How to Get FASTag for Car in India: A Simple 2026 Guide
Quick Answer
To get a FASTag for your car, choose an issuing bank or app, enter your car's registration number, upload your RC and ID proof, pay the tag fee and a starting balance, then stick the tag on the inside of your windshield. The bank checks your vehicle details in the government's VAHAN database before activating it. Online orders usually arrive in a few days.
You have a new road trip planned, the toll plaza is coming up, and you realise your windshield is bare. It happens to a lot of drivers. The good news is that learning how to get FASTag for a car takes about 15 minutes, and most of it can be done from your phone.
This guide covers every case: new cars, old cars, company cars, online and offline, plus what it costs and what changed in 2026.
What is FASTag?
FASTag is a small RFID sticker that pays your highway toll automatically from a linked prepaid account or wallet, so you do not stop to pay cash.
It is run under NPCI's NETC system and works at national highway and many state highway toll plazas. One tag is linked to one vehicle. That is why a tag lifted from one car and used in another leads to blacklisting.
How to Get FASTag for Car Online (Step by Step)
This is the easiest route for most people searching how to get FASTag for car online.
Pick your issuer - Banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI and Axis sell tags on their own sites and apps. You can also order through payment apps that partner with these banks. The NHAI's own Rajmargyatra app is a good place to check your tag status later.
Start a new FASTag request - Enter your mobile number and verify the OTP.
Enter your vehicle number - The system pulls your car details from VAHAN.
Upload documents - Add a clear photo of your RC and an ID proof such as Aadhaar or PAN.
Pay the fees - This usually covers the tag cost, a security deposit (bank dependent) and a minimum recharge amount.
Receive the tag - It is delivered to your address.
Stick it properly - Peel the backing and press it on the inside of the windshield, near the rear view mirror, centered.
Check activation - Do not drive to a toll plaza until you get the activation confirmation from the bank.
Fees and deposits differ by bank and change from time to time, so always read the final amount on the payment page before you confirm.
How to Get FASTag for Car Offline
Prefer talking to a person? You have three choices.
Bank branch: Carry original documents. Existing account holders often get quicker processing.
Toll plaza point of sale: Many plazas have a counter that sells tags on the spot. It is handy if you are already on the road.
Car dealer: Most dealers hand over a tag with the delivery of a new car. Ask for it before you leave the showroom.
Documents You Need
Document | Why it is needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Registration Certificate (RC) | Links tag to your vehicle | Front and back copy |
ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or passport) | Identifies the owner | Needed for account setup |
Passport size photo | Required by some issuers | Mostly for offline requests |
Mobile number | OTP and alerts | Keep it active |
How to Get FASTag for New Car Without Registration
This is a common question, and the honest answer is that rules here are tight. Banks now validate vehicle details through VAHAN before activation, so a tag generally needs a registration number on record. If your car is brand new and registration is still pending, your dealer is usually the best route, since they work with issuers and complete the process once the number is allotted. Ask your dealer how they handle it, because the process can differ by bank.
The good news for new car owners: NHAI dropped the post-activation KYV requirement for new car tags issued from 1 February 2026. You are no longer chased for repeat verification after activation.
How to Get FASTag for Old Car
If you bought a used car, check whether the previous owner's tag is still attached. Do not reuse it. Ask the old owner to close it, or contact the bank to deactivate it. Then apply for a fresh tag in your name using the updated RC. If the tag is old and damaged, you can also request a replacement from your issuer.
This applies across cities too. Whether you are looking up how to get a fixed FASTag for an old car in Chennai or anywhere else, the document list stays the same.
How to Get FASTag for Company Owned Car
For a company car, the RC will be in the company's name, so the process is a little different. Expect to provide:
RC in the company name
Company PAN or GST details
An authorisation letter or ID of the person applying
Many banks have a separate corporate or fleet request form. It is worth calling your bank's business team first, because one wrong document means a rejected request.
Which Bank Should You Choose?
Bank | Best for | How you apply |
|---|---|---|
SBI | People with an SBI account | Online and branch |
HDFC Bank | Quick app based ordering | Online, app and branch |
ICICI Bank | Existing ICICI customers | Online and app |
Axis Bank | Axis account holders | Online and branch |
The tag works the same everywhere on the highway. Choose the bank where you already hold an account, so recharging is simple. Check each bank's current fees and recharge options before you decide.
