FASTag Guide: How to Buy, Activate, Recharge and Check Balance

Who Needs This Service?

FASTag is mandatory for all vehicles in India since February 15, 2021. Any vehicle owner – whether car, jeep, van, truck, bus, or two-wheeler – using National Highways must have an active FASTag. This includes both private and commercial vehicles. From February 1, 2026, banks must verify vehicle details before activating FASTags for new vehicles.

Required Documents

To apply for FASTag, you need the following documents:

  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC) – Mandatory for all applications
  • Identity ProofAadhaar card, PAN card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License
  • Address Proof – Aadhaar card, Utility bill, or Bank statement
  • Passport-size Photograph – Recent photo of vehicle owner
  • KYC Documents – As per vehicle category (personal/commercial)

The KYC request is processed within a maximum of 7 working days from submission.

FASTag Guide: Buy, Activate, Recharge & Check Balance

Online Application Process

Method 1: Through Bank Websites

Step 1: Visit your preferred bank’s FASTag portal:

Step 2: Click on “Register” or “Apply for FASTag”

Step 3: Enter your mobile number and verify with OTP

Step 4: Fill in vehicle details:

  • Vehicle Registration Number
  • Vehicle Class (Car/Jeep/Van/LCV/Truck/Bus)
  • Chassis Number (from RC)
  • Engine Number (from RC)

Step 5: Upload required documents:

  • Scanned copy of RC (front and back)
  • ID proof
  • Address proof
  • Passport-size photo

Step 6: Make payment:

  • Tag cost: Maximum Rs. 100 including GST (government regulated)
  • Security deposit: Rs. 200 (refundable)
  • Minimum recharge: Rs. 200

Step 7: Choose payment mode – Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI

Step 8: Complete payment and note down your application reference number

Step 9: FASTag will be delivered to your registered address within 3-7 working days

Method 2: Through NHAI Website

Step 1: Visit the official NHAI website: https://www.nhai.gov.in

Step 2: Click on FASTag section

Step 3: Select “Apply for NHAI FASTag” option

Step 4: NHAI FASTag is bank-neutral, meaning no bank is linked at purchase time

Step 5: Complete registration with vehicle and personal details

Step 6: Upload documents and make payment

Step 7: Link to your bank account later through My FASTag App

Method 3: Through My FASTag Mobile App

Step 1: Download “My FASTag” app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store

Step 2: Register with your mobile number

Step 3: Select “Buy New FASTag”

Step 4: Choose issuer bank or NHAI FASTag

Step 5: Enter vehicle and owner details

Step 6: Upload documents through the app

Step 7: Make payment via UPI/Net Banking

Step 8: Track delivery status in the app

Offline Purchase Process

At Toll Plazas

Step 1: Visit any National Highway toll plaza with Point-of-Sale (POS) facility

Step 2: Carry original and photocopies of:

  • Vehicle RC
  • ID proof
  • Address proof
  • Passport-size photo

Step 3: Fill FASTag application form at the counter

Step 4: Submit documents and make payment (cash or card accepted)

Step 5: FASTag will be issued and affixed on your windshield immediately

At Bank Branches

Step 1: Visit nearest branch of authorized FASTag issuing bank (ICICI, HDFC, SBI, Axis, etc.)

Step 2: Request FASTag application form

Step 3: Fill form with vehicle and owner details

Step 4: Submit original documents for verification along with photocopies

Step 5: Make payment through cash/cheque/DD

Step 6: Collect FASTag or opt for home delivery

At Petrol Pumps

State-run oil companies IOC, BPCL and HPCL provide FASTag purchase facility. Visit authorized petrol pumps, submit documents, and get FASTag issued on the spot.

FASTag Activation Process

From February 1, 2026, FASTag activation depends on vehicle detail validation through the VAHAN database. Here’s how to activate:

Using My FASTag App

Step 1: Download My FASTag App (Android/iOS)

Step 2: Open app and select “Activate FASTag”

Step 3: Enter vehicle registration number

Step 4: Enter FASTag ID (printed on the tag)

Step 5: Verify details through OTP sent to registered mobile

Step 6: For NHAI FASTag, link to your bank account by providing:

  • Bank account number
  • IFSC code
  • Standing instruction for auto top-up amount

Step 7: Activation is simple – enter vehicle details and follow steps in the app

Step 8: Activation confirmation will be sent via SMS

Through Bank Portal

Step 1: Login to your issuing bank’s FASTag portal

Step 2: Navigate to “Activate FASTag” section

Step 3: Enter FASTag barcode number or vehicle registration number

Step 4: Complete KYC verification if prompted

Step 5: Link to prepaid wallet or bank account

Step 6: Activation confirmed within 24 hours

How to Recharge FASTag

Method 1: Through UPI Apps (Fastest Method)

Recharge is available on 100+ UPI enabled apps like Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe.

