How to Pay Tolls on Colorado Roads
Colorado toll roads and how payment works
Colorado has three toll roads you may encounter: I-25 Express Lanes (between Castle Rock and the Denver metro area), US 36 Express Lanes (between Boulder and I-25), and I-270 (a short connector near Denver). All three use electronic toll collection — you do not stop at a booth or pay by mail. Instead, you either use a transponder (a small device mounted on your windshield) or the system photographs your license plate and bills you later.
The toll amount changes based on traffic flow. During rush hour, tolls are higher; during light traffic, they are lower. This is called congestion pricing. You can see the current toll before you enter the lane on electronic signs posted along the highway.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado toll roads use electronic collection only — no cash booths or payment by mail.
- You can pay with a transponder account, a license plate account, or a one-time toll invoice sent to your address.
- Toll rates change throughout the day based on traffic and are posted on signs before you enter the lane.
- Set up an account through mygeorgiaexpress.com (the statewide toll operator) to manage payments and avoid late fees.
- If you do not have an account, the system will photograph your plate and send an invoice to the address on your vehicle registration.
Three ways to pay tolls in Colorado
Transponder account: You purchase a transponder (called a Tolltag) and link it to a prepaid account. The device communicates with readers as you pass through the toll zone, and the toll is deducted from your balance. You can set up automatic replenishment so the account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount. This is the fastest and most reliable method.
License plate account: You register your vehicle's license plate with the toll operator. The system photographs your plate as you pass through, matches it to your account, and charges you. This works without a physical device in your car, but it is slower than a transponder and slightly less reliable if your plate is obscured or misread.
One-time invoice: If you do not have an account, the system photographs your plate and mails an invoice to the address on your vehicle registration. You then pay that single toll by the due date listed on the invoice. This method works but costs more in the long run because you lose any account discounts and may face late fees if you miss the payment date.
Setting up a transponder or license plate account
Both transponder and license plate accounts are managed through the same system: mygeorgiaexpress.com (the statewide toll operator that runs Colorado's toll roads). Visit the website and select "Create Account." You will need your vehicle registration, a valid email address, and a payment method (debit card or credit card).
For a transponder account, you order the Tolltag device during account setup. It arrives by mail in about 5 to 7 business days. Once it arrives, mount it on your windshield (the instructions are included) and activate it in your online account. For a license plate account, no physical device is needed — you simply register your plate number and your account is active immediately.
Both account types let you check your balance, view transaction history, set up automatic replenishment, and update your payment method online. You can also add multiple vehicles to a single account if you own more than one car.
What happens if you do not pay a toll
If you pass through a toll zone without an active account or transponder, the system photographs your plate and mails an invoice to your vehicle's registered address. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee (the fee amount varies). You have a deadline to pay, usually 30 days from the invoice date.
If you do not pay by the deadline, late fees are added to the bill. If the account remains unpaid for several months, the toll operator may report the debt to a collection agency, which can affect your credit. In some cases, the state may also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal until the toll debt is resolved.
If you received an invoice and believe it is incorrect — for example, you did not actually use that road, or you already paid — contact the toll operator through mygeorgiaexpress.com to dispute it. You will need to provide details about your vehicle and the date of the toll.
Discounts and payment options
Colorado does not offer a formal discount program for frequent toll users, but maintaining an active prepaid account (rather than paying one-time invoices) avoids the processing fees added to mailed bills. Some employers and transit agencies in the Denver metro area offer pre-tax toll payment programs, which reduce your taxable income slightly — ask your employer's benefits department if this is available.
Payment methods accepted for online accounts include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay a one-time invoice by phone or mail if you do not want to set up an online account, though this is slower and more expensive.
Transponders and rental cars
If you rent a car in Colorado, the rental company will tell you whether the vehicle has a transponder installed. If it does, ask the rental company how tolls will be charged — some companies bill the toll directly to your rental agreement, while others require you to set up a temporary account. If the vehicle does not have a transponder, the system will photograph your plate and mail an invoice to the rental company's address; the rental company will then bill you.
To avoid confusion, ask the rental company at pickup whether tolls are included in your rental rate or will be billed separately. If you know you will use toll roads, request a vehicle with a transponder so you can see the toll amount in real time rather than discovering it on a bill later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see how much a toll will cost before I enter the lane?
Yes. Electronic signs posted before each toll zone display the current toll rate for that road. Rates change throughout the day based on traffic, so the amount you see is what you will be charged if you enter at that moment.
What if my transponder stops working?
Contact the toll operator through mygeorgiaexpress.com or call the customer service number on your account statement. They can troubleshoot the device or send you a replacement. In the meantime, the system will photograph your plate and charge your account, so you will not be stranded with an unpaid toll.
Do I need a separate account for each toll road?
No. A single account (whether transponder or license plate) works on all three Colorado toll roads: I-25 Express Lanes, US 36 Express Lanes, and I-270. You manage everything through one login.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid my toll account?
Yes. If your account balance is positive (you have paid more than you owe), you can request a refund through mygeorgiaexpress.com or by contacting customer service. Refunds are typically processed within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I moved and did not update my address?
Update your address in your online account immediately. If you received an invoice at an old address and did not pay it, contact the toll operator to explain and provide your current address. They can reissue the invoice to the correct location.