Can You Get a Free FASTag for Car?
Not really. You will always pay something, such as the tag cost, a deposit or a minimum balance. Some banks run offers that waive the tag fee or give small cashback. Treat any "completely free" claim carefully. If a site asks for money to "unlock" a free tag, walk away.
What About the FASTag Annual Pass?
If you drive on highways often, the annual pass is worth a look. Launched on 15 August 2025, it was priced at ₹3,000 for 200 toll crossings or one year, whichever comes first, for cars, jeeps and vans. Some sources report the price moving to ₹3,075 from 1 April 2026, so confirm the latest price on the NHAI or Rajmargyatra app before buying.
Simple math: if you cross fewer than about 25 to 30 toll plazas a year, normal tag payment may cost less. If you travel between cities every week, the pass can save real money.
Pros and Cons of Getting a FASTag
Pros
No waiting in cash lanes
Automatic deduction with SMS alerts
Often cheaper than paying without a tag
Works across most national highways
Cons
Low balance can cause a blocked or declined payment
A loose or wrongly fitted tag may get flagged
A tag linked to the wrong vehicle can be blacklisted
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Keeping the tag in the glovebox. It will not scan and can be treated as a loose tag.
Using one tag on two cars.
Forgetting to recharge before a long trip.
Entering the wrong registration number during the request.
Buying from random sellers. Stick to banks and official apps.
Expert Tips From Regular Highway Drivers
Keep a balance buffer of a few hundred rupees above your expected tolls. Take a photo of the fitted tag for your records. Save the NHAI helpline number, 1033, in your phone. If you travel to places like Kerala or Jaipur, the same tag works there, so you do not need a new one for each state.
What Happens Without a FASTag in 2026?
Driving without a valid tag costs more. Reports on the 2026 rules say cash payments are being stopped at national highway plazas, and those without a tag who pay by UPI can face a higher toll, around 1.25 times the normal fare. An invalid or blacklisted tag can mean paying the toll plus a penalty. Rules shift often, so check the latest NHAI notice before a long drive.
Future Trends
The toll system is slowly moving toward barrier free tolling and satellite based tracking. Annual passes and tighter VAHAN checks are early signs of this shift. Expect fewer manual steps and stricter vehicle matching in coming years.
Key Takeaways
Any car, jeep or van can get a FASTag from a bank, a mobile app, a toll plaza point of sale or a dealer.
You need your RC (registration certificate), an ID proof and a passport size photo in most cases.
Since 1 February 2026, NHAI no longer requires the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) step for new car FASTags, but banks must validate your vehicle through VAHAN before activation.
Cash is being phased out at national highway toll plazas, so a working tag matters more than ever.
Never buy a tag and leave it loose in the dashboard. It must be fixed to the windshield.
Final Verdict
Now you know how to get FASTag for car in a few easy steps: choose a trusted issuer, keep your RC and ID ready, apply online or at a dealer, and fix the tag on the windshield. It is a small task that saves time and money on every highway trip.
Ready to hit the road? Browse more car guides, ownership tips and buying advice at CarBike247 and travel stress free.
FAQs
How much will it cost to get a FASTag for a car?
It's different for every bank. Usually you get to pay for a tag or a deposit (which could be refundable or not depending on the issuer) and a minimum recharge. Verify the amount on the payment page.
How long does it take to get a FASTag?
Online orders normally ship within several days. Dealer or toll plaza orders can activate the same day after validation.
Is it possible to purchase a FASTag for my car without involving a bank?
Yes. You can request online through the dealership, your bank, or apps.
What is a good FASTag for car?
The easiest one is probably the one associated with a bank you already have, as topping-up and support are easier.
Is KYV still required in 2026?
For New Cars i.e New Car FASTag till 1 st Feb, 2026 no. KYV applies only in specific cases like complaints.
Can I transfer my FASTag to another vehicle?
No. One vehicle is associated with one tag.
What should I do if my tag is not working?
Verify your balance, make sure the tag is secure on the windshield and reach out to your bank or the 1033 line.
Jai Bhatt
Article Author