What TxTag is and how toll payments work

TxTag is the electronic toll collection system used on toll roads in Texas, primarily managed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). When you drive through a toll plaza, a reader scans your TxTag transponder — a small device mounted on your windshield — and charges your account automatically. You do not stop or hand over cash.

The system works across most Texas toll roads, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. If you drive a toll road regularly, having an active TxTag account means you avoid toll booth lines and typically pay a lower per-trip rate than drivers who pay cash at the booth.

Your TxTag account is separate from your vehicle registration or driver's license. You set it up yourself, link it to a payment method, and manage it through the TxTag website or customer service. The account stays active as long as you keep a payment method on file and maintain a positive or zero balance.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay your TxTag account online through the official TxTag website, by phone at 888-468-9824, or by mail with a check.
  • TxTag charges your linked payment method automatically each time you use a toll road, so you need to keep funds available or a valid credit or debit card active.
  • If your account balance goes negative, TxTag will send you a bill in the mail; you have 30 days to pay before late fees explore.
  • You can set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.
  • If you no longer use toll roads, you can close your account online or by phone, and request a refund of any remaining balance.

Setting up automatic payments on your TxTag account

The easiest way to keep your TxTag account current is to set up automatic replenishment. Log into your account at www.txtag.org, go to the "Account Settings" or "Payment Methods" section, and select "Set Up Auto Replenish." You will choose a threshold balance — for example, when your account drops to $10 — and an amount to add each time, such as $25 or $50.

You can use a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card, or link a bank account for direct debit. Once you set this up, TxTag will charge your payment method automatically whenever your balance hits that threshold. This prevents your account from going negative and means you do not have to remember to pay manually.

You can change your auto-replenish settings, pause them, or turn them off at any time through your online account. If you want to check your current balance or see a history of charges, that information is also available in your account dashboard.

Making a one-time payment online or by phone

If you prefer to pay manually rather than set up automatic replenishment, you can make a one-time payment through the TxTag website. Log in, navigate to "Make a Payment," enter the amount you want to add to your account, and choose your payment method. The payment usually posts within one business day.

You can also pay by phone by calling TxTag customer service at 888-468-9824. A representative will ask for your account number (found on your TxTag transponder or in your account email), the amount you want to pay, and your payment information. Phone payments are processed the same day if you call during business hours.

Both methods accept the same card types as online auto-replenish: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. There is no fee to make a payment through either channel.

Paying by mail or handling a negative balance

If your account balance goes negative — meaning you have used more toll roads than you have paid for — TxTag will send you an invoice by mail. The bill shows the amount owed and a due date, typically 30 days from the invoice date. You can pay this bill by mailing a check to the address on the invoice.

If you do not pay within 30 days, TxTag will add a late fee to your account. The amount varies but is typically $5 to $10 per month. If the debt remains unpaid for several months, TxTag may refer the account to a collection agency or suspend your transponder, which means toll readers will not recognize it and you may receive citations in the mail.

To avoid this, pay the invoice as soon as you receive it. If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, call 888-468-9824 to discuss payment options with a representative. Some accounts may be may be able to access for a payment plan, though this is handled case-by-case.

Understanding TxTag charges and toll rates

TxTag charges vary by location and time of day on some roads. Most toll roads in Texas charge between $0.50 and $2.00 per trip, depending on the road and distance traveled. Some roads use congestion pricing, which means the toll is higher during peak traffic hours and lower during off-peak times.

When you use a toll road with a TxTag transponder, you pay the TxTag rate, which is typically lower than the cash rate at the booth. For example, a trip that costs $2.50 with cash might cost $2.00 with TxTag. This discount is one reason many regular toll road users maintain an active account.

You can see a detailed breakdown of all charges on your account by logging into the TxTag website and viewing your transaction history. Each entry shows the date, time, location, and amount charged. If you see a charge you do not recognize, you can dispute it by contacting customer service.

Closing your TxTag account and requesting a refund

If you no longer drive toll roads or are moving out of Texas, you can close your TxTag account. Log into your account online and look for a "Close Account" or "Deactivate" option, usually found in Account Settings. You can also call 888-468-9824 to close the account by phone.

When you close your account, TxTag will calculate any remaining balance. If your account has a positive balance — money you prepaid that you did not use — you can request a refund. Refunds are typically issued as a check mailed to your address on file, though some accounts may be refunded to the original payment method. Processing time is usually two to four weeks.

If your account has a negative balance when you close it, you will still owe that amount. You must pay it before the account can be fully closed. Once the balance is paid and the account is closed, you can remove your TxTag transponder from your windshield.

What to do if you lose your transponder or need a replacement

Your TxTag transponder is the physical device mounted on your windshield. If it is lost, damaged, or stops working, you will need a replacement to use toll roads with your account. You can order a replacement transponder through the TxTag website for a fee of around $15 to $20, depending on the transponder type.

When you order a replacement, TxTag will mail it to your address on file. Once you receive it, mount it on your windshield in the same location as the original, and your account will automatically recognize it. You do not need to do anything else — the new transponder links to your existing account number.

If your transponder is not working but you still have it, you can also contact TxTag customer service to troubleshoot. Sometimes a transponder just needs to be cleaned or repositioned. If it cannot be repaired, a replacement will be sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TxTag account on toll roads outside of Texas?

TxTag works only on toll roads in Texas. If you travel to other states with toll roads, you will need to use that state's system or pay cash. Some states have reciprocal agreements that allow certain transponders to work across state lines, but TxTag is not one of them.

What happens if I do not pay my TxTag bill?

If your account goes unpaid for 30 days or more after an invoice is sent, late fees will be added. After several months of non-payment, TxTag may refer your account to a collection agency, and you could receive a citation in the mail. Your transponder may also be suspended, meaning toll readers will not recognize it.

Can I transfer my TxTag account to someone else?

TxTag accounts are tied to the person who opened them and cannot be transferred. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need the account, you can close it and the new owner can open their own account. The transponder itself stays with the vehicle unless you remove it.

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

Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take longer — usually five to seven business days from the time TxTag receives your check. To avoid late fees, mail your payment at least a week before the due date shown on your invoice.

Is there a fee to set up automatic replenishment?

No, there is no fee to set up or use automatic replenishment on your TxTag account. You only pay for the tolls you use. Setting up auto-replenish is free and can help you avoid negative balances and late fees.