Step 1: Open any UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM)

Step 2: Go to “Bill Payment” or “Recharge & Pay Bills”

Step 3: Select “FASTag” option

Step 4: Enter FASTag UPI handle in format: netc.vehiclenumber@bankupihandle

Example formats:

  • SBI: netc.DL01AB1234@sbi
  • ICICI: netc.MH02CD5678@icici
  • HDFC: netc.KA03EF9012@hdfcbank
  • Axis: netc.TN04GH3456@axisbank

Step 5: Enter recharge amount (minimum Rs. 100)

Step 6: Verify UPI ID and confirm payment

Step 7: Enter UPI PIN

Step 8: Receive confirmation SMS within minutes

Method 2: Through Bank Net Banking

Step 1: Login to your bank’s net banking portal

Step 2: Navigate to “FASTag” or “Payments” section

Step 3: Select “FASTag Recharge”

Step 4: Enter vehicle number or FASTag ID

Step 5: Enter recharge amount

Step 6: Confirm transaction with OTP or password

Method 3: Through BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System)

Step 1: Use BBPS-enabled platforms (Bajaj Finserv, Paytm, PhonePe, Bank apps)

Step 2: Select “FASTag” under bill payment

Step 3: Choose your FASTag issuer bank

Step 4: Enter vehicle registration number

Step 5: Enter recharge amount

Step 6: Select payment method (UPI/Card/Net Banking/Wallet)

Step 7: Complete payment

Method 4: Through Mobile Banking Apps

Step 1: Open your bank’s mobile app (SBI YONO, ICICI iMobile, HDFC MobileBanking)

Step 2: Go to “FASTag” section

Step 3: Select “Recharge FASTag”

Step 4: Choose linked vehicle or enter vehicle number

Step 5: Enter amount and confirm payment

Method 5: Scan QR Code on FASTag

Step 1: Open any UPI application and scan QR printed on your FASTag

Step 2: Confirm recharge amount

Step 3: Enter UPI PIN

Step 4: Instant recharge confirmation

Method 6: At Toll Plaza POS Counter

Step 1: Visit any toll plaza with BBPS facility

Step 2: Request FASTag recharge at POS counter

Step 3: Provide vehicle number

Step 4: Pay cash/card at counter

Step 5: Recharge reflects immediately

Auto-Recharge Setup

For frequent travelers, auto-recharge facilities can be enabled to automatically add a specific amount when balance drops below predefined threshold.

Step 1: Login to bank FASTag portal or app

Step 2: Enable “Auto Top-up” option

Step 3: Set threshold amount (e.g., Rs. 100)

Step 4: Set auto-recharge amount (e.g., Rs. 500)

Step 5: Provide standing instruction authorization

How to Check FASTag Balance

Method 1: Missed Call Service (No Internet Required)

NHAI provides missed call facility – give missed call to +91-8884333331 from registered mobile number to receive SMS with wallet balance.

For NHAI prepaid wallet FASTag:

  • Dial: +91-8884333331
  • Receive SMS with balance instantly

For SBI FASTag: Give missed call to 7208820024 from registered mobile to receive SMS with balance details

For ICICI FASTag:

  • Dial: 8010928888

For Airtel FASTag: Dial 01204725873 from registered mobile number to receive SMS with current balance

Method 2: Through SMS

For SBI – Type FTBAL for single vehicle or FTBAL <VehicleNumber> for multiple tags and send to 7208820019

For ICICI:

  • Type: ETCBAL <Vehicle Registration Number>
  • Send to: 5676766

Method 3: Through My FASTag App

Step 1: Open My FASTag app

Step 2: Login with registered mobile number

Step 3: Balance displayed on home screen

Step 4: View transaction history for details

Method 4: Through Bank Mobile Apps

Step 1: Open bank’s mobile app (SBI YONO, ICICI iMobile, HDFC MobileBanking)

Step 2: Navigate to FASTag section

Step 3: Balance visible on dashboard

Step 4: Check recent toll deductions

Method 5: Through Bank Web Portal

Step 1: Visit bank’s FASTag portal

Step 2: Login with credentials

Step 3: Dashboard shows current balance and transaction history

Step 4: Download statements if needed

Method 6: SMS Alerts After Toll Transactions

Every toll transaction triggers SMS alert to registered mobile number containing toll amount deducted and remaining balance. Check your last SMS to know current balance.

Method 7: Through Customer Care

Call SBI Customer Care at 1800-11-0018 or 1033 (NHAI), provide vehicle registration number to get balance information.

Status Checking

To check if your FASTag is active or blacklisted:

Step 1: Visit NPCI FASTag Status Portal: https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/netc-fastag/check-your-netc-fastag-status

Step 2: Enter Vehicle Registration Number

Step 3: Click “Check Status”

Step 4: View activation status and linked FASTag details

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem 1: FASTag Blacklisted

A blacklisted tag means the tag is blocked by issuer bank and cannot be used to pay toll. Common reasons include insufficient balance or violations like vehicle-tag class mismatch.

