at a booth — the system charges you automatically.

Your TxTag account must have a positive balance before you drive. If your balance drops too low, you will receive a notice, and if it reaches zero, you will be sent an invoice for tolls you have already used. Paying before you drive keeps your account active and prevents invoices.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add money to your TxTag account online through the official TxTag website, by phone, by mail, or at a retail location that accepts TxTag payments.
  • Online payment is the fastest method and lets you set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount.
  • Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers, depending on which payment method you choose.
  • If you receive an invoice for tolls instead of paying in advance, you can still pay it through the same channels, though you may owe a processing fee.

Paying online through the TxTag website

The fastest way to pay is through the official TxTag website at www.txtag.org. Log in with your account number and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one by providing your name, address, email, phone number, and vehicle information.

Once logged in, select "Add Funds" or "Make a Payment." Enter the amount you want to add — there is no minimum, though most people add $25 to $100 depending on how often they drive tolled roads. Choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account transfer. Credit and debit card payments process when ready. Bank transfers may take one to two business days.

You can also set up automatic replenishment on the website. This means your account will automatically charge your payment method when your balance falls below a threshold you choose — for example, $10. This prevents your account from running empty and you receiving an invoice.

Paying by phone or mail

If you prefer not to pay online, you can call the TxTag customer service line at 1-888-468-9824. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to add, and your payment method. Phone payments by credit or debit card are processed the same day. The call takes about five minutes.

You can also mail a check or money order to the address on your TxTag statement or invoice. Write your account number on the check. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to post to your account, so this is the slowest option. Use this method only if you do not have online or phone access.

Paying at a retail location

Some retail locations in Texas accept TxTag payments in cash or by card. These include certain HEB grocery stores, Walmart locations, and other retailers. You will need your TxTag account number. The cashier will process your payment and give you a receipt. The payment posts to your account within one business day.

Not all retail locations accept TxTag payments, so call ahead or check the TxTag website for a list of participating stores near you. This option is useful if you prefer to pay in cash or do not have online access, but it requires a trip to a store.

What to do if you receive an invoice instead of a prepaid bill

If your account balance reaches zero and you continue to drive tolled roads, TxTag will send you an invoice for the tolls you owe. This invoice includes the toll charges plus a processing fee (the amount varies). You must pay the invoice to avoid further collection action.

You can pay an invoice through the same methods as a regular payment: online at txtag.org, by phone at 1-888-468-9824, by mail, or at a retail location. When you pay an invoice, your account will be brought current, and you can then add funds to prevent future invoices. If you dispute the charges on an invoice, contact TxTag customer service to discuss the issue before paying.

Setting up and managing your account

Before you can pay, you need a TxTag account. You can open one online at txtag.org by providing your vehicle information, driver's license number, and contact details. You will also need to provide a payment method to link to the account. The account is active when ready after you complete the registration.

Once your account is open, log in anytime to check your balance, view your toll history, update your payment method, or change your automatic replenishment settings. You can also update your vehicle information if you change cars or add a second vehicle to your account. Each vehicle needs its own transponder, which you can order through the website or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Credit and debit card payments through the website or phone show up when ready. Bank transfers take one to two business days. Mail payments take seven to ten business days. Retail location payments post within one business day.

Can I pay someone else's TxTag account?

You can pay an account if you have the account number and are authorized on the account. If you are not the account holder, contact TxTag customer service to discuss adding yourself as an authorized user or having the account holder authorize a payment from your card.

What happens if my payment method is declined?

If your credit or debit card is declined, you will receive a notice. Try updating your payment method on the website or calling customer service to add a different card or bank account. If automatic replenishment is set up and a payment fails, you will be notified and can retry the payment manually.

Is there a fee to add money to my TxTag account?

No, there is no fee to add funds to your account through any payment method. However, if your account reaches zero and you receive an invoice for tolls owed, the invoice includes a processing fee in addition to the toll charges.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my account?

Yes, you can request a refund of any balance over $10. Contact TxTag customer service by phone or through the website to submit a refund request. Refunds are processed to your original payment method and may take one to two weeks.