Golden Gate Bridge toll payment methods and where to set up your account

You can pay Golden Gate Bridge tolls three ways: FasTrak (a prepaid account that charges automatically), one-time payment by mail, or invoice billing if you cross frequently without an account. FasTrak is the fastest option—your transponder reads as you drive through, and your account balance decreases automatically. If you don't have FasTrak, the bridge's cameras photograph your license plate and send you an invoice by mail within a few days.

FasTrak accounts are managed by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District. You can open an account online at goldengatebridgecom, by phone at 877-229-8655, or in person at FasTrak customer service locations in the Bay Area. The account requires a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).

If you receive a toll invoice in the mail, you have 21 days to pay before a late fee applies. You can pay online through the Golden Gate Bridge website, by phone, by mail, or in person. Paying by the important date stops additional penalties from accumulating.

Key Takeaways

  • FasTrak is a prepaid account that automatically deducts tolls as you cross; you set it up online, by phone, or at a customer service location.
  • If you don't have FasTrak, the bridge photographs your plate and mails you an invoice within a few days, which you must pay within 21 days.
  • Late fees begin after 21 days from the invoice date, so paying promptly stops penalties from growing.
  • FasTrak accounts require a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method before you can use them.
  • You can pay tolls online, by phone, by mail, or in person at multiple locations across the Bay Area.

Setting up a FasTrak account step by step

Open an account at goldengatebridgecom by clicking "Open a FasTrak Account." You'll enter your vehicle's license plate, vehicle registration information, and driver's license number. The website will ask for your name, address, phone number, and email.

Next, choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account. You'll also set a minimum balance—when your account drops below that amount, the system automatically charges your payment method to refill it. Most drivers set this between $25 and $50.

After you submit your information, the Golden Gate Bridge mails you a FasTrak transponder (a small device that attaches to your windshield). Once you receive it, mount it on your windshield as instructed and set up it through your online account. Your account is then ready to use.

FasTrak transponder placement and vehicle registration

The FasTrak transponder must be mounted on your windshield in a specific location so the bridge's readers can detect it. The transponder comes with instructions showing exactly where to place it—typically on the upper driver's side of the windshield, below the rearview mirror. Incorrect placement can cause the reader to miss your transponder, and you'll receive an invoice instead.

Your FasTrak account is tied to your vehicle's license plate. If you sell your vehicle or change your registration, you must update your account when ready. You can transfer your transponder to a new vehicle through your online account or by calling 877-229-8655. If you don't update your account, tolls will be charged to your old vehicle's registration, and the new owner may receive invoices.

If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact FasTrak customer service to request a replacement. There is no charge for a replacement transponder.

Paying tolls without FasTrak: invoice and late fees

When you cross the Golden Gate Bridge without a FasTrak transponder, the bridge's cameras photograph your license plate. Within a few days, you'll receive a toll invoice by mail at the address on your vehicle registration. The invoice shows the crossing date, toll amount, and payment important date (21 days from the invoice date).

The current toll for a two-axle vehicle is $8.05 when paid electronically (FasTrak or online invoice payment) and $9.05 when paid by mail. If you pay after the 21-day important date, a $5 late fee is added. If you don't pay within 60 days, the late fee increases to $10. Unpaid tolls can eventually result in vehicle registration holds or collection action.

You can pay an invoice online at goldengatebridgecom, by phone at 877-229-8655, by mail (the invoice includes a payment envelope), or in person at FasTrak customer service locations. Paying online or by phone is fastest and stops late fees when ready.

Toll rates and discounts for different vehicle types

Toll rates depend on your vehicle's number of axles and your payment method. Two-axle vehicles (most cars) pay $8.05 with FasTrak or online invoice payment, and $9.05 by mail. Three-axle vehicles pay $24.15 (FasTrak/online) or $25.15 (mail). Four-axle and larger vehicles have higher rates.

Motorcycles pay a reduced rate of $4.05 with FasTrak or online payment, and $5.05 by mail. Carpools with three or more occupants can use the carpool toll rate if they have a valid carpool sticker and a FasTrak transponder. The carpool rate is $4.05 for two-axle vehicles.

Disabled drivers with a valid disabled person placard or license plate may be may have access to to a toll discount. Contact FasTrak customer service at 877-229-8655 to learn about current discounts and how to register for them.

Updating your account and managing multiple vehicles

You can manage your FasTrak account online at any time. Log in to view your balance, transaction history, and crossing dates. You can also update your payment method, change your minimum balance threshold, add or remove vehicles, and read statements.

If you own multiple vehicles, you can add them all to a single FasTrak account. Each vehicle gets its own transponder, and tolls from all vehicles are charged to the same account balance. This is useful if you drive different cars on different days or share vehicles with family members.

If your account balance runs low, you can manually add funds through your online account or by phone. You can also set up automatic replenishment so the system charges your payment method whenever the balance drops below your chosen minimum.

What to do if you receive a toll violation notice

A toll violation notice is different from a regular invoice. It's issued when the bridge cannot read your license plate clearly, when a vehicle is registered to a business address outside California, or when tolls remain unpaid after multiple invoices. The notice includes a higher penalty amount and specific instructions for payment or dispute.

If you believe the notice is incorrect—for example, your vehicle was not on the bridge that day, or you already paid the toll—you can dispute it. The notice will include a phone number and website where you can submit a dispute with supporting evidence (such as proof of payment or a statement that the vehicle was not in use). The Golden Gate Bridge reviews disputes and may dismiss the violation if you provide sufficient evidence.

If you cannot pay the full amount when ready, contact FasTrak customer service to discuss payment options. Some situations may allow for a payment plan, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll with cash?

No, the bridge does not accept cash at toll booths. You must use FasTrak, pay an invoice by mail or online, or pay in person at a FasTrak customer service location with a credit card, debit card, or check.

What happens if I cross the bridge without paying and don't receive an invoice?

The bridge's cameras photograph every vehicle. If you don't receive an invoice within two weeks, contact FasTrak customer service to confirm your vehicle registration is correct and your address is current. If your registration is out of state, invoices may take longer to arrive.

Can I get a refund if I overpaid my FasTrak account?

Yes, you can request a refund of your account balance. Contact FasTrak customer service at 877-229-8655 or submit a refund request through your online account. Refunds are typically processed within two to three weeks.

Do I need a FasTrak account if I only cross the bridge once or twice a year?

No, you can pay by invoice each time you cross. However, FasTrak is faster and slightly cheaper ($8.05 versus $9.05 for a two-axle vehicle), so if you cross more than a few times per year, the account saves money and time.

What if my FasTrak transponder stops working?

If your transponder is not being read, the bridge will send you an invoice instead. Contact FasTrak customer service to report the problem and request a replacement. In the meantime, pay any invoices you receive to avoid late fees.