Where to Buy TxTag, EZ TAG and TollTag (2026): Online and In-Person Purchase Guide

Texas toll roads move fast. Your payment setup needs to keep up.

Here is the quick answer: You can get an EZ TAG or TxTag at hctra.org or any HCTRA storefront. You can get a TollTag at ntta.org or at a DFW service center. And if you prefer a retail option, H-E-B stores carry the BancPass cash reloadable toll sticker. That covers the basics. Now, let us get into the details.

Which Tag Should You Get?

Before we go any further, you need to know which tag fits your situation. All three tags work on most Texas toll roads, thanks to statewide interoperability. But each one is tied to a specific region and agency.

Here is a simple breakdown to help you decide fast.

Pick the tag that matches where you drive most. You can always use it across the rest of Texas too.

Getting an EZ TAG or TxTag Through HCTRA

HCTRA manages both the EZ TAG and TxTag systems. Whether you live in Houston, Austin, or anywhere in between, this is your starting point.

Online Sign-Up at hctra.org

The easiest way to get started is online. Head to hctra.org and open a new account. The process takes around five minutes.

You will need to have the following ready:

• Your vehicle license plate number
• State of registration
• Vehicle year, make, and model
• A valid credit or debit card

Minimum deposit: HCTRA recently lowered the starting deposit to $10 for households with up to two vehicles. That is a significant drop from the old $20 minimum.

Once your account is approved, HCTRA mails your sticker within 7 to 14 business days. Here is the good news: while you wait, HCTRA’s license plate recognition system links your vehicle to your pending account. That means you get the lower tag rate right away, not the expensive “Pay By Mail” rate.

The EZ TAG App and EZ TAG Express

Prefer managing everything from your phone? The EZ TAG mobile app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

The app supports two account types. Here is how they compare:

EZ TAG Express is a smart pick if you are renting a car, driving occasionally, or just need access right now without waiting for a sticker in the mail. You activate it instantly in the app. Just keep in mind you will pay a slightly higher toll rate since you skip the 10% tag discount.

HCTRA Storefront Locations in Houston

If you want a tag in hand today, visit one of the HCTRA EZ TAG stores in the Houston area. All locations accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards.

Use the HCTRA store locator to find the closest one to you.

Austin and Central Texas Service Centers

Austin residents go through HCTRA too. The two main walk-up locations in the area are listed below.

Both locations are open Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM. The Rutherford Lane location also offers a shorter Saturday window from 9 AM to 2 PM. For more details, visit the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority FAQ page.

Getting a TollTag Through NTTA

If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, NTTA is your go-to. The TollTag covers the Dallas North Tollway, SH 121, and the President George Bush Turnpike, among others.

Sign Up Online at ntta.org

Go to ntta.org to open an account. NTTA offers three account tiers based on how often you drive.

• $10 Account: Best for infrequent users. Covers one vehicle.
• $20 Account: Good for occasional drivers. Covers one vehicle.
• $40 Account: Designed for daily commuters. Covers up to three vehicles under one account balance.

You can also download the TollMate app to manage your account on the go. TollMate includes a feature called TollPerks, which rewards you with points every time you use a toll road. Those points can be redeemed for retail discounts, which is a nice bonus.

NTTA Customer Service Centers in DFW

NTTA operates six service centers across the Metroplex. They also offer an “At Your Service” appointment system so you can skip the line. Walk-ins are welcome too, and typical wait times are around 2 to 5 minutes.

Visit the NTTA Contact Us page to schedule an appointment or find directions.

Pick Up a TollTag at a Municipal Office

One of the coolest things about NTTA is that you can grab a TollTag at certain local government offices. No need to make a special trip to a service center.

Two great options:

1. North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG): Visit the Public Affairs Department at 616 Six Flags Drive, Arlington. You can apply and receive a TollTag the same day. Learn more at nctcog.org.
2. City of Duncanville City Hall: Located at 203 E. Wheatland Rd. Residents can pick up a TollTag right at their local city hall. Details at duncanvilletx.gov.

NTTA is also expanding into more suburbs like Celina and Prosper, so more nearby options are coming soon.

Retail Options: H-E-B, Walmart, and More

Not everyone wants to deal with websites or government offices. Texas has solid retail options for getting a tag or reloading your account.

H-E-B and the BancPass Sticker

H-E-B carries a cash reloadable toll sticker through their partner BancPass. This option works great for drivers who prefer cash and want to avoid setting up an online account.

