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  • General Questions
  • TxTag Customers
  • Pay By Mail Customers
  • FAQ Archive


To help provide the best customer service and toll billing experience, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) transitioned TxDOT toll transaction processing and customer account management services to the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA). HCTRA is an experienced tolling authority that performs toll services as its core business. TxDOT entered a Toll Services Agreement with HCTRA on Nov. 6, 2024, under which TxDOT continues to own and maintain its toll roads in the Austin and Houston metro areas while HCTRA manages toll billing and TxTag customer service operations.

 

General Questions

The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) is an experienced tolling authority that has been serving toll road customers successfully for 40 years.

No. TxTag customers whose accounts were transferred to HCTRA may continue using their existing TxTag to pay tolls on all toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Just ensure that your TxTag is installed in your vehicle, your account information up to date, and your account has enough money in it to cover the cost of your tolls. If you haven’t already, you should also create a new online account at hctra.org. 
Customers who need a new or replacement tag sticker will have to order an EZ TAG through HCTRA.
TxDOT continues to own and maintain the toll roads including setting toll rates

The transition of toll transaction processing and customer service operations to HCTRA should help provide the best service for our customers and simplify billing. Customers now have more options for paying tolls and managing their account in person. In addition to Austin-area customer service walk-in centers, customers are able to visit any of the EZ TAG stores in the Houston area and pay tolls with cash at 5,000 participating retail locations around the state including Walmart and H-E-B.

HCTRA began managing toll transactions on Nov. 9, 2024. During the transition there were different blackout periods for customers beginning at close of business Nov. 15. Customer accounts that were not transferred to HCTRA were able to perform account maintenance on Nov. 18. Customer accounts transferred to HCTRA were able to establish online accounts and access their account with HCTRA on Dec. 2, 2024. During the blackout periods, customers were not able to access their accounts.

  • TxTag customers whose accounts were transferred to HCTRA now manage their account and view their statements through HCTRA’s website at hctra.org, or in person, as noted above.
  • HCTRA is responsible for collecting tolls for tag and non-tag customers on these TxDOT-owned toll roads: SH 130, SH 45N, SH 45SE, and Mopac/Loop 1 in the Austin area and SH 99 (Grand Parkway) and SH 249 in the Houston area. After the transition, HCTRA’s business rules and fees related to unpaid tolls are the same on both TxDOT and HCTRA-owned toll roads.

Toll rates are subject to annual adjustments on Jan. 1 based on inflation data and other factors. Toll rates weren't affected as a direct result of any transition to HCTRA.

Please see the comparison below regarding fees and fines for nonpayment of tolls before and after the transfer to HCTRA.

Transactions prior to Nov. 9, 2024

1st

Notice

2nd

Notice

3rd

Notice

4th

Notice

5th

Notice

Fees

(Excluding Court Fees)

TxDOT Toll Roads

(Houston/Austin Regions)

Non-Tag1st Notice for Nonpayment2nd Notice for NonpaymentEligible for CollectionsHabitual Violator Hearing$121.75
$1.15$4 + $1.15$4 + $1.15$4 + $1.15

$4 + $1.15

+

$100 Habitual Violator Hearing Fee*

HCTRA Toll Roads

(Houston Region)

EZ InvoiceTrespass NoticeCounty Attorney/CollectionsEligible for Hearing/CourtAdministrative Hearing$120.00
$10NA$10$50 Citation Fee

$50 County Hearing Fee

+

Variable Adjudication Fee**

Total fees for customers using both roadways$241.75
* Approximately $100 and may vary between precincts and counties.
** Adjudication Fee is variable and determined at the Administrative Hearing that can range from $1 - $500.
Non-tag customers, or Pay By Mail customers, now receive one bill for travel on TxDOT and HCTRA toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions. This EZ Invoice sent by HCTRA includes only the fees under HCTRA invoicing structure. Note that non-tag customers will have an opportunity to pay tolls online before a first notice (EZ Invoice) is issued.

