Navigating toll payments for the iconic Golden Gate Bridge just got simpler. All tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge are assessed electronically, southbound into San Francisco, eliminating the need to stop at a toll plaza. Understanding your payment options is key to a smooth journey. Whether you are a daily commuter or an occasional visitor, knowing the best way to pay your toll will save you time and potential headaches.
There are three primary methods to handle your Golden Gate Bridge tolls: a FasTrak Account, a License Plate Account, and receiving a Toll Invoice. Each option caters to different needs and preferences, offering various ways to pay using credit cards, cash, checks, or money orders, either online, by phone, or in person. Let’s explore each of these in detail to help you decide which is the most convenient for you.
FasTrak License Plate Account Toll Invoice
FasTrak
FasTrak stands out as a highly convenient and efficient solution for managing tolls across all eight Bay Area toll bridges, Express Lanes (I-680 and SR 237), and even toll roads in Southern California. For comprehensive information about Bay Area FasTrak, the Bay Area FasTrak website is your go-to resource.
This system operates by automatically deducting tolls from a prepaid account, which you can easily fund using a credit card or cash. A significant advantage of FasTrak at the Golden Gate Bridge is the discounted toll rate it offers. It’s also the required payment method for carpools seeking toll discounts. You can find more details about carpool benefits on our Carpools & DMV Decals page.
When you drive through the toll plaza, the antennae will read your vehicle’s FasTrak toll tag, provided it’s correctly mounted, and you’ll hear a confirming beep. The appropriate toll amount is then automatically charged to your account. In the rare event that the toll tag isn’t read, cameras are in place to capture images of your license plates. If your license plate is linked to your FasTrak Account, the toll will still be correctly charged to your account.
Setting up a FasTrak Account requires an initial prepaid toll balance and a $20 refundable deposit for the toll tag. When using a credit card, the minimum initial prepaid balance is $25, while cash, check, or money order payments require a $50 minimum. Once your account is active, you can easily monitor your account activity and balance online at www.bayareafastrak.org.
Opening Your FasTrak Account: Multiple Options for Your Convenience
Getting started with FasTrak is straightforward. You can purchase a FasTrak toll tag for $25 (including a $20 refundable deposit and $5 in prepaid tolls) at participating retailers like Costco or Walgreens. To find other retail locations, visit www.bayareafastrak.org. After acquiring your toll tag, you can activate your FasTrak Account and deposit the initial prepaid balance through several convenient methods:
- Online with Credit Card: The quickest way to open an account is online. Simply complete the application form available at www.bayareafastrak.org using your credit card.
- Phone Activation with Credit Card: Prefer to speak to someone? Call toll-free 1-877-229-8655 or 415-486-8655 if you are calling from outside the USA. You can set up your account and prepaid balance over the phone using a credit card.
- In-Person at Customer Service Center: For those who prefer face-to-face service or need to pay with cash, check, or money order, visit the Bay Area Fastrak Customer Service Center at 375 Beale Street, San Francisco.
- Mail-In Application: You can download an application form from www.bayareafastrak.org. Mail the completed form to the address provided, or drop it off in person at the Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center if you are paying with cash.
Maintaining Anonymity with FasTrak
For drivers who value privacy, FasTrak offers an option to remain anonymous. Details about this option can be found on our I Want to Remain Anonymous page.
Replenishing Your FasTrak Account and Customer Service
Keeping your FasTrak account funded is easy. As you pass through toll lanes, the driver feedback display will alert you with a “Low Bal” or “Account Low” message when it’s time to replenish. FasTrak customer service makes it simple to manage your balance with multiple replenishment options:
- Automatic Credit Card Replenishment: Set up automatic replenishment, and your credit card will be charged whenever your prepaid balance dips below $15 or your custom minimum threshold.
- Phone Replenishment via Credit Card: You can also replenish using a credit card over the phone by calling toll-free 1-877-229-8655 or 415-486-8655 from outside the USA.
- In-Person Cash Replenishment: Visit a Cash Payment Location to replenish your account with cash.
- In-Person Replenishment with Cash, Check, or Money Order: The Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center at 375 Beale Street, San Francisco, accepts cash, checks, and money orders for account replenishment.
- Mail-In Replenishment with Check or Money Order: Send checks or money orders to Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 26926, San Francisco, CA 94126. Remember to include your account number and do not send cash by mail.
For any questions or assistance regarding your FasTrak account, FasTrak customer service is readily available through phone and in-person channels. Their dedicated customer service representatives can help with account management, replenishment issues, or any other inquiries you might have.
License Plate Accounts
License Plate Accounts provide a convenient “pay as you go” option specifically for the Golden Gate Bridge. You can register up to five different license plate numbers under a single account, making it ideal for families or individuals with multiple vehicles.
Opening a License Plate Account is possible with either a credit card or cash, check, or money order. If you opt for credit card payment, your card will be charged the Golden Gate Bridge toll each time your vehicle crosses. This method requires no prepaid balance and involves no extra fees. Alternatively, funding your account with cash, check, or money order requires a prepaid toll balance equivalent to a single toll. The toll is then deducted from this balance each time you cross the bridge, also without any additional fees.
Toll Invoice
If you choose not to set up a FasTrak Account or a License Plate Account, a Toll Invoice will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. The invoice amount will only be for the toll itself, with no added fees or penalties initially.
For vehicles registered in California, the first Toll Invoice is typically sent about a week after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. For out-of-state vehicles, it might take a bit longer. Subsequently, if you continue to cross the bridge in the same vehicle without using FasTrak, a License Plate Account, or making a One-Time Payment, invoices will be issued every 30 days.
Paying Your Toll Invoice and Customer Service
FasTrak customer service extends to handling Toll Invoice payments as well, offering several convenient methods to pay your invoice:
- Mail Payment: Send a credit card payment, check, or money order to Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 26926, San Francisco, CA 94126. Note that there is a $25.00 fee for returned checks.
- Phone Payment via Credit Card: Call toll-free 1-877-229-8655 or 415-486-8655 (outside the USA) to pay your invoice over the phone using a credit card.
- In-Person Cash Payment: Pay your Toll Invoice in cash at a Cash Payment Location.
- In-Person Payment with Multiple Methods: Visit the Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center at 375 Beale Street, San Francisco, to pay with credit card, cash, check, or money order.
For any issues or questions related to your Toll Invoice, FasTrak customer service representatives are available to assist you through phone and in-person channels, ensuring you can resolve any payment concerns efficiently.
Understanding Toll Violations
It is important to pay your Toll Invoice promptly. An unpaid Toll Invoice, or any unpaid portion, will escalate to a Toll Violation, incurring a $25 penalty for each toll transaction associated with the unpaid invoice. If the first Toll Violation notice remains unpaid, a second notice is issued with increased penalties. Continued non-payment for California vehicles can result in referral to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, potentially leading to a hold on your vehicle registration until all penalties are settled. For out-of-state vehicles, unpaid amounts are referred to a collections agency.
In Conclusion
Choosing the right toll payment method for the Golden Gate Bridge depends on your individual needs and how frequently you cross. FasTrak offers the most comprehensive and customer service oriented solution with discounted rates and widespread usability across the Bay Area. License Plate Accounts provide a simpler pay-as-you-go option, while Toll Invoices serve as a default for occasional crossings. Regardless of the method you choose, FasTrak customer service is available to ensure a smooth and hassle-free toll payment experience. For further assistance or to manage your account, please visit the official Bay Area FasTrak website.
