How to Pay Colorado Tolls and Understand Your Options
How Colorado toll payment works
Colorado has three toll roads: I-25 between Denver and Castle Rock, US-36 between Denver and Boulder, and I-270 between I-25 and I-76. All three use the same payment system called ExpressToll. You can pay tolls three ways: with a transponder (a small device mounted on your windshield), by license plate, or by mail after you receive an invoice.
The toll amount changes based on traffic and time of day—higher during rush hours, lower during off-peak times. You will see the current toll displayed on overhead signs before you enter the toll lane. If you do not have a transponder or a prepaid account, the system photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail within two weeks.
ExpressToll is run by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), not a private company. You can set up an account online at expresstoll.com, by phone at 1-877-MY-TOLL-1 (1-877-698-6551), or in person at a customer service center.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado tolls are paid through ExpressToll, which photographs your license plate if you do not have a transponder and sends you an invoice by mail.
- A transponder account lets you prepay and usually costs less per toll than paying by invoice, and you can monitor your balance online.
- Toll rates vary by time of day and traffic conditions, and you can see the current rate on overhead signs before entering the toll lane.
- If you receive an invoice you do not recognize, you can dispute it within 30 days by calling ExpressToll or logging into your online account.
- Late payments on toll invoices can result in additional fees and may eventually affect your vehicle registration renewal.
Setting up an ExpressToll transponder account
A transponder is the most convenient way to pay tolls. The device mounts on your windshield, and the toll is deducted from your prepaid account as you pass through the toll plaza. You can open an account online at expresstoll.com, and the transponder will arrive by mail within 5 to 7 business days. You will need to provide your name, address, vehicle information, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).
When you set up the account, you choose how much money to prepay. Most accounts start with $25 to $100. Once your balance drops below $10, the system automatically charges your payment method to refill it to your chosen level. You can change your automatic refill amount or turn it off at any time through your online account.
Transponder users typically pay a lower per-toll rate than drivers who pay by invoice. The exact discount varies, but transponder users often save 25 to 50 percent compared to invoice rates. You can check your account balance and toll history anytime online or by calling customer service.
Paying tolls by license plate without a transponder
If you do not have a transponder, the toll plaza camera reads your license plate as you pass through. CDOT mails you an invoice within two weeks. The invoice shows the toll date, time, location, and amount owed. You can pay the invoice online at expresstoll.com, by phone, by mail, or in person at a customer service center.
Paying by license plate costs more per toll than using a transponder. You also have no way to know the toll amount in advance or to monitor your account balance. If you use Colorado tolls regularly, opening a transponder account will save you money over time.
If you do not pay the invoice within 30 days, a late fee is added. If you do not pay after 60 days, CDOT may place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. This means you cannot renew your registration until the toll debt is paid.
What to do if you receive a toll invoice you do not recognize
Toll invoices sometimes arrive for trips you do not remember making, or for a vehicle you no longer own. You have 30 days from the invoice date to dispute it. Call ExpressToll at 1-877-698-6551 or log into your online account and submit a dispute through the website.
When you dispute a toll, explain why you believe it is incorrect. Common reasons include: you were not driving that vehicle on that date, you already paid the toll, or the toll amount is wrong. ExpressToll will investigate and respond within 10 to 15 business days. If the dispute is upheld, the toll charge will be removed from your account.
If you sold or transferred a vehicle, make sure to update your account information with CDOT. If tolls continue to arrive for a vehicle you no longer own, contact ExpressToll immediately with proof of sale or transfer. You are not responsible for tolls incurred after you no longer owned the vehicle, but you may need to provide documentation.
Paying a toll invoice by mail or phone
You can pay a toll invoice by mail by sending a check or money order to the address printed on the invoice. Include the invoice number with your payment. Mail payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to process, so send payment early if you are close to the 30-day deadline.
To pay by phone, call 1-877-698-6551 and have your invoice number ready. You can pay with a credit card or debit card. Phone payments are processed immediately, and you will receive a confirmation number. Keep the confirmation number in case you need to verify payment later.
You can also pay in person at an ExpressToll customer service center. Locations are listed on expresstoll.com. Centers accept cash, check, credit card, and debit card. In-person payments are processed immediately.
How toll debt affects your vehicle registration
If you do not pay a toll invoice within 60 days, CDOT places a hold on your vehicle registration. This means you cannot renew your registration until the toll debt is paid in full, including any late fees. The hold remains even if you move to another state, because it is tied to your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If you have a registration hold due to unpaid tolls, you must pay the full amount owed before you can renew. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Once payment is received and processed, the hold is lifted, usually within 1 to 3 business days. You can then renew your registration with the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
If you did not receive an invoice or did not know about the toll debt, you can still resolve it by contacting ExpressToll. Explain your situation and ask about payment options. ExpressToll may be able to work with you on a payment plan in some cases, though this is not may provide.
Transponder account options and discounts
ExpressToll offers different account types depending on your needs. A standard personal account is for one vehicle and one driver. A commercial account is available for businesses with multiple vehicles. Commercial accounts may have different rates and billing options.
Some employers and organizations offer transponder subsidies or discounts to employees who commute on toll roads. Ask your employer's human resources or benefits department whether this is available to you. If your employer offers a subsidy, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket toll costs significantly.
Residents of certain areas near the toll roads may be may be able to access for a resident discount. Check expresstoll.com or call 1-877-698-6551 to see if you may have access to. Discounts vary by location and are not available everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I overpay my ExpressToll account?
Yes. If your account balance is positive and you want to close the account, you can request a refund of the remaining balance. Contact ExpressToll by phone or through your online account. Refunds are typically issued within 10 to 15 business days.
What happens if I drive through a toll plaza without paying?
The camera reads your license plate and an invoice is mailed to you. If you do not pay within 30 days, late fees are added. If you do not pay within 60 days, a hold is placed on your vehicle registration. You must pay the full amount, including fees, before you can renew your registration.
Can I transfer my transponder to a different vehicle?
Yes. Log into your online account and update your vehicle information, or call ExpressToll customer service. The transponder itself does not need to be replaced; you just update which vehicle it is linked to. Make sure to remove the transponder from your old vehicle and mount it on your new one.
Do I have to pay tolls if I am just passing through Colorado?
Yes. If you drive on I-25, US-36, or I-270, you must pay the toll. Out-of-state drivers will receive an invoice by mail if they do not have a transponder. You can pay the invoice online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as Colorado residents.
What if my transponder is damaged or stops working?
Contact ExpressToll and report the problem. They will send you a replacement transponder at no charge. In the meantime, your license plate will be read and you will receive invoices. Once your new transponder arrives and is activated, you will return to transponder rates.