Solutions:

  • Check balance immediately and recharge if low
  • Call issuing bank customer care after recharge to activate blacklisted FASTag
  • Update KYC if incomplete (KYC update processed within 7 working days)
  • Verify vehicle details match FASTag registration
  • Contact bank to understand specific blacklist reason

Problem 2: Recharge Not Reflecting

Solutions:

  • Wait 2-4 hours for payment gateway processing
  • Check transaction status in bank/UPI app
  • Verify payment was made to correct FASTag UPI handle
  • Contact bank customer care with payment reference number
  • For failed transactions where amount debited but not credited, call bank call center to raise reversal request

Problem 3: Tag Not Read at Toll Plaza

If FASTag is not acceptable at toll plaza, call 1033 toll-free number and register complaint.

Solutions:

  • Ensure FASTag is properly affixed on windshield (not hand-held)
  • Check if tag is damaged or peeling off
  • Verify sufficient balance exists
  • Clean windshield near tag area
  • Report to toll plaza operator
  • Call 1033 immediately for assistance

Problem 4: Double Deduction

Transaction disputes must be reported within 15 days from transaction date.

Solutions:

  • Check SMS alerts to confirm double deduction
  • Note transaction date, time, and toll plaza name
  • Login to FASTag portal and raise “Transaction Dispute”
  • Upload supporting documents (receipts, screenshots)
  • Contact bank customer care to initiate chargeback
  • Bank will review and refund if found valid

Problem 5: KYC Incomplete or Pending

From February 2026, separate KYC process for FASTag has been removed for cars – banks verify details before activation.

Solutions for existing FASTag users:

  • Login to issuing bank’s FASTag portal
  • Navigate to KYC section
  • Upload ID proof, address proof, vehicle RC, and passport photo
  • Submit documents for verification
  • Wait 7 working days for processing
  • Check status in portal/app

Problem 6: Multiple FASTags for Same Vehicle

Under ‘One Vehicle One FASTag’ initiative, all FASTags linked to single vehicle except latest one shall be deactivated.

Solutions:

  • Identify which FASTag is currently active
  • Deactivate older FASTags through issuing banks
  • Use only one active FASTag per vehicle
  • Transfer balance from old to new FASTag if needed

Problem 7: Lost or Damaged FASTag

Solutions:

  • Report loss/damage to issuing bank immediately by calling customer care to blacklist the tag so no further transactions occur
  • Visit bank branch or login to portal
  • Apply for new FASTag
  • Request balance transfer to new tag or withdraw balance
  • Receive new FASTag within 3-7 days

FASTag Annual Pass (New Feature)

On August 15, 2026, NHAI launched FASTag Annual Pass at Rs. 3,000 per year allowing unlimited crossings or up to 200 crossings, whichever comes first Fastag.

Eligibility: Private cars, vans, and jeeps only

Validity: One year from activation date OR 200 toll crossings (whichever occurs first)

How to Activate:

  1. Download Rajmargyatra App or visit NHAI portal
  2. Login/Register with vehicle details
  3. Select “Annual Pass” option under Toll Road Information
  4. Click “Pre Book”
  5. Complete payment of Rs. 3,000
  6. Pass activated from payment date

Coverage: Valid only at National Highway (NH) and National Expressway (NE) fee plazas. At State Highways, FASTag operates as regular tag with applicable charges

Official Helpline Numbers and Contact

National Helpline

NHAI/IHMCL Helpline: 1033 (toll-free, available 24/7) for FASTag complaints at toll plaza level

Issues handled:

  • Tag blacklisted but showing as active
  • Forced cash payment despite sufficient balance
  • FASTag not working at toll plaza
  • General toll plaza complaints

Bank-Specific Customer Care Numbers

SBI FASTag: 1800-11-0018

ICICI Bank FASTag: 18002100104 (toll-free)

HDFC Bank FASTag: 1800-120-1243

Axis Bank FASTag: Contact through bank customer care

Paytm FASTag: Available through Paytm app support

NHAI Prepaid Wallet Balance: +91-8884333331 (missed call service)

Email Support

For escalations: etc.nodal@ihmcl.com

HDFC Bank disputes: [email protected]

Websites for Reference

NHAI Official: https://www.nhai.gov.in

IHMCL FASTag Portal: https://fastag.ihmcl.com

NPCI FASTag Status: https://www.npci.org.in/what-we-do/netc-fastag

My FASTag App: Download from Google Play Store / Apple App Store


This information is from official sources as of February 2026. Always verify on official NHAI portal (www.nhai.gov.in) and your issuing bank’s FASTag portal for latest updates, pricing, and procedures.

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