What Is a FASTag?
A FASTag is an electronic toll payment and collection service in India that was introduced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It uses RFID technology to automatically deduct toll charges when a vehicle passes through a toll plaza. A sensor located at a toll booth detects the unique RFID and processes an online transaction. This only requires slowing down the vehicle for a few seconds, reducing time spent at a toll plaza.
FASTag is a small, translucent sticker affixed on the vehicle’s windshield. Every FASTag is unique and linked to a prepaid account or wallet from a bank account or payment app. The toll amount gets debited as you drive through the tolls, and the service providers will send automated receipts for the tolls through text. Automated texts are also sent when the balance is low, thus eliminating the need to check the remaining funds constantly.
Why Is It Important To Deactivate Your FASTag Account?
It is crucial to close/deactivate the FASTag account if you have sold your car or transferred its ownership. Since the toll charges will continue to be deducted from the account linked to the tag, one should immediately deactivate the account in any of the scenarios mentioned above.
Moreover, if you sell your car, the new owner can’t obtain a new FASTag until you close your account linked to the vehicle. That’s because you can only link one tag to a specific car.
When Should You Deactivate Your FASTag Account?
Deactivating your FASTag is essential in specific situations to ensure smooth transitions and avoid unnecessary deductions. Whether you're selling your car, buying a new one, or planning not to use your vehicle for an extended period, knowing when and how to deactivate your FASTag will help you manage toll payments efficiently and prevent unexpected charges. Here’s a look at the most common scenarios where deactivation is recommended.
Selling Your Car
This is the most common scenario for deactivating your FASTag account. Remember that the FASTag sticker on the windshield is linked to your account when you sell your car.
So, even after you hand over the car to the new owner, the toll payments will continue to be deducted from your linked bank account or wallet. To avoid this unwanted deduction, you should know how to remove fastag from windshield and immediately call your FASTag provider's customer care or visit their website to raise a closure request.
Only once your account is deactivated can the car's new owner apply for and activate a new FASTag.
Buying a New Car
When you purchase a new car, you cannot simply detach your active FASTag from the old car and fix it on the new one. Each FASTag tag ID is vehicle-specific and mapped to the registration number/engine chassis number.
To use FASTag on your new four-wheeler, you need to know how to remove old FASTag from car and then apply for a new FASTag with the new car's documents. This ensures a smooth transition of digital toll payments from your previous to the latest vehicle.
You are Not Using Your Car for Long Stretches
If you will not drive your car for 6 months or longer due to travel, health reasons or any other circumstance, it will be better for you to deactivate FASTag account. This prevents automatic deductions from your prepaid or bank account for non-utilised FASTag services.
Call the customer helpline to inform them about your account deactivation need for an upcoming prolonged inactive vehicle period. Once you are ready to start driving again, you can request the reactivation of the FASTag account.
To avoid unwanted payments, act swiftly to deactivate your FASTag anytime vehicle ownership is transferred or for foreseeable inactive periods.
How to Deactivate FASTag Account?
So, how should one deactivate a FASTag account? It is a relatively simple procedure, and the exact process varies from one provider to another. The most convenient way to do it is to approach the tag issuer’s customer helpline and request for the closure/deactivation of the account.
However, there are several other ways to cancel the FASTag account, which we will elaborate on in the following sections of this article.
FASTag Cancellation Process
As mentioned before, the FASTag cancellation process is straightforward. All you have to do is inform your tag issuer about the cancellation/deactivation request. Some providers also allow you to cancel the account online with a few clicks. So, it depends on the protocols of the tag issuer. We will explain the cancellation process for different tag issuers.
How to Close FASTag Account?
There are several FASTag providers in India, and they may have different processes for closing linked accounts. Below are the steps on how to deactivate FASTag online along with the account linked to the tag issued by various providers.
How to deactivate the NHAI (IHMCL) FASTag account?
Follow the steps below to cancel the NHAI FASTag account.
- Step 1 - Call the customer helpline number (1033).
- Step 2 - Customer support will guide you through the account closure/deactivation procedure.
How to Deactivate the IHMCL FASTag Account?
Follow the steps below to cancel the IHMCL FASTag account.
