How to Apply for FASTag Online — Toll Tax, Recharge & Balance Check

FASTag is India's electronic toll collection system. Instead of stopping at toll plazas and paying cash, your vehicle passes through and the toll amount is automatically deducted from your FASTag wallet. This guide covers everything — buying, activating, recharging, and managing your FASTag.

What is FASTag?

FASTag is a small RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) sticker that you fix on your vehicle's windshield. When you drive through a FASTag-enabled toll plaza, a scanner reads the tag and deducts the toll amount automatically from your linked prepaid wallet or bank account.

Key facts:

• Operated by NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) through IHMCL (Indian Highways Management Company Limited)
• Uses NETC (National Electronic Toll Collection) system managed by NPCI
• Works across 800+ toll plazas on national and state highways
• Valid for 5 years from date of issuance
• Available in different colour codes for different vehicle categories

Who Needs FASTag? (Mandatory Rules)

FASTag has been mandatory for all four-wheelers and above since 15 February 2021. Here's what you need to know:

• All vehicles passing through national highway toll plazas must have a valid, working FASTag
• Vehicles without FASTag are charged double the toll at the toll plaza
• FASTag is required for new vehicle registration and renewal of fitness certificate
• Third-party motor insurance renewal also requires FASTag details
• Exempt vehicles: Emergency/military vehicles as notified by the government

Documents Required for FASTag

Keep these documents ready before you apply:

1. Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) — front and back copy
2. KYC Document (any one):
   • Aadhaar Card
   • PAN Card
   • Passport
   • Voter ID
   • Driving Licence
3. Passport-size photo of the vehicle owner
4. Vehicle front photo (showing number plate clearly)
5. Mobile number linked to Aadhaar (for OTP verification)

How to Buy FASTag Online

Option 1: Through Bank Websites/Apps

Most major banks issue FASTag — SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Kotak, Paytm Payments Bank, Airtel Payments Bank, etc.

1. Visit your bank's website or open the bank's mobile app
2. Look for FASTag section (usually under Services or Payments)
3. Enter your vehicle registration number
4. Upload RC copy and KYC document
5. Upload vehicle photo and owner photo
6. Pay the issuance fee (₹100–₹500 depending on bank, plus security deposit)
7. FASTag will be delivered to your address within 5–7 days
8. Some banks activate it immediately after delivery; others require manual activation

Option 2: Through Paytm

1. Open the Paytm app
2. Go to FASTag section (under Recharge & Pay Bills or search "FASTag")
3. Tap Buy New FASTag
4. Enter vehicle details and upload documents
5. Pay the fee online
6. FASTag is delivered to your address

Option 3: Through Amazon

1. Search for "FASTag" on Amazon.in
2. Choose a FASTag from an authorised bank (many banks sell via Amazon)
3. Place the order and provide vehicle details
4. Complete KYC after receiving the tag

How to Buy FASTag Offline

1. At NHAI Toll Plazas — Visit any national highway toll plaza. There are dedicated FASTag sales counters (Point of Sale). Carry your documents and get FASTag issued on the spot.

2. At Bank Branches — Visit a branch of any FASTag-issuing bank. Ask for FASTag issuance, submit documents, and collect the tag.

3. At Common Service Centres (CSCs) — Some CSCs in rural and semi-urban areas also issue FASTag.

Cost: Usually ₹100 tag fee + ₹200 refundable security deposit + first recharge amount. Total ₹400–₹600 to start.

How to Activate & Link FASTag

After receiving your FASTag, you need to activate it:

Using My FASTag App (NHAI Official)

1. Download My FASTag app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Register with your mobile number (OTP verification)
3. Add your vehicle details — registration number, chassis number
4. Enter the FASTag barcode number (printed on the tag)
5. Complete KYC by uploading Aadhaar/PAN
6. Link your bank account or wallet for auto-recharge (optional)
7. Your FASTag is now active

Using Bank's App/Portal

1. Log in to your issuing bank's net banking or mobile app
2. Go to the FASTag section
3. Enter the tag ID/barcode number
4. Link it to your bank account (for prepaid wallet or direct debit)
5. Activation is confirmed via SMS

Linking FASTag to Bank Account

• During activation, you can choose prepaid wallet mode (manual recharge) or savings account mode (auto-debit)
• For auto-debit, the toll amount is directly deducted from your linked bank account
• You can change the linked account later through the issuing bank

How to Recharge FASTag

If your FASTag uses prepaid wallet mode, you need to recharge it regularly. Here are all the methods:

