The Golden Gate Bridge toll is collected electronically, not at a booth

The Golden Gate Bridge stopped collecting tolls at physical booths in 2013. Now all vehicles crossing the bridge are photographed, and the toll is charged to an account linked to your license plate. If you don't have an account set up before you cross, you'll receive an invoice by mail weeks later — and it will cost more than if you had paid in advance.

You have three ways to pay: set up a FasTrak account (the official toll tag system), pay the invoice when it arrives, or use the one-time payment option on the Golden Gate Bridge website. The method you choose affects when you pay, how much you pay, and whether you get charged a penalty.

Key Takeaways

  • All Golden Gate Bridge tolls are now collected by photographing your license plate, and you must pay either before or after you cross.
  • FasTrak is the cheapest option if you cross regularly, because the toll rate is lower and you avoid late fees on invoices.
  • If you cross once and don't set up an account, you'll get a bill in the mail with a higher toll rate and a late fee added.
  • You can pay a one-time toll on the Golden Gate Bridge website within a few days of crossing if you want to avoid the invoice.
  • The toll amount depends on your vehicle type and the direction you're traveling — southbound tolls are higher than northbound.

FasTrak: the account system that gives you the lowest rate

FasTrak is the Golden Gate Bridge's official toll tag system. You buy a small transponder (a wireless device) that mounts on your windshield, link it to your license plate and payment method, and the toll is deducted automatically each time you cross. FasTrak customers pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay by invoice or one-time payment.

You can buy a FasTrak tag online at the Golden Gate Bridge website or at retail locations in the Bay Area. The tag itself costs money upfront, but you load it with a prepaid balance that covers multiple crossings. When your balance runs low, you can add more money online or set up automatic replenishment so you never run out.

FasTrak is most useful if you cross the bridge regularly — weekly or more often. If you cross only once or twice a year, the upfront cost of the tag and the minimum balance requirements may not be worth it.

One-time payment: paying online after you cross

If you don't have a FasTrak tag and don't want to wait for an invoice, you can pay the toll directly on the Golden Gate Bridge website within a few days of crossing. You'll need your license plate number and the date you crossed. The toll rate for one-time payment is higher than FasTrak but lower than the invoice rate.

This option works well if you cross the bridge occasionally and want to avoid the invoice altogether. You pay when ready, there's no late fee, and you don't have to set up a long-term account. The downside is that you have to remember to pay within the window — if you forget, you'll get an invoice in the mail instead.

Invoice payment: what happens if you don't pay in advance

If you cross without a FasTrak tag and don't pay online, the Golden Gate Bridge will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice. The invoice arrives 4 to 6 weeks after you cross and includes the toll amount plus a late fee. The total cost is higher than any other payment method.

You can pay the invoice by mail, phone, or online using the account number on the bill. Payment is due within a set number of days — the invoice will tell you the important date. If you miss the important date, additional penalties and collection actions may follow.

Some drivers receive invoices by mistake — for example, if they were driving a rental car and the rental company's account was set up incorrectly, or if the license plate was misread. If you believe your invoice is wrong, you can dispute it through the Golden Gate Bridge customer service line.

Toll rates by vehicle type and direction

The Golden Gate Bridge charges different tolls depending on what you're driving and which direction you're going. Southbound tolls (heading into San Francisco) are higher than northbound tolls (heading out). Motorcycles pay less than cars, and large trucks pay more.

The exact rates change periodically, so check the Golden Gate Bridge website for current prices before you cross if you want to know the exact amount. The website also has a toll calculator where you can enter your vehicle type and see what you'll pay.

What to do if you don't have a FasTrak tag

If you're about to cross the bridge without a FasTrak tag, your best option is to pay the one-time toll online as soon as you cross — ideally the same day. This costs less than waiting for an invoice and avoids the late fee.

If you cross regularly and don't have a tag yet, buying a FasTrak tag will save you money over time. You can get one online or at a retail location, and it's ready to use within a few days. If you're renting a car, ask the rental company whether they have a FasTrak tag in the vehicle or whether they'll handle toll payments for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a FasTrak tag if I don't live in California?

Yes. You can buy a FasTrak tag online from the Golden Gate Bridge website and have it mailed to you anywhere. You'll need a valid payment method and a U.S. mailing address. The tag works the same way whether you live in California or out of state.

What happens if my license plate is misread and I get an invoice for a car I don't own?

Contact the Golden Gate Bridge customer service line with your invoice number and explain the error. They can look up the photograph and correct the plate number if it was misread. Disputes usually take a few weeks to resolve.

Do I have to pay the toll if I'm just turning around and not actually crossing?

The toll is charged based on your license plate being photographed on the bridge itself. If you don't cross the bridge, you won't be charged. If you cross by mistake and realize it when ready, contact customer service to explain — they may be able to reverse the charge.

Can I pay someone else's toll bill?

Yes. If you have the invoice number or license plate number, you can pay online or by phone on their behalf. You'll need to provide the account information from the invoice or the Golden Gate Bridge website.

What if I cross the bridge in a carpool and someone else's car is registered to a FasTrak account?

The toll will be charged to whoever owns the car and the FasTrak account linked to it. If you're borrowing someone's car, make sure they know you're crossing so they expect the charge on their account.