FASTag Explained: Type, Meaning, Classes, Colors, History

Following the Reserve Bank of India’s crackdown on the banking operations of Paytm, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has removed Paytm Payments Bank from the list of FASTag issuers that it approved.

If you haven’t yet utilized FASTag from Paytm Payments Bank, then it is compulsory to take immediate action.

Although your current tag might yet be functional, it is only temporary. Your tag can abruptly cease to work once system-level support is revoked — putting you at risk for failure to pay tolls, fines, or even rejection at the booth.

It is the right moment to change to a legitimate FASTag supplier to stay compliant and avoid travel disruptions.

This guide will educate you on how to properly deactivate your Paytm FASTag, what FASTag “porting” really is (hint: it’s not a direct transfer), and how to switch to an official bank/issuer smoothly.

By following just a few simple steps, you can prevent problems such as double toll deductions, balance lock-ups, or ending up with a non-functional tag during important journeys. 

Let’s clear up a common misconception: FASTag porting isn’t like mobile number portability. You cannot simply transfer your existing Paytm FASTag to another bank and continue using it. 

FASTags are tied to the issuing bank’s system and aren’t interoperable across banks.

So, how do you switch? The process involves closing your Paytm FASTag completely and then applying for a new one from an NHAI-authorized issuer. After obtaining the new tag, it’s important to remove the old Paytm FASTag sticker from your vehicle’s windshield.

Keeping two FASTags on the same vehicle, even if one is inactive, is against toll regulations. It can cause confusion at toll plazas, leading to incorrect charges, double deductions, or even blacklisting. 

To ensure smooth toll payments and compliance, always use only one active FASTag per vehicle.

Paytm Payments Bank has been delisted from NHAI’s approved FASTag issuers. That change came after regulatory action from the RBI, restricting Paytm’s ability to continue banking services, including issuing or managing FASTags.

So even if your Paytm tag still works today, it is no longer supported for future toll compliance. NHAI has already recommended that users migrate to an approved issuer.

The good news? Paytm still provides a flow to close your FASTag and claim any refundable wallet balance or security deposit.

If you’re ready to switch, your first step is to deactivate your Paytm FASTag. This can be done easily through the Paytm app or website.

Here’s how:

• Log in to your Paytm account.
• Go to Help & Support.
• Navigate to the section titled ‘Queries’ related to updating your FASTag profile.
• Select ‘I want to close my FASTag’.
• Submit your request and make a note of the reference number shown at the end.

Once the request is processed, your tag will be permanently deactivated. You won’t be able to reactivate it later, so be sure you’re ready to switch.

Also, keep a record of the closure confirmation — it’s useful if you need to follow up on refunds or support.

Although the term “porting” is commonly used, what you’re really doing is starting fresh with a new FASTag issued by a different, authorized bank.

Here’s what that process looks like in practice:

1. First, choose a new FASTag issuer. Banks like HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI, and others continue to offer FASTags approved by NHAI. You can apply online or visit their physical branches or POS (Point-of-Sale) centers, such as those near toll booths.
2. When you apply, you’ll need to provide your vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), valid ID and address proof, and pay the issuance fee and refundable security deposit. If you go through a POS center, you might receive your new tag the same day.
3. Once you get your new FASTag, activate it using the bank’s portal or mobile app, link it to your funding source — whether a bank account or wallet — and top it up. Some issuers even offer auto-recharge from your bank account for a seamless experience.
4. Now that your new tag is active, remove the old Paytm FASTag from your windshield. This step is crucial. Having two tags on the same vehicle, even if one is deactivated, can cause toll booth scanners to misread or charge the wrong tag.

This is a question many users ask. Unfortunately, you can’t.

There’s no system in place to transfer a FASTag from Paytm to another bank. FASTags are tightly coupled with the issuing bank’s backend. 

So if you’re seeing news articles or bank advertisements talking about “porting,” they’re likely referring to the process of closing the old tag and issuing a new one.