Transactions on and after Nov. 9, 2024

1st

Notice

2nd

Notice

3rd

Notice

4th

Notice

5th

Notice

Fees

(Excluding Court Fees)

TxDOT & HCTRA Toll Roads

(Houston/Austin Regions)

EZ InvoiceTrespass NoticeCounty Attorney/CollectionsEligible for Hearing/CourtAdministrative Hearing$120
$10NA$10$50 Citation Fee

$50 County Hearing Fee

+

Variable Adjudication Fee**

Total fees for customers using both roadways$120
** Adjudication Fee is variable and determined at the Administrative Hearing that can range from $1 - $500.

TxDOT continues to own and maintain its current toll roads and toll equipment. The Texas Transportation Commission will continue to set rates for TxDOT-owned toll roads.

Yes. The TxTag Customer Service Center at 12719 Burnet Road and the three area walk-in centers located in Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices in Georgetown, New Braunfels, and Pflugerville remain open following the transition to HCTRA to assist with TxTag account issues and EZ Invoices.
For assistance with outstanding TxTag Pay By Mail bills, customers should call 888-468-9824.
In addition, transferred TxTag customers and those needing to pay an EZ Invoice can visit participating retailers, such as Walmart and H-E-B, to pay with cash at select locations. You can learn more at https://www.hctra.org/eztollpay.

TxTag customers whose accounts transferred to HCTRA can continue to use their TxTag. Customers whose TxTag account was not transferred or who do not have a tag, need to get an EZ TAG to ensure they pay the lowest toll rates and avoid additional fees.

During the transition you may have received multiple invoices, depending on when your toll transactions occurred. These are not duplicate transactions or charges, and each invoice should be resolved with the agency that sent it. 
TxTag continues to collect on outstanding TxTag balances for transactions that occurred on or before Nov. 8, 2024. If you receive a bill from TxTag for past due tolls, call 888-468-9824 to resolve the bill as soon as possible.

TxTag continues to collect on outstanding TxTag balances for transactions that occurred on or before Nov. 8, 2024. If you receive a bill from TxTag for past due tolls, call 888-468-9824 to resolve the bill as soon as possible.

TxDOT’s veteran discount program, which waives tolls for eligible veterans with qualifying license plates, remains in effect on TxDOT-owned toll roads. If you believe you have received an invoice in error, please contact HCTRA customer support at hctra.org or call 281-875-EASY (3279).

 

TxTag Customers

If your TxTag account transferred to HCTRA, you can continue using your existing TxTag to pay tolls on all toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Just ensure that your TxTag is installed in your vehicle, your account information is up to date on hctra.org, and your account has enough money in it to cover the cost of your tolls.

Customers who need a new or replacement tag sticker can order an EZ TAG through HCTRA.

If your account was not transferred to HCTRA, you will need to request a new toll tag from HCTRA. If you do not request a new toll tag, you will pay higher toll rates and additional fees on toll roads and be subject to fines for unpaid tolls in accordance with HCTRA’s policies and billing practices.

All customers on TxDOT-owned toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions follow HCTRA’s invoicing policies as of Nov. 9, 2024, to provide greater consistency in toll billing and fees. Information about HCTRA’s non-tag invoicing policies can be found at hctra.org.

Please contact HCTRA customer support at hctra.org or call 281-875-EASY (3279) to find out if your TxTag account was transferred.
If your account was not transferred to HCTRA, you will need to request a new toll tag from HCTRA. If you do not request a new toll tag, you will pay higher toll rates and additional fees on toll roads and be subject to fines for unpaid tolls in accordance with HCTRA’s policies and billing practices.

All customers on TxDOT-owned toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions follow HCTRA’s invoicing policies as of Nov. 9, 2024, to provide greater consistency in toll billing and fees. Information about HCTRA’s non-tag invoicing policies can be found at hctra.org.

TxTag account information transferred to HCTRA included your contact information, license plate(s), TxTag transponder number, payment methods, if enrolled in AutoPay, and past TxTag statements.

