Exempted FASTag in India (2025): Who’s Exempt, How to Apply Online, Login, Documents

The FASTag system has made toll collection in India seamless for all vehicles, and its integration within both public, private, and commercial transport (and logistics) is so complete that it’s become a part of daily life for people in all walks of life.

I mean, that’s not hard to conclude. In layman’s terms: everyone pays toll, right? 

Well, actually, most everybody does. By which we mean that certain dignitaries, government officials, defense, and emergency service vehicles are officially exempt from toll charges. Part of the perks of working directly for the country. Which, yes, no doubt sounds great on paper.

With all that said, it’s not as free a pass as what people might initially assume. While they don’t have to pay tolls, the vehicles in themselves are not free to simply bypass toll plazas without documentation. 

They must carry a special exempted FASTag (yes, that’s right) at all times. This allows the toll booths to automatically recognise the exemption. Want to know more about it? This blog takes a look at it in detail.

Find the answers to critical questions like: who is exempted from tax in India? How to complete the IHMCL-exempted FASTag online application process? What are the documents required? And most importantly: How to track your application.

Ready? Let’s start exploring.

An Exempted FASTag is a special tag issued to vehicles eligible for toll