How to Get a TxTag in Texas
What is a TxTag?
A TxTag is an electronic toll tag sticker you place on your vehicle’s windshield, allowing automatic toll payments on Texas toll roads and some in Kansas and Oklahoma. It’s managed by HCTRA as of early 2025, offering convenience by eliminating stops at toll booths.
How to Get a TxTag
Given the recent management change, here’s how to get a new TxTag:
- Online: Visit hctra.org and look for the sign-up section, providing vehicle details and a $20 initial deposit.
- By Phone: Call HCTRA at 281-875-EASY (281-875-3279) to order.
- In-Person: Check hctra.org for authorized locations, bringing your driver’s license and payment.
For existing customers, verify if your account transitioned to HCTRA; check www.txtag.org or contact HCTRA if unsure.
Using Your TxTag
Install the TxTag on your windshield (behind the rearview mirror, four inches below the top for ceiling-mounted mirrors), and tolls deduct automatically from your prepaid account.
New Information for TxTag in Texas
- The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) took over TxTag customer service and billing operations, with the transition starting in November 2024 and largely completed by early 2025, as per TxTagStore Site Homepage.
- New customers are directed to sign up via hctra.org, with options for online, phone, and in-person applications, as seen on TxTagStore Site Get A TxTag Page.
- Existing customers may have had their accounts automatically transitioned if in good standing, with notifications sent..
- The initial deposit for a new account is $20, with no monthly fees, and the tag works on toll roads in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Detailed Process for Getting a TxTag
The process for acquiring a TxTag has been streamlined under HCTRA, with the following methods available:
Online Application
- Visit hctra.org and navigate to the toll tag sign-up section.
- Provide personal information, vehicle details (license plate, make, model), and contact information.
- Fund the account with an initial $20 deposit using a credit or debit card.
- Receive the TxTag sticker by mail, typically within a few weeks.
Phone Application
- Call HCTRA customer service at 281-875-EASY (281-875-3279).
- Provide the necessary information over the phone, including vehicle details and payment method.
- The TxTag will be mailed to the provided address after processing.
In-Person Application
- Visit an authorized HCTRA customer service center or location. Check hctra.org for a list of locations, as in-person services may vary by region.
- Bring a valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and a method of payment (cash, check, or card).
- Receive the TxTag instantly and fund the account on-site.
Requirements and Eligibility
- No specific eligibility criteria beyond owning a vehicle and intending to use Texas toll roads.
- Must have a valid payment method for the initial $20 deposit.
- Ensure the vehicle is registered and the license plate information is accurate to avoid billing issues.
Registering and Managing Existing Accounts
For existing TxTag customers, the transition to HCTRA means:
- Accounts in good standing were automatically transferred, with customers notified via email or mail.
- To set up the new HCTRA account, log in at hctra.org, select “Login,” then “first time login,” and verify email and account number.
- If the account did not transition and has a positive balance, a refund will be issued in the coming months, with checks voided if not deposited within 180 days.
- Customers with outstanding bills from before November 8, 2024, should call 888-468-9824 to resolve, per TxTagStore Site New TxTag Features Page.
Using Your TxTag
Once acquired, the TxTag sticker must be installed correctly:
- Clean and dry the inside of the windshield, ensuring it’s above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- For mirrors attached to the ceiling, center the tag behind the rearview mirror, four inches below the top edge.
- For mirrors attached to the windshield, center it half an inch below the mirror attachment.
- For oversized trucks, center it two inches from the bottom of the windshield, as detailed on TxTagStore Site How To Install Page.
- The tag communicates with toll readers, deducting tolls from the prepaid account automatically.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The benefits include:
- Convenience of not stopping at toll booths.
- Lower toll rates compared to Pay By Mail options.
- Compatibility with toll roads in Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
Drawbacks include:
- Need to maintain a prepaid balance, with potential for additional fees if it runs low.
- Initial $20 deposit required, which may be a barrier for some users.
- Possible confusion during the transition period for existing customers.
Alternatives to TxTag
If TxTag isn’t suitable, consider:
- Pay By Mail: Receive invoices after using toll roads, typically at higher rates with additional mailing fees, as noted on Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority FAQ.
- Toll Passes: Some authorities offer monthly passes for unlimited access, check specific toll road operator websites for details.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common issues and solutions include:
- Tag Not Detected: Ensure proper installation and check for damage; contact HCTRA for assistance.
- Incorrect Charges: Verify license plate information and dispute with HCTRA.
- Low Balance: Set up AutoPay to replenish automatically when low, available through hctra.org.
Table: Comparison of TxTag Application Methods
| Method | Steps | Time to Receive Tag | Initial Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Visit hctra.org, provide details, fund $20 | 1-2 weeks (mailed) | $20 deposit |
| Phone | Call 281-875-EASY, provide details, fund $20 | 1-2 weeks (mailed) | $20 deposit |
| In-Person | Visit authorized location, bring ID and payment, fund $20 | Instant | $20 deposit |
Unexpected Detail: Transition Impact
An unexpected aspect is the ongoing transition affecting existing customers, with some receiving separate bills from TxTag and HCTRA during the process, requiring resolution with the respective agency, as per TxTagStore Site New TxTag Features Page. This highlights the importance of checking account status to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Getting a TxTag in Texas is straightforward under HCTRA’s management, with options for online, phone, and in-person applications, requiring an initial $20 deposit. Existing customers should verify their account transition status, and new users can enjoy the convenience of automatic toll payments across Texas and beyond.