The Official Process for Getting Free Tolls for Veterans in Texas

Driving across Texas can get expensive, especially with the growing number of toll roads. However, as a thank you for your service, the state offers a powerful benefit that can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket: free tolls for veterans in Texas on most major toll roads.

Since 2012, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has honored veterans through its Veterans Discount Program. At the Texas Veterans Center, our mission is to remove the confusion and provide a simple, 3-step process to get your veteran toll waiver. We’ll cover who qualifies, how to apply, and exactly which roads are free.

The Short Answer: Yes, qualifying veterans with specific Texas-issued specialty license plates can use most TxDOT-managed toll roads for free. The process involves getting the correct plate from the TxDMV and ensuring your vehicle is properly registered with the tolling authorities.

Do You Qualify? The Official Eligibility Checklist

So, do veterans pay tolls in Texas? Not if you meet the specific requirements. Eligibility isn’t based on your VA ID card; it’s tied directly to your vehicle’s license plate. Before you do anything else, make sure you meet the following criteria.

Requirement 1: A Qualifying Veteran License Plate
To receive the toll waiver, your vehicle must display one of these official disabled veterans license plates Texas offers:

  • Disabled Veteran (the most common plate for this benefit)
  • Purple Heart
  • Medal of Honor
  • Legion of Valor (including Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, or Navy Cross plates)

Requirement 2: A Non-Commercial Vehicle
The program applies to standard passenger cars and light trucks. Commercial vehicles are not eligible.

How to Get a Disabled Veteran (DV) License Plate

To get the specific Disabled Veteran plate, you must have a service-connected disability rating from the VA of at least 50%, or 40% with the amputation of a lower extremity. You can apply for this plate through your local county Tax Assessor-Collector’s office by providing a copy of your VA disability letter. This plate is one of the key 100 percent disabled veterans discounts available in the state.

The 3-Step Process to Activate Your Free Tolls

Once you have the right plate on your car, activating your benefit is straightforward. Follow these steps in order to avoid getting mistaken bills in the mail.

Step 1: Get Your Qualifying License Plate
This is the non-negotiable first step. The entire system is based on cameras reading your license plate. If you’ve already completed this and have your plate, you can proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Get a Texas Toll Tag
While the tolls are free, the system still needs to read your vehicle electronically. You must have a toll tag. We recommend getting a TxTag, as it has the widest acceptance across the state and is managed by TxDOT. For TxTag veterans services, their customer support can be very helpful. Other regional tags like the NTTA TollTag (North Texas) or HCTRA EZ TAG (Houston) also work on most systems.

Step 3: Call to Link Your Plate & Tag (The Most Important Step)
This is the crucial step most people miss. The waiver is not fully automatic.

After you have your specialty plate and your toll tag, you must call the toll tag’s customer service (e.g., TxTag) and ask them to add your new Disabled Veteran plate to your account and apply the waiver. This single phone call ensures their system recognizes your vehicle and prevents you from getting erroneous bills.

Where Your Veteran Waiver Works (And Where It Doesn't)

The biggest point of confusion for many veterans is knowing which roads are covered. The state waiver allows, but does not require, all toll agencies to waive tolls. Here’s what that means for you.

Covered: TxDOT-Managed Toll Roads
Your waiver is guaranteed on toll roads managed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This includes major routes in the Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth areas.

  • Austin Area: The Central Texas Turnpike System (SH 130, Loop 1, SH 45).
  • Houston Area: Segments of the Grand Parkway (SH 99) and SH 249.
  • DFW Area: Certain TEXpress Lanes, like those on SH 183 and I-635E.

Check Locally: Other Toll Authorities
Many veterans are surprised to receive a bill after driving on a toll road. This often happens on roads managed by local or regional authorities, which have their own policies.

  • The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority runs its own excellent “Qualified Veteran Discount Program” covering roads like 183A and SH 71, but you must enroll in their specific program. You can find more information at Mobility Authority.
  • In the Houston area, you should check the specific policies for HCTRA disabled veterans programs.

Always verify the toll authority for your route if you’re unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do I do if I get a toll bill by mistake?

Immediately call the customer service number on the invoice. Inform them you have a qualifying veteran plate and ask them to verify it’s correctly listed on your account with the waiver applied.

Yes, the benefit applies to any vehicle that has its own qualifying veteran license plate registered in your name. However, some local programs, like the one from the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, may limit participation to one vehicle.

No. The vehicle must be registered in Texas and display the physical specialty license plate to be recognized by the system.

If you’ve moved from another state, you may be familiar with programs like the SunPass for disabled veterans in Florida or the EZ Pass for disabled veterans in NJ. Unlike those systems, the Texas benefit is tied directly to the license plate itself, not just the transponder.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps to Driving for Free

Getting your well-earned toll benefit is a simple process: Get the Plate, Get the Tag, and Make the Call. Remember to always confirm which authority manages the road you’re driving on to avoid any surprises. This is one of many great benefits available in Texas, and it’s important to note that it is separate from other local perks, such as the Austin Bergstrom airport parking for disabled veterans.

Don’t leave money on the table. For more resources or if you have questions, the team at [x] is here to help. Contact us at [x] or via email at [x@x.com].