- Step 1 - Log In to Your Account: Access the IHMCL FASTag portal at fastag.ihmcl.com and use the IHMCL login option to enter your account details.
- Step 2 - Check Your Balance: Ensure your account has no pending charges. You can top up if needed via IHMCL FASTag recharge or IHMCL FASTag recharge online before closing the account.
- Step 3 - Contact Customer Support: Call the IHMCL customer service at 1033 or email them to request account deactivation. Be ready to provide your registered vehicle details for verification.
- Step 4 - Confirm Deactivation: Once your details are verified, request the deactivation of your IHMCL FASTag account.
- Step 5 - Remove the FASTag Sticker: After receiving confirmation, remove the FASTag IHMCL sticker from your vehicle’s windshield.
- Step 6 - Following these steps on the IHMCL FASTag portal will ensure a smooth deactivation process, allowing you to close your NHAI FASTag account with ease.
How to Deactivate ICICI FASTag account?
Here are the steps on how to close ICICI FASTag account.
- Step 1 - Log In to Your Account: The first step is to do FASTag ICICI login. Visit the ICICI Bank FASTag login page. You can use the ICICI FASTag login with mobile number or your ICICI FASTag customer ID or mobile number for access.
- Step 2 - Check Your Balance: Ensure you have no pending charges by performing an ICICI FASTag balance check. You can use the ICICI FASTag balance check number or the FASTag balance check ICICI feature.
- Step 3 - Recharge If Needed: Top-up your balance if required through ICICI FASTag recharge online with vehicle number to cover any outstanding tolls.
- Step 4 - Request Account Closure: Contact ICICI customer support to request account deactivation. Provide details such as your ICICI FASTag customer ID and vehicle number.
- Step 5 - Confirm Account Deactivation: Once verified, request the representative to proceed with the ICICI FASTag close process.
- Step 6 - Remove the FASTag Sticker: Remove the FASTag ICICI sticker from your vehicle’s windshield.
With these steps on the ICICI FASTag portal, you can effectively deactivate your account and receive any remaining balance.
How to Deactivate the Axis Bank FASTag account?
You can refer to the below steps to deactivate an account linked to Axis FASTag.
- Step 1 - Call the customer helpline number (18004198585), and you will be assisted through the deactivation process.
- Step 2 - You can access the FASTag Axis Bank login portal for support or submit your cancellation request by mailing [email protected].
How to Deactivate the HDFC Bank FASTag account?
Below are the steps involved in cancelling the HDFC FASTag account.
- Access Account: Start by logging in with the HDFC FASTag login with the vehicle number. This will give you access to all account details.
- Check Balance: Make sure no payments are due by checking your HDFC FASTag balance check. You may also want to see your HDFC FASTag statement for final transactions.
- Clear Dues (if needed): If there is a due, you can clear it through the HDFC FASTag recharge online login.
- Request Deactivation: Call HDFC support to deactivate. Keep your vehicle number and account ID ready for quick verification.
- Confirm Closure: Once the support team processes your request your FASTag HDFC account will be deactivated.
Alternatively, you can call the customer helpline number (18001201243) for further assistance on account closure.
How to Close Airtel Payment Bank account FASTag?
Below are the steps to cancel the Airtel Payments Bank FASTag account.
- Step 1 - Check Your FASTag Balance: Make sure you have no pending charges. You can perform an Airtel FASTag balance check by logging into your account.
- Step 2 - Log In to Your Account: Access the Airtel FASTag login portal using your credentials.
- Step 3 - Contact Customer Support: Call Airtel Payments Bank customer care at 8800688006.
- Step 4 - Request Account Closure: Inform the representative that you wish to close your FASTag account. Provide your registered mobile number and vehicle details for verification.
- Step 5 - Destroy the FASTag Sticker: After confirmation, remove and destroy the FASTag sticker from your vehicle's windshield.
- Step 6 - Send Proof of Destruction: Email a photo of the destroyed FASTag to [email protected].
- Step 7 - Await Confirmation: Once Airtel verifies the destruction, they will process your account closure within 48 hours.
How to Deactivate PayTM FASTag account?
Follow the steps mentioned below to learn how to cancel PayTM FASTag account.
- Step 1 - Sign in to the PayTM app.
- Step 2 - Navigate to the 24x7 Help Desk option.
