Austin tolls are managed through a single system called TxTag, and you can pay online, by phone, or through automatic account payments

Austin's toll roads are operated by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA), and the only way to pay tolls on these roads is through a TxTag account. TxTag is a prepaid toll tag system — you load money into an account, mount a small transponder on your windshield, and the system deducts tolls automatically as you drive. You cannot pay tolls at a booth or by mail on Austin toll roads.

If you drive Austin tolls without a TxTag account, the system photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail. These invoices include a penalty fee on top of the toll amount. Setting up a TxTag account before you need it costs nothing and prevents these penalties.

You can open a TxTag account online at www.txtag.org, by phone at 1-888-468-9824, or in person at a TxTag customer service location. The account itself is free — you only pay for the tolls you use and the transponder (a one-time cost of around $13 to $20, though this varies).

Key Takeaways

  • TxTag is the only toll payment system for Austin roads, and you must have an account to avoid license plate invoices with penalty fees.
  • You can set up a TxTag account online, by phone, or in person, and the account is free — you only pay for tolls and the transponder device.
  • Automatic replenishment keeps your account from running empty and triggering plate-based invoices, and you can set it to refill at any balance you choose.
  • If you received a plate invoice, you can still open a TxTag account and link it to your license plate to stop future invoices.
  • TxTag accounts work on all Texas toll roads, not just Austin, so one account covers tolls statewide.

Setting up a TxTag account online or by phone

The fastest way to open an account is online at www.txtag.org. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, your driver's license or ID, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). The site will ask you to choose a transponder type — standard or low-profile — and select where you want it mailed. The transponder usually arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

If you prefer to set up your account by phone, call 1-888-468-9824. A representative can walk you through the same process and answer questions about your account. You can also visit a TxTag customer service office in person if you want to pick up a transponder when ready instead of waiting for mail delivery. These offices are located in Austin and other Texas cities; the website lists all locations and hours.

When you open your account, you will choose an initial balance to load — this is the money the system draws from when you drive tolls. Most people start with $25 to $50. You can add money to your account anytime online, by phone, or through automatic replenishment.

How automatic replenishment works and why you need it

Automatic replenishment is the most important feature of a TxTag account. When your balance drops below a threshold you set, the system automatically charges your payment method and adds money back to your account. This prevents your balance from hitting zero, which would cause the system to photograph your plate and send you an invoice with a penalty.

You choose both the trigger balance (when the refill happens) and the refill amount (how much gets added). For example, you might set it to refill when your balance drops below $10, adding $25 each time. You can change these settings anytime in your online account or by calling customer service.

Without automatic replenishment, you have to monitor your balance manually and add money before it runs out. Most account holders turn on automatic replenishment and never think about it again — the system handles the rest.

Linking a TxTag account to a license plate invoice

If you have already received a plate invoice (a bill in the mail for tolls you drove without a TxTag account), you can still open a TxTag account and link it to your license plate. This stops future invoices from being sent for that vehicle.

When you open your account online or by phone, you will have the option to enter a license plate number. If that plate has outstanding invoices, TxTag will ask whether you want to link the account to it. Once linked, future tolls will be charged to your TxTag account instead of generating new plate invoices. However, any invoices you have already received still need to be paid — linking the account does not erase past bills.

If you have questions about an invoice you received, you can contact CTRMA directly at 1-855-CTRMA-55 (1-855-287-6255) or visit www.mobilityauthority.org. They can explain the charges and discuss payment options if you dispute the invoice.

Adding money to your account and checking your balance

You can add money to your TxTag account online at www.txtag.org, by phone at 1-888-468-9824, or through the TxTag mobile app. Log in with your account number and password, and you can add any amount you want using a debit card, credit card, or bank account. The money is available when ready.

Check your balance and recent toll charges anytime by logging into your account online or through the app. You will see each toll you have driven, the amount charged, the date and time, and which road you used. This record is useful if you need to dispute a charge or track your driving for business purposes.

TxTag also sends email notifications when your balance gets low (if you have not set up automatic replenishment) or when you add money. You can customize these notifications in your account settings.

What to do if your transponder is lost, damaged, or not working

If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact TxTag customer service at 1-888-468-9824 or log into your account online to request a replacement. You can order a new transponder and have it mailed to you, or pick one up at a customer service location. There is usually a small fee for a replacement transponder (around $5 to $10), though this varies.

If your transponder is not reading properly — meaning tolls are being charged as plate invoices instead of to your account — the transponder may be dirty, misaligned, or defective. Try cleaning the front of the transponder with a soft cloth. If that does not work, request a replacement through your account or by phone.

While you wait for a replacement, your account is still active. Any tolls you drive will be charged as plate invoices temporarily, but once your new transponder arrives and you mount it, those charges can sometimes be transferred to your account. Contact customer service to ask about this if it happens.

TxTag works on all Texas toll roads, not just Austin

One TxTag account works on every toll road in Texas, including roads in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and other cities. You do not need separate accounts for different regions. This makes TxTag convenient if you travel across the state or move between Texas cities.

The toll rates vary by road and location, but your single account handles all of them. You can see the toll amount for any specific road on the TxTag website before you drive, or check your itemized bill after the fact to see what you were charged on each road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a TxTag transponder from another state on Austin toll roads?

No. TxTag is specific to Texas toll roads. If you have a transponder from another state's toll system (like E-ZPass in the Northeast), it will not work on Austin roads. You must open a TxTag account and use a TxTag transponder. However, if you move to Texas from another state, you can open a new TxTag account — there is no waiting period or special process.

What happens if I drive a toll road without a transponder and do not have a TxTag account?

The system photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail within a few weeks. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a penalty fee. You can pay the invoice by mail, phone, or online. If you open a TxTag account and link it to that license plate afterward, future tolls will be charged to your account instead, but past invoices still need to be paid separately.

Can I transfer my TxTag account to a different vehicle?

Yes. You can add multiple vehicles to one TxTag account, each with its own transponder. You can also remove a vehicle from your account and add a new one. Log into your account online or call 1-888-468-9824 to manage your vehicles. Your account balance and payment method stay the same across all vehicles.

What if I dispute a toll charge on my account?

Contact TxTag customer service at 1-888-468-9824 with the date, time, and toll road where the charge occurred. They can review the transaction and investigate if you believe you were charged incorrectly. Keep your account statements so you have the details ready when you call.

Do I get a refund if I move out of Texas or stop driving toll roads?

Yes. If your account has a balance remaining, you can request a refund by contacting TxTag at 1-888-468-9824 or through your online account. Refunds are typically processed within 30 days. You do not have to close your account — you can straightforward let the balance sit if you think you might use it again later.