1. Via UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM)

1. Open your UPI app
2. Go to Bill Payments → FASTag
3. Select the issuing bank
4. Enter your vehicle number or FASTag ID
5. Enter the recharge amount
6. Confirm payment via UPI PIN

2. Via Paytm

1. Open Paytm → Search FASTag Recharge
2. Enter vehicle number
3. Enter amount and pay

3. Via Issuing Bank's App

1. Open your bank's app
2. Go to FASTag section
3. Select Recharge or Top Up
4. Enter amount and confirm

4. Via IHMCL Portal

1. Visit ihmcl.com
2. Log in with your registered credentials
3. Go to Recharge section
4. Enter FASTag details and pay via net banking/UPI/card

5. Via Net Banking

1. Log in to your bank's net banking
2. Navigate to FASTag services
3. Select recharge and enter the amount

Tip: Set up auto-recharge so your FASTag never runs out of balance. Most banks allow auto top-up when balance falls below a set threshold (e.g., ₹100).

How to Check FASTag Balance

Method 1: My FASTag App

1. Open the My FASTag app
2. Log in with your registered mobile number
3. Your current balance is displayed on the dashboard

Method 2: Issuing Bank's App

1. Open your bank's mobile app
2. Go to FASTag section
3. Balance is shown on the FASTag dashboard

Method 3: SMS / Missed Call

• Many banks offer balance check via missed call to a toll-free number or via SMS
• Check your issuing bank's website for the specific number

Method 4: IHMCL Website

1. Go to ihmcl.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Check wallet balance under your FASTag details

Method 5: After Every Toll Transaction

• You receive an SMS alert after every toll deduction showing the amount deducted and remaining balance

How to Track Toll Transactions

1. My FASTag App — Go to Transaction History to see all toll deductions with date, time, toll plaza name, and amount
2. Bank App/Portal — Check FASTag transaction statement in your bank's app
3. IHMCL Portal — Log in and download transaction statements
4. SMS Alerts — Each transaction triggers an SMS with details

FASTag for Different Vehicle Types

Each vehicle type has a different toll rate. The FASTag colour helps toll operators identify the vehicle category quickly.

Common Problems & Solutions

FASTag Not Getting Read at Toll Plaza

• Check placement — FASTag must be on the centre of the windshield, behind the rear-view mirror
• Clean the windshield — Dirt can block the RFID signal
• Don't place behind tinted film — Heavy tinting blocks RFID signals
• Check if tag is damaged — Request replacement if torn or damaged

FASTag Blacklisted

• FASTag gets blacklisted if balance is zero or negative, or KYC is incomplete
• Solution: Recharge immediately and complete KYC. The tag gets reactivated within 24 hours.
• Contact the issuing bank if the issue persists

Double Toll Deduction

• If toll was charged twice, raise a complaint through:
  • My FASTag App → Raise Dispute
  • IHMCL helpline: 1033
  • Issuing bank customer care
• Refund is typically processed within 7–14 working days

Want to Replace or Close FASTag

• Replace: Contact your issuing bank. Old tag is deactivated and a new one is issued. Balance transfers to the new tag.
• Close/Surrender: Visit the issuing bank branch or write to their customer care. Security deposit is refunded after deducting dues.

FASTag Linked to Wrong Vehicle

• Contact issuing bank immediately with correct RC
• They will update the vehicle details

FAQs

Q1: How much does a FASTag cost? The tag itself costs ₹100. Banks also charge a one-time refundable security deposit of ₹150–₹200. With a minimum recharge, total initial cost is around ₹400–₹600.

Q2: Can I use one FASTag for multiple vehicles? No. Each FASTag is linked to one specific vehicle (identified by registration number). You need a separate FASTag for each vehicle.

Q3: What happens if my FASTag balance is zero at a toll plaza? You will be charged double the toll amount in cash. Your FASTag may also get blacklisted until recharged.

Q4: Can I transfer my FASTag to a new vehicle? No. If you sell your vehicle or buy a new one, you must close the old FASTag and get a new FASTag for the new vehicle.

Q5: How do I get a refund for wrong toll deduction? Raise a dispute through the My FASTag app, call the NHAI helpline 1033, or contact your issuing bank. Refunds take 7–14 working days.

Q6: Is FASTag required for two-wheelers? Currently, FASTag is not mandatory for two-wheelers. It is required for four-wheelers and above.

Q7: What is the minimum recharge amount for FASTag? It varies by bank, but most banks allow a minimum recharge of ₹100.

Useful Links & Helpline

• NHAI Helpline: 1033 (24×7)
• IHMCL Portal: ihmcl.com
• NPCI NETC Info: npci.org.in
• My FASTag App: Available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store