Here is how the process works:

1. Buy the starter kit at the H-E-B customer service desk.
2. Activate your sticker using the BancPass mobile app or call 866-978-5061.
3. Register your license plate during activation. Skipping this step can lead to toll violations.
4. Reload with cash at any H-E-B, CVS, or Corner Store by Valero when your balance runs low.

One thing to know: BancPass charges a small per-toll fee of 7 cents plus 7% of the toll amount. That is slightly more than what you pay with a standard HCTRA or NTTA tag. It is the price of convenience for cash users.

H-E-B expanded across Texas in 2026, with new stores in San Marcos, Converse, Buda, Bedford, and Forney. More locations mean easier access to this retail option.

Walmart for Account Reloads

Walmart does not sell toll stickers directly, but Walmart Money Centers are a solid option for reloading your EZ TAG or TxTag account with cash. This is especially helpful for unbanked drivers who do not use credit cards. Just bring your account number and the cash you want to add.

Specialty Tags for Motorcycles and Unique Vehicles

Standard windshield stickers do not work on every vehicle. Motorcycles and cars with metallic windshield coatings need a different type of tag.

Motorcycle Tags

Both HCTRA and NTTA offer hard case tags designed for motorcycles. The metal in the front fork area can interfere with regular stickers, so the hard case tag solves that problem.

• HCTRA: Request a hard case tag at any EZ TAG store. The first three tags cost $15. Each additional tag costs $10.
• NTTA: Available at any Customer Service Center. NTTA recommends mounting the tag in a radio frequency transparent jacket pocket or using a cycle net on the gas tank.

Exterior Tags for Luxury and Commercial Vehicles

Some modern vehicles have metallic oxide windshield coatings that block standard transponder signals. Commercial trucks often have the same issue.

For these vehicles, an exterior toll tag mounts on the front bumper or license plate frame using tamper-resistant screws. You need to contact the commercial or fleet division at either HCTRA or NTTA to apply. Vehicle documentation is required since exterior tags cost more to produce.

What Does Each Tag Actually Cost?

Understanding the fees upfront saves surprises later. Here is a clear cost comparison across all three systems.

For most drivers, getting a tag pays for itself quickly. Based on an average toll of $2.00, a tag covers its own startup cost in about five uses compared to paying by mail.

What You Need to Bring to a Service Center

Getting a tag in person is simple as long as you show up prepared. Here is what to bring.

Required documents:

• Valid photo ID (Texas Driver License or government-issued ID)
• Vehicle license plate number or registration details
• Proof of insurance
• Payment method (cash, card, check, or money order accepted)

One thing worth knowing: if you have outstanding toll violations, HCTRA or NTTA may place a registration block on your record. You will need to resolve any unpaid tolls at a toll service center before you can renew your vehicle registration at a County Tax Assessor office. The county office does not sell toll tags itself, but it is connected to the tolling system in this way.

What About Driving Without a Tag?

Texas toll roads use license plate cameras as a backup. If you drive through without a registered tag, you get billed through the mail in a process called Pay By Mail.

The catch is that Pay By Mail costs significantly more. You pay a 50% surcharge on top of the base toll rate, plus an administrative fee of around $1.04 per invoice. Compared to the 10% discount EZ TAG users enjoy, that is a wide gap. Getting a tag set up before your next road trip is always the smarter move.

Your Road, Your Tag: Final Thoughts

Texas toll roads are not going anywhere, and neither are the savings from having the right tag. Whether you sign up online in five minutes, walk into a Houston HCTRA store, or grab a BancPass sticker at your local H-E-B, the options are wide open.

Here is the short version one more time:

• Houston or Austin: Sign up at hctra.org or visit an EZ TAG store
• Dallas or Fort Worth: Open an account at ntta.org or visit the TollMate app
• Cash preferred: Head to H-E-B and grab a BancPass sticker
• Need it now, no sticker: Download the EZ TAG app and activate EZ TAG Express in minutes

Set up auto-replenishment on your account, link your vehicle correctly, and you are good to go. Texas roads get a lot more enjoyable when toll booths are the least of your worries.

Pavithra Vinoth

Pavithra Vinoth is the founder of nytollsinfo.com, where she simplifies U.S. toll systems through expert insights and custom-built calculators. Her research-driven tools help drivers avoid costly mistakes and make smarter car decisions.