You just got a toll bill that looks wrong and all you need is a number to call. The main TxTag customer service number in 2026 is 281-875-EASY (3279). That is the Harris County Toll Road Authority line, and it handles almost everything TxTag related now.
Got two minutes? This guide gives you every number, every hour, and every contact option you need.
- What Changed in 2026 and Why It Matters
- Complete TxTag Phone Number Directory for 2026
- TxTag Customer Service Hours 2026
- Walk-In Service Centers
- 2026 Holiday Closures You Need to Know
- Online and Mail Contact Options
- Watch Out for TxTag Scams
- Common TxTag Problems and How to Fix Them
- Interoperability: Your Tag Works Beyond Texas
- Quick Reference: Everything in One Place
- Get Your Issue Sorted and Get Moving
What Changed in 2026 and Why It Matters
Before you dial anything, you need to know one important fact. The entire TxTag system went through a major transition in 2024 and 2025.
The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) now manages all TxTag accounts. The Texas Department of Transportation handed over roughly one million user accounts to HCTRA after the system migration was fully completed. So the number you call depends entirely on when your toll happened.
Here is the simple rule:
| Your Toll Date | Who to Call | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Before November 8, 2024 | Legacy TxTag (TxDOT) | 1-888-468-9824 |
| After November 9, 2024 | HCTRA (Current) | 281-875-3279 |
Keep that table handy. It saves you from being transferred twice before anyone helps you.
Complete TxTag Phone Number Directory for 2026
There are more contact numbers than most people realize. The right number depends on your specific situation.
Here is the full directory:
| Service Type | Phone Number | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| General Account Support | 281-875-EASY (3279) | Payments, balances, account setup |
| Legacy TxTag (Pre Nov 2024) | 1-888-468-9824 | Old transactions and disputes |
| Austin Legacy Support | 512-874-9000 | Austin region Pay By Mail inquiries |
| Roadside Assistance | 281-584-7500 | Emergencies on HCTRA roads |
| CTRMA (Central Texas) | 833-762-8655 | Mobility Authority specific invoices |
| CTRMA Local Austin Line | 512-410-0562 | Austin area Mobility Authority billing |
| Rental Cars (PlatePass) | 1-877-411-4300 | Payments, balances, and account setup |
| Rental Cars (HTA) | 1-866-285-6050 | Alternative rental car toll service |
Pro tip: If your toll happened before November 8, 2024, call the legacy line first. Calling the main HCTRA line for old charges just adds extra hold time and a transfer.
TxTag Customer Service Hours 2026
Now that you have the right number, you need to know when to call. HCTRA has actually expanded service hours beyond what TxTag used to offer.
Phone and Walk-In Hours
| Channel | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday and Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Center | 7:00 am to 7:00 pm | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm | Closed |
| Walk-up Storefronts | 7:00 am to 7:00 pm | 8:00 am to 4:30 pm | Closed |
| Roadside Assistance | 5:00 am to Midnight | 5:00 am to Midnight | 5:00 am to Midnight |
| Online and Automated | 24 Hours | 24 Hours | 24 Hours |
Those Monday to Friday hours are genuinely better than most government agencies offer. The extended evening window until 7:00 pm makes it possible to call after work without rushing.
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Hours
If you drive Austin area toll roads, CTRMA operates on a slightly different schedule. Their Saturday hours close earlier than HCTRA’s.
| Channel | Monday to Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTRMA Call Center | 7:00 am to 7:00 pm | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm | Closed |
| CTRMA Walk-up Center | 7:00 am to 7:00 pm | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm | Closed |
Important note: If you are dealing with a multi-agency issue on a Saturday, CTRMA closes at 2:00 pm while HCTRA stays open until 4:30 pm. Plan your calls accordingly.
Walk-In Service Centers
Sometimes a phone call just does not cut it. If you prefer to handle things in person, both Houston and Austin have physical locations.
Austin TxTag Customer Service Center
Address: 12719 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78727
The Austin center follows the standard HCTRA schedule. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The center accepts these payment methods:
- Cash
- Check
- Money order
- Credit card
Houston Area Locations
HCTRA operates multiple EZ TAG storefronts across the Houston metro area. You can find all current locations at hctra.org.
2026 Holiday Closures You Need to Know
Planning to visit a service center or call around a holiday? Here is the full closure schedule for HCTRA and related facilities in 2026.
Full Closure Dates
| Holiday | Day | Date |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday | January 1, 2026 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday | January 19, 2026 |
| Presidents Day | Monday | February 16, 2026 |
| Good Friday | Friday | April 3, 2026 |
| Memorial Day | Monday | May 25, 2026 |
| Juneteenth | Friday | June 19, 2026 |
| Independence Day (Observed) | Friday | July 3, 2026 |
| Independence Day | Saturday | July 4, 2026 |
| Labor Day | Monday | September 7, 2026 |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday | November 11, 2026 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday | November 26, 2026 |
| Day After Thanksgiving | Friday | November 27, 2026 |
| Christmas Eve | Thursday | December 24, 2026 |
| Christmas Day | Friday | December 25, 2026 |
Reduced Staffing Days
A few Texas state holidays result in skeleton crew operations rather than full closures. Expect longer wait times on these dates:
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Texas Independence Day | March 2, 2026 |
| San Jacinto Day | April 21, 2026 |
| LBJ Day | August 27, 2026 |
Also worth knowing: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs from late February through March. Call volume jumps during this period and wait times tend to run longer.