If your account was not transferred to HCTRA, you need to request a new toll tag from HCTRA. If you do not request a new toll tag, you will pay higher toll rates and additional fees on toll roads and be subject to fines for unpaid tolls in accordance with HCTRA’s policies and billing practices.

If your TxTag account was not active since October 1, 2023 and in good standing, it was not transferred to HCTRA. If your TxTag account was not transferred, the account is now closed, and you will receive a refund of any money in your account.

Please be aware: You can no longer use your TxTag to pay tolls if your account was not transferred. You should remove any TxTag stickers from your vehicles for accounts that did not transfer to HCTRA. We advise that you open a HCTRA EZ TAG account so you can pay the lowest toll rates and avoid additional fees.

Customers with positive balances will receive a refund in early March. If you had an active credit card on file with TxTag, your refund will be issued to the credit card.
If not, you’ll receive your refund via check in the mail. 
Please note, refund checks will be voided if not deposited within 180 days and the monies will be transferred to the Texas Comptroller’s Office in accordance with the state’s unclaimed property process

If your TxTag account was transferred to HCTRA, you will now manage your account at hctra.org instead of the TxTag website. 

From the hctra.org home page, you will click “Welcome TxTag Customers” and then click the “Login with HCTRA” yellow button. From there you’ll be guided to set up online access to your account. You will need the following to get started:

  • Email or phone number associated with your TxTag account.
  • And your TxTag account number or TxTag sticker number.

You will be directed to create a new username and password, as your TxTag.org log-in information was not transferred for security reasons. We also recommend that you confirm your payment method(s) and AutoPay status are correct when you sign in to your account.

For assistance with setting up your hctra.org account, please contact HCTRA customer support at hctra.org or call 281-875-EASY (3279).

TxTag customers should contact HCTRA customer support for help related to account issues, transactions, or statements. Go to hctra.org or call 281-875-EASY (3279).

 

Pay By Mail Customers

HCTRA now collects tolls, provides customer suppose, and sends EZ Invoices for travel on TxDOT and HCTRA toll roads in the Austin and Houston metro areas.

A $10 administrative fee will be applied to HCTRA’s EZ Invoices sent to non-tag customers. Please see the below graphic for more information.

  • TxDOT continues to collect for outstanding TxTag balances for transactions that occurred on or before Nov. 8, 2024. Please call 888-468-9824 to make payments as online payments on TxTag.org is no longer available.
  • Some customers may have overlapping accounts with TxTag and HCTRA and received multiple invoices depending on when toll transactions occurred. These are not duplicate transactions or charges, and each invoice should be resolved with the agency that sent it.
  • All customers on TxDOT-owned toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions now follow HCTRA’s invoicing policies to provide greater consistency in toll billing and fees. Information about HCTRA’s non-tag invoicing policies can be found at hctra.org.
Transactions on or after Nov. 9, 2024

1st

Notice

2nd

Notice

3rd

Notice

4th

Notice

5th

Notice

Fees

(Excluding Court Fees)

TxDOT & HCTRA Toll Roads

(Houston/Austin Regions)

EZ InvoiceTrespass NoticeCounty Attorney/CollectionsEligible for Hearing/CourtAdministrative Hearing$120
$10NA$10$50 Citation Fee

$50 County Hearing Fee

+

Variable Adjudication Fee**

Total fees for customers using both roadways$120
** Adjudication Fee is variable and determined at the Administrative Hearing that can range from $1 - $500.

Your refund will be mailed to the address associated with your Pay By Mail account.
Please note, refund checks will be voided if not deposited within 180 days and the monies will be transferred to the Texas Comptroller’s Office in accordance with the state’s unclaimed property process.

 

FAQ Archive

Yes. We ask that you log in to your account before Nov. 15, 2024, and confirm that your address, vehicle information, and any credit cards on your account are up to date. You must be enrolled in AutoPay for your credit card to remain on your account after the transition. Please update any expiring credit cards before Nov. 15, 2024.