If you have a remaining balance or refundable deposit on your Paytm FASTag, you’ll need to go through Paytm’s closure process to reclaim it. 

These refunds are handled separately and typically follow a set timeline, so it’s best to keep your reference number safe for tracking.

Previously, in the case of FASTag paid from Paytm Payments Bank, the toll was deducted from your Paytm wallet, not from your regular banking account directly.

In order to ensure that the wallet had enough balance, users either needed to replenish it by themselves or permit auto-recharge by linking to a debit card, credit card, or bank account. While this system was serviceable enough for the masses, it added extra maintenance and sometimes incurred failed deductions at the booth if the wallet was not replenished ahead of time.

As Paytm is no longer an approved FASTag issuer, now is the best time to switch to a bank-based FASTag that can be directly linked to your bank account.

Most of the large banks provide FASTags wherein the toll fees are deducted directly from your account or from a special FASTag wallet that is simple to handle. This updated setup offers greater convenience, fewer recharge-related issues, and improved reliability at toll plazas. 

You won’t have to worry about keeping a separate wallet funded or facing toll denial due to low wallet balance. Instead, your FASTag will draw funds directly from your account, making travel smoother and your finances easier to manage — especially if you’re frequently on the road.

Before deactivating your Paytm FASTag or seeking your refund, make sure that your account is KYC-compliant. An incomplete KYC or pending KYC can delay or refuse your request for refund and may even prevent you from deactivating the FASTag.

To check your status, log in via the Paytm app/website and check your profile details. If your KYC is not up to date, you will be requested to enter documents such as valid identification and proof of residence to allow you to proceed.

Though your FASTag is functional right now, do not presume it will never cease to work. Because Paytm Payments Bank is not a valid issuer anymore, the tag will lose functionality at some point.

It is recommended that you do something today—complete your KYC, ensure that you close the Paytm tag correctly, and switch to an approved vendor to avoid inconvenience at toll plazas or return issues later. A smooth migration depends on having your account fully updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I port Paytm FASTag number to a bank without closing? 

No. FASTags aren’t portable across banks. You’ll need to close the Paytm tag and apply for a new one.

2. How to transfer Paytm FASTag balance to bank account? 

Follow the closure steps in the Paytm app or website. Refunds (wallet balance and security deposit) will be processed to your Paytm-linked bank account or wallet.

3. How long does migration take? 

You can get a new FASTag on the same day via POS. Refunds from Paytm typically take 7–15 business days, depending on support queues.

4. Will tolls work during migration? 

No. Once your old tag is closed or deactivated, it won’t work. If you’re between tags, use cash lanes, or wait until your new tag is active.

Reference table – tasks, where to do them, what you’ll need

Task	Where to do it	What you need	Notes
Close Paytm FASTag	Paytm App > Help & Support	Mobile number, tag ID	Keep closure reference
Apply for new FASTag	Bank website, app, or POS	RC, ID proof, fees	POS may issue same-day
Link to funding source	Issuer’s app or web portal	Bank account or wallet	Set up auto-recharge if needed
Remove old tag	From your vehicle windshield	N/A	Prevent misreads, stay compliant

Wrapping up — Time to migrate and move on

If you still have a Paytm FASTag, it’s time to stop using it. The RBI has acted against Paytm, and NHAI has also removed it from the list of approved issuers. That means Paytm FASTags won’t work properly for long.

If you keep using it, you might face toll payment failures, blocked lanes, or long delays while traveling.

What to do:

• Close your Paytm FASTag using Paytm’s support.
• Get a new FASTag from any bank that’s still approved.
• Peel off and throw away the old sticker.

Most banks can activate a new FASTag the same day, so the switch is quick.

It may feel like a hassle now, but changing it keeps you safe from problems later. Your tolls will go through smoothly, and you won’t have to stress about rejected payments or rule changes.