- Step 3 - Select the type of issue.
- Step 4 - Raise/add your request to close FASTag PayTM account.
- Step 5 - Now, you know how to deactivate FASTag Paytm smoothly.
Alternatively, you can call the customer helpline (18001204210) to deactivate the account.
By following the above steps, you know how to close PayTM FASTag.
Note: If you have any concerns/complaints related to how to remove FASTag from PayTM, you can dial the MoRTH/NHAI/IHMCL customer helpline number at 1033.
How to Deactivate your IDFC Bank FASTag?
To deactivate your IDFC Bank FASTag, follow these steps:
- Log In: Visit the FASTag IDFC login page on IDFC Bank’s site. Use your details to access your account.
- Go to FASTag Options: Find the FASTag section to manage your account settings.
- Connect with an Agent: You can get support through the IDFC FASTag agent login portal. The agent can assist you with the deactivation.
- Deactivate: In the options, locate the deactivation request. Follow the instructions shown to proceed with this request.
- Check Remaining Balance: Dial the IDFC FASTag balance check number to confirm any balance and follow the steps for refunds if necessary.
- Receive Confirmation: Once completed, IDFC Bank will send a confirmation for the FASTag deactivation.
7 Troubleshooting Tips for FASTag Account Deactivation
Deactivating your FASTag account can sometimes be challenging, with potential delays and technical issues. Here are some practical troubleshooting tips to help you navigate these obstacles and ensure a smooth and hassle-free deactivation process.
1. Deactivation request rejected
If your application to deactivate the FASTag account gets rejected, then the first step is to find out the exact reason from your service provider. Usually, it could be due to incorrect documents submitted or pending payments/dues on your account. Provide accurate KYC documents to rectify the errors and re-apply for closure. Clear any unpaid toll charges or wallet top-ups to ensure smooth processing of the deactivation request.
2. The account is still active after deactivation request
Sometimes, the FASTag account remains active after submitting the FASTag deactivation application. This can happen if the request remains pending due to procedural delays or backlogs at the service provider's end. Continuously follow up with their customer support if the closure needs to be reflected within the expected TAT.
3. Errors on the online web portal
You may encounter errors on the online web portal such as messages like “Unable to process request” or “Technical difficulties" when raising an online closure request on the provider's portal or app. This is typically when their systems experience a temporary glitch. If the web portal continues to show errors, then try again after some time or use the customer helpline number to speak to an agent. Provide your registered mobile number for smooth navigation and resolution.
4. Wrong Account Deactivated
There have been rare instances where customers have had the wrong FASTag account deactivated when they have multiple tags. This can happen if you inadvertently provide details or documents of the tag not intended for closure. To avoid this scenario, carefully verify tag IDs, vehicle numbers, and linked account numbers before sharing for deactivation. Inform the support executive during the closure request call.
5. SMS or Email Notification Delays
FASTag providers send text messages and emails confirming account deactivation. Sometimes, such notifications get delayed due to systemic lags. If you don't receive any intimation for a long post-deactivation request, proactively check the status by calling the customer helpline and providing a reference ID to verify successful closure in their backend.
6. Unable to Update Vehicle Registration Details
After selling your old car with FASTag deactivated, if you face difficulties transferring or applying the tag for your new vehicle purchased—unable to update registration certificate details during new application—contact grievance redressal. Pending backend clearances may be obstructing vehicle mapping changes.
7. Reactivation Failures
In some cases, customers have faced issues while getting their temporarily deactivated FASTag account reactivated, especially after a long period of closure. If your reactivation requests are rejected despite no change in KYC credentials, contact customer care for assistance in diagnosing and fixing the underlying issue. A new activation may be needed.
Conclusion
It is necessary to immediately deactivate your FASTag when selling or transferring ownership of your vehicle to avoid unwanted deductions from the linked account. The process is quick - contact your service provider's helpline or raise an online request for permanent closure. For temporary pauses, limited-period deactivation is also possible on request. Be sure to troubleshoot any pending dues, documentation gaps, or system errors that stall your deactivation application. With this prior FASTag account closure, your vehicle's next owner can apply afresh and continue seamless digital toll payments. Planning its deactivation well in time also safeguards your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