Before Nov. 15, 2024, you will need to log in to your account and confirm the following are up to date and correct:

  • Your address and communication preferences, including phone number and email address. Select Profile under the Manage Account menu.
  • Your vehicle information, including license plates and tag information. Select Vehicles & Tags under the Manage Account menu.
  • Your payment methods and AutoPay status. Select Payments under the Manage Account menu.
If you need assistance, download our TxTag user guide, contact TxTag customer service, or submit an account inquiry. Please note, there is no need to contact TxTag customer service if your account information is correct, and no updates are needed.

Please ensure that your credit card used for AutoPay does not expire before the end of the year. If your card expires in November 2024, you will need to contact HCTRA or login at HCTRA.org and provide your updated credit card information on Dec. 2, 2024, to avoid additional fees.  After the transition any future updates will need to be made by logging in to your account at hctra.org or by calling HCTRA’s customer service center.

You can access any payment methods listed on your account by logging in to your account and choosing Payments under the Manage Account menu. If you need to update an expiration date, you will need to remove and re-enter the payment method with the new expiration date. For assistance, download our Troubleshooting Tips or contact TxTag customer service.

If your credit card expires during the blackout period, you should update your payment information by contacting HCTRA or logging in to your account at hctra.org as soon as possible starting Dec. 2, 2024, to avoid additional fees.

  • If your account is transferred to HCTRA, you will continue to use your TxTag and pay the lowest rates on toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
  • After the transition blackout period, if your account is transferred to HCTRA, you will begin managing your account at hctra.org instead of the TxTag website. You will be directed to create a new username and password, as your current log-in information will not be transferred for security reasons.
  • Once your account is transferred to HCTRA it will be considered a HCTRA EZ TAG account and will be governed by HCTRA’s EZ TAG Agreement. We encourage you to review HCTRA’s policies at hctra.org.
  • Starting on Nov. 9, HCTRA will process any transactions on TxDOT-operated toll roads in the Austin and Houston regions and perform billing and customer service operations on behalf of TxDOT similar to the North Texas Tollway Authority in the DFW region.
  • For customer service and account assistance after the transition, you will need to contact HCTRA at hctra.org or by calling 281-875-EASY (3279).
  • You will automatically receive HCTRA communications via email if there is an email address associated with your account. So, you may no longer receive statements or invoices by mail following the transition.
  • Some customers may have overlapping accounts with TxTag and HCTRA during the transition and could receive invoices from both entities depending on when toll transactions occurred. These will not be duplicate transactions or charges, and each invoice should be resolved with the agency that sent it.

Your data and privacy are very important to TxTag. Your account information will be securely transferred in accordance with Payment Card Industry (PCI) and Personal Identifiable Information (PII) standards.

During the blackout period, which will occur immediately prior to the transition, customers will not be able to log in to their accounts, update account information, make payments, or receive account-specific assistance from customer service representatives. This blackout period is necessary to ensure account information is accurately transferred to HCTRA. Blackout is scheduled to begin at close of business Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

Customers enrolled in AutoPay could experience multiple auto replenishments throughout the month of December due to the transition.
These multiple auto replenishments are unavoidable as transactions are processed from TxDOT toll road lanes through HCTRA’s systems in a phased approach. We recommend you create an online account with HCTRA and monitor that account regularly, immediately following the transition. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your auto replenishments after the transition, contact HCTRA at hctra.org or by calling 281-875-EASY (3279).

TxDOT will not transfer your TxTag account information to HCTRA if you notify the TxTag Customer Service Center at 1-888-468-9824 before Nov. 15, 2024. You will receive a refund of any money in your TxTag account and will no longer be able to use your TxTag to pay tolls.

Yes. Please contact the TxTag Customer Service Center before Nov. 15, 2024, if you haven’t used your TxTag in more than a year but would like to have your TxTag account transferred to HCTRA. Your account must be active and in good standing to be transferred. You will need to pay any balances due and log in to your account and confirm that your contact information, license plate(s), payment methods, and AutoPay status are up to date. You must be enrolled in AutoPay for your credit card to remain on your TxTag account after the transition.

To avoid bill confusion following the transition to HCTRA toll collection, it’s important to resolve any overdue toll bills as soon as possible.

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