Texas toll roads use three main payment systems, and you need to know which one covers your route

Texas has three separate toll networks, each with its own payment method. TxTag covers most toll roads statewide and is run by the Texas Department of Transportation. EZTag serves the Houston area and Harris County toll roads. LoneSTAR covers some North Texas toll roads around the Dallas-Fort Worth region. You cannot use one system on another system's roads — the tag or account you set up depends entirely on which toll road you drive.

If you drive a toll road without a valid payment method, you will receive a toll violation notice in the mail. The bill includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. If you ignore it, the state can suspend your vehicle registration and report the debt to a collection agency.

Key Takeaways

  • TxTag is the statewide system covering most Texas toll roads; EZTag serves Houston and Harris County; LoneSTAR covers parts of North Texas — you must use the correct system for your route.
  • You can set up an account online, by phone, or in person at a customer service center, and most accounts take a few business days to set up.
  • Tolls are charged automatically when you drive through a toll plaza, and your account balance decreases with each crossing.
  • If you receive a toll violation notice, you can dispute it or set up a payment plan within 30 days of the notice date.
  • Rental cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles have different payment rules — check your vehicle type before setting up an account.

How to set up a TxTag account

Visit www.txtag.org to create an account online. You will need a valid driver's license or ID, a current email address, and a phone number. During setup, you choose a payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank account. You also provide your vehicle's license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN). The system will ask whether your vehicle is a passenger car, motorcycle, commercial truck, or other type — this matters because toll rates differ by vehicle class.

Once you submit the process, TxTag mails you a transponder (the small tag that mounts on your windshield) within 5 to 7 business days. Your account becomes active when ready, but tolls will not be charged until the transponder arrives and you set up it. You can also call TxTag customer service at 1-888-468-9824 to set up an account by phone, or visit a TxTag customer service center in person if you prefer.

After your transponder arrives, mount it on the inside of your windshield, centered and above the rearview mirror. Then log into your account online and set up the transponder using the serial number printed on the back. Once activated, tolls charge automatically when you drive through a toll plaza.

How to set up an EZTag account for Houston-area tolls

If you drive toll roads in Harris County or the Houston area, you need EZTag, not TxTag. Visit www.hctra.org to set up an account. The process is similar: provide your driver's license, email, phone number, and vehicle information. Choose your payment method and submit the process.

EZTag mails your transponder within 7 to 10 business days. Your account is active when ready, but tolls will not charge until your transponder arrives and you set up it by logging back into your account and entering the serial number. You can also set up an EZTag account by calling 1-888-889-2824 or visiting a customer service location in the Houston area.

How to set up a LoneSTAR account for North Texas tolls

LoneSTAR covers toll roads in parts of North Texas, including some roads in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Visit www.lonestarcard.com to create an account. Provide your driver's license, email, phone number, and vehicle details. Select your payment method and submit.

LoneSTAR mails your transponder within 5 to 7 business days. Your account is active right away, but you must set up the transponder once it arrives by logging into your account and entering the serial number. You can also call 1-844-LONESTAR (1-844-566-3782) to set up an account by phone.

What happens when you drive through a toll plaza

When you approach a toll plaza with an active transponder, sensors read your tag as you pass through. The toll amount is deducted from your account balance automatically. You do not stop or interact with anyone. Your account statement shows each toll crossing with the date, time, location, and amount charged.

If your account balance runs low, the system sends you an email or text alert (depending on your notification preferences). You can add funds to your account anytime through your online account portal, by phone, or at a customer service center. Most systems allow you to set up automatic replenishment, so funds are added automatically when your balance drops below a certain amount.

Toll violation notices and how to respond

If you drive a toll road without a valid transponder or with an inactive account, a camera records your license plate. You will receive a toll violation notice in the mail within 30 to 60 days. The notice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee (typically $5 to $25, depending on the system). The total bill is usually $10 to $35 per crossing.

You have 30 days from the notice date to respond. You can pay the bill online, by phone, or by mail. You can also dispute the notice if you believe it was issued in error — for example, if your transponder was damaged or if you were not the driver. To dispute, contact the toll authority's customer service line and explain your situation. They will investigate and either dismiss the notice or uphold it.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can request a payment plan. Most toll authorities allow you to split the bill into two or three payments over 30 to 60 days. If you ignore the notice and do not pay or dispute it within 30 days, the toll authority can suspend your vehicle registration and refer the debt to a collection agency.

Special rules for rental cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles

If you are renting a car, check your rental agreement to see whether the rental company has set up toll payment. Some rental companies include a transponder with the vehicle; others bill you separately for tolls you incur. If the rental car does not have a transponder, you will receive a toll violation notice after your rental period ends, and the rental company may pass the bill to you plus an administrative fee.

Motorcycles can use TxTag, EZTag, and LoneSTAR, but the transponder must be mounted on the motorcycle itself, not on a windshield. Toll rates for motorcycles are typically lower than for passenger cars. Commercial trucks and commercial vehicles have higher toll rates and may require a separate commercial account. Check with the toll authority about your vehicle type before setting up an account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TxTag in Houston or Dallas?

No. TxTag works only on TxTag toll roads statewide. EZTag is required for Houston-area tolls, and LoneSTAR is required for some North Texas tolls. If you drive in multiple regions regularly, you may need more than one transponder. Check the toll authority's website to see which roads you use and which system covers them.

What if I move to a different part of Texas?

You can keep your current account and transponder if you stay within the same toll system's coverage area. If you move to an area served by a different system, you will need to set up a new account with that system. You can close your old account online or by calling customer service.

How long does it take to get a transponder after I set up an account?

Most systems mail transponders within 5 to 10 business days. Your account is active when ready, but tolls will not charge until your transponder arrives and you set up it. If you need a transponder urgently, some customer service centers can issue one in person the same day.

What if my transponder stops working?

Contact your toll authority's customer service line and report the problem. They can send you a replacement transponder at no charge, usually within 5 to 7 business days. In the meantime, you may receive toll violation notices for crossings without a working tag. Once you receive the replacement and set up it, contact customer service again to request that those notices be dismissed.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my toll account?

Yes. If your account balance is positive when you close it or if you have overpaid, you can request a refund. Contact your toll authority's customer service line with your account number. Refunds typically take 7 to 14 business days to process.