What NTTA is and how to pay it

NTTA stands for North Texas Toll Authority. It operates toll roads in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including the Dallas North Tollway, the President George Bush Turnpike, and several other highways. If you drive these roads regularly or occasionally, you'll receive a bill or notice to pay tolls you've incurred.

You can pay NTTA tolls through their official website, by phone, by mail, or in person at payment locations. The method you choose depends on whether you have an existing account, whether you're paying a one-time toll or setting up ongoing payments, and how quickly you need the payment processed.

Key Takeaways

  • NTTA tolls can be paid online at ntta.org, by phone at 1-888-468-9824, by mail to their lockbox address, or at authorized payment centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
  • If you drive NTTA roads regularly, opening a TollTag account lets you pay tolls automatically and usually costs less per toll than paying by invoice.
  • If you received a notice in the mail with a toll bill, you can pay that specific invoice online using the invoice number or by mailing a check.
  • Late payments can result in additional fees and collection notices, so paying within 30 days of receiving a bill is important.
  • If you dispute a toll charge, NTTA has a formal process to request a review, but you should still pay on time while the dispute is pending.

Paying a one-time toll bill or invoice

If you received a bill in the mail from NTTA, it will include an invoice number, the amount due, and a due date. You can pay this invoice online at ntta.org by clicking "Pay a Bill" and entering your invoice number. The website accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers.

You can also pay by phone by calling 1-888-468-9824. Have your invoice number and payment method ready. Payment by phone is processed when ready, and you'll receive a confirmation number.

If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address listed on your bill. Include your invoice number on the check and allow 7 to 10 business days for processing. Payments received after the due date will incur a late fee.

Setting up a TollTag account for regular tolls

If you drive NTTA roads frequently, a TollTag is a small electronic device that mounts on your windshield and charges tolls automatically to a prepaid account. TollTag users pay a lower per-toll rate than drivers who receive invoices by mail, and you avoid late fees because the account is charged as you drive.

To open a TollTag account, visit ntta.org, click "Open an Account," and provide your vehicle information, driver's license, and payment method. You can choose to prepay a set amount (usually $25 to $100) or set up automatic monthly billing. The TollTag device itself costs between $10 and $15, depending on the type.

Once your account is active, NTTA will mail you the TollTag device. Installation takes a few minutes and requires no tools. Your account will begin charging tolls as soon as the device is mounted and activated.

Payment methods and processing times

NTTA accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers online and by phone. If you pay by mail with a check, allow 7 to 10 business days. Online and phone payments are typically processed within one business day.

If you're paying an overdue bill, NTTA may require payment in full before they'll reopen your account or issue a new TollTag. Partial payments are not usually accepted for past-due amounts.

What happens if you don't pay

If a toll bill goes unpaid for 30 days past the due date, NTTA will send a second notice. If you don't pay within 60 days, the account may be referred to a collection agency, and additional fees will be added to your balance. A collections account can affect your credit score.

NTTA can also suspend your vehicle registration or place a hold on your driver's license renewal if tolls remain unpaid for an extended period. In Texas, unpaid tolls are treated similarly to unpaid traffic fines.

If you believe a toll charge is incorrect or you have a legitimate reason you cannot pay, contact NTTA before the bill becomes overdue. They have a formal dispute process, but you should still make a good-faith payment or payment arrangement while the dispute is being reviewed.

Disputing a toll charge

If you believe you were charged incorrectly—for example, if you had a valid TollTag that should have been read, or if you were charged twice for the same trip—you can request a review. Visit ntta.org, go to "Manage Your Account," and look for the dispute or inquiry option. You'll need to provide details about the trip, the date, and why you believe the charge is wrong.

NTTA typically responds to disputes within 10 to 15 business days. If they find an error, they'll credit your account. If they uphold the charge, they'll explain their reasoning. You can request a second review if you disagree with the outcome, but this process can take several weeks.

Payment locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

If you prefer to pay in person, NTTA has authorized payment centers at several locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. These locations accept cash, checks, and cards. You can find the nearest payment center by visiting ntta.org and searching "Pay in Person" or by calling 1-888-468-9824.

Payment centers are typically open during standard business hours, Monday through Friday. Bring your invoice number or account number if you have it, along with your payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay NTTA tolls with cash?

You cannot pay tolls with cash while driving. However, you can pay a bill by cash at an authorized NTTA payment center in person. If you prefer not to use a TollTag or credit card, paying at a physical location is your option.

What if I don't have an invoice number?

If you've lost your bill, you can still pay online by entering your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN) on ntta.org. You can also call 1-888-468-9824 and provide your driver's license information to look up your account.

Do I have to get a TollTag?

No. You can drive NTTA roads without a TollTag and pay by invoice. However, you'll pay a higher per-toll rate, and you must pay within 30 days to avoid late fees. A TollTag is optional but saves money if you use the roads regularly.

Can I get a refund if I overpaid?

Yes. If your TollTag account has a credit balance, you can request a refund by contacting NTTA. Refunds are typically issued within 10 business days. For invoice overpayments, contact NTTA to confirm the overage and request a refund.

What if my TollTag isn't working?

If tolls aren't being deducted from your TollTag account, contact NTTA when ready. Your device may need to be replaced, or your account may need adjustment. In the meantime, you may receive invoices for tolls charged at the non-TollTag rate. NTTA can often adjust these charges once your device is fixed.