TxTag online payment basics

TxTag is the toll tag system for roads in the Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston areas operated by the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) and Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA). You can pay your TxTag account balance directly through txtag.org without calling or visiting an office.

The payment process itself takes a few minutes once you log in. You will need your account number or the phone number associated with your account, your PIN or password, and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or bank account. Payments typically post within one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at txtag.org using your account number or phone number and your PIN or password to reach the payment page.
  • You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account transfer, and the payment posts within one business day.
  • If you have forgotten your PIN, you can reset it on the login page using your account number and the phone number on file.
  • Setting up automatic payments through txtag.org prevents your account from going negative and triggering collection notices.
  • If you cannot log in or your account shows an error, contact NTTA (Dallas–Fort Worth area) or HCTRA (Houston area) directly by phone.

Steps to pay through txtag.org

Start by going to txtag.org and clicking the login link. Enter either your account number or the phone number tied to your account. Then enter your PIN or password. If you do not remember your PIN, select the "Forgot PIN?" option on the login page — you will answer security questions or receive a code by text or email to reset it.

Once logged in, look for a "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment" button, usually visible on your account dashboard. Select the amount you want to pay. The system will show your current balance and let you pay the full amount, a partial amount, or a set dollar figure. Choose your payment method: debit card, credit card, or bank account. Enter the card or bank details if you have not saved them before. Review the amount and confirm the payment.

You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. The payment will post to your account within one business day, though it may take longer if you pay late in the evening or on a weekend.

Payment methods and fees

TxTag accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards, as well as debit cards tied to those networks. You can also pay directly from a checking or savings account using your routing number and account number. Credit card and debit card payments may carry a processing fee — the exact amount varies and is shown before you confirm.

Bank account transfers typically have no fee or a lower fee than card payments. If you are paying a large balance, using a bank account can save money. The txtag.org website displays the fee for your chosen method before you submit payment, so you can decide whether to use a different payment type.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments help you avoid negative balances and late-payment notices. Log in to txtag.org, find the "Manage Account" or "Account Settings" section, and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment." Select the amount you want to pay automatically — you can choose a fixed dollar amount or set it to pay your full balance each month.

Choose how often payments should occur: weekly, monthly, or on a date you select. Provide your payment method (card or bank account) and confirm. Once set up, the system will charge your payment method on the schedule you chose. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through the same settings page.

What to do if payment fails or does not post

If your payment is declined, the most common reasons are an expired card, insufficient funds, or a mismatch between the address or ZIP code you entered and what your bank has on file. Try paying again with a different payment method, or wait a few minutes and retry the same method.

If you submitted payment but it has not posted after two business days, log back into txtag.org and check your account balance and transaction history. Your payment should appear there with a confirmation number. If it does not, contact NTTA (for Dallas–Fort Worth) at 972-818-6882 or HCTRA (for Houston) at 713-849-2700 with your confirmation number. Have your account number and the payment amount ready when you call.

Resetting your PIN or password

If you cannot remember your PIN or password, go to txtag.org and select "Forgot PIN?" or "Forgot Password?" on the login page. You will be asked to enter your account number or phone number. The system will then ask you to answer security questions you set up when you created your account, or it will send a reset code to your email or phone.

Follow the link or enter the code provided, and you will be able to create a new PIN or password. Make sure to write it down or save it in a password manager so you do not lose it again. If you cannot answer the security questions or do not receive the reset code, call NTTA or HCTRA directly — they can verify your identity and reset your access.

Understanding your account balance and charges

Your TxTag account balance includes tolls you have already incurred plus any fees or penalties. When you log into txtag.org, your dashboard shows your current balance, recent transactions, and the date of your last payment. Tolls are deducted from your account as you use the toll roads.

If your balance goes negative (meaning you owe money), you will receive a notice in the mail. Continuing to use toll roads while your account is negative can result in collection action or suspension of your toll tag. Paying online as soon as you see a negative balance prevents these consequences. Some accounts also show a "low balance alert" threshold — you can set this to receive a notification when your balance drops below a certain amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my TxTag bill by phone instead of online?

Yes. NTTA (Dallas–Fort Worth) accepts phone payments at 972-818-6882, and HCTRA (Houston) accepts them at 713-849-2700. You will need your account number and a payment method ready. Phone payments are processed the same way as online payments and post within one business day.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount I can pay online?

Most accounts have no stated minimum payment, though paying at least your full balance is recommended to avoid negative balances. Maximum amounts vary by payment method and are shown on the payment page before you confirm. If you need to pay a very large amount, contact NTTA or HCTRA to discuss options.

What happens if I pay more than I owe?

If you overpay, your account will show a credit balance. This credit is applied to future tolls as you use the roads. You can also request a refund by contacting NTTA or HCTRA directly, though refunds may take several weeks to process.

Can I see my payment history on txtag.org?

Yes. Log in and look for "Transaction History," "Payment History," or "Account Activity." This page shows all tolls charged, payments made, and fees applied. You can usually filter by date range or read a statement for your records.

What if my account is in collections?

If your account has been sent to a collection agency, paying online through txtag.org may not resolve the collection status when ready. Contact NTTA or HCTRA to confirm whether your account is in collections and what steps are needed to bring it current and stop collection action.