Online and Mail Contact Options
Calling is not always the fastest option. Here is how to reach TxTag support without picking up the phone.
Online Support
The HCTRA website handles most account tasks 24 hours a day. You can:
- Check your account balance
- Make payments
- Update payment methods
- Manage vehicles on your account
Visit hctra.org to access your account directly.
Mailing Address for Legacy Payments
For any transactions or disputes from before November 8, 2024, you can mail payments to:
TxTag P.O. Box 650749 Dallas, TX 75265-0749
Always write your TxTag account number on the memo line. Leaving it off can cause your payment to be delayed or returned.
Watch Out for TxTag Scams
This section could save you real money, so read it carefully. Toll scams have increased significantly and they specifically target TxTag users.
The official rule is simple: TxTag and TxDOT will never send you a text message about an outstanding toll balance.
If you get a text claiming you owe money on a toll, it is a scam. Full stop. Do not click any links and do not enter any payment information.
Here is how to spot the difference between real and fake messages:
| Message Type | Legitimate Source | Red Flags |
|---|---|---|
| HCTRA Text | Sent from shortcode 22498 | Unknown 10 digit numbers |
| CTRMA Text | From 38047, 27974, or 87038 | Urgent payment links |
| Payment Reminders | Email or physical mail only | Requests for card info via text |
If you want to check your actual balance, go directly to hctra.org by typing it into your browser. Never follow a link in a text message.
You can report suspicious messages to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Common TxTag Problems and How to Fix Them
Most TxTag issues fall into a small set of categories. Here is a quick guide so you know exactly who to call and what to do.
Account Login Issues
- Go to hctra.org
- Click the login page and use the password reset option
- If that does not work, call 281-875-3279 with your account details ready
Sticker or Tag Not Received
Your EZ TAG sticker typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive. If it has been longer:
- Log in to check your mailing address is correct
- Contact HCTRA at 281-875-3279 during business hours
Disputing a Toll You Do Not Owe
The required documentation depends on your reason for disputing:
| Reason for Dispute | Documents You Need | How to Submit |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle was sold | Texas Motor Vehicle Transfer Notification | Mail or email to HCTRA |
| Vehicle was stolen | Certified police report dated before the toll | Email [email protected] |
| Rental or leased vehicle | Rental agreement and receipt | Contact PlatePass or HTA |
| Incorrect billing | Proof of tag and account standing | Call 281-875-3279 |
CTRMA disputes require a Toll Violation Defense Form sent to PO Box 3649, Pflugerville, TX 78691.
Old Charge From Before November 2024
Call the legacy TxTag line at 1-888-468-9824 for anything dated before November 8, 2024. Do not call the main HCTRA number for these. You will just get transferred.
Interoperability: Your Tag Works Beyond Texas
One thing a lot of TxTag users do not know is how widely their tag actually works. Texas tolling authorities coordinate with other states and regional systems.
Here is where your EZ TAG or TxTag transponder works:
| Authority | Region | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| HCTRA | Houston and Austin | 281-875-3279 |
| NTTA | Dallas and Fort Worth | 972-818-6882 |
| CTRMA | Central Texas | 833-762-8655 |
| PIKEPASS (OTA) | Oklahoma | 1-800-745-3727 |
| SunPass (FDOT) | Florida | sunpass.com |
Keep in mind that the EZ TAG Express account type (the app version) only works on one vehicle at a time. For daily commuters, a standard EZ TAG account with a physical sticker gives you the lowest rates and the broadest coverage.
Quick Reference: Everything in One Place
Here is a summary of every key contact for 2026 so you can bookmark this section and come back whenever you need it.
Phone Numbers
- Main HCTRA line: 281-875-EASY (3279)
- Legacy TxTag (pre Nov 2024): 1-888-468-9824
- Austin legacy line: 512-874-9000
- Roadside assistance: 281-584-7500
- CTRMA: 833-762-8655
Hours
- Call center and walk-in (weekdays): 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Call center and walk-in (Saturday): 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Roadside assistance: 5:00 am to Midnight, every day
- Online account access: Always open
Key Links
- HCTRA account portal: hctra.org
- TxDOT toll contact page: txdot.gov/paying-tolls
- CTRMA support: mobilityauthority.com
- Report toll scams: ic3.gov
Get Your Issue Sorted and Get Moving
The TxTag system is bigger and more consolidated than it used to be. That means more power under one roof, but it also means calling the right number matters more than ever.
Use 281-875-3279 for anything from November 2024 forward. Use 1-888-468-9824 for anything older than that. Call on a Tuesday if you can, avoid skeleton crew holidays, and never trust a text message asking you to pay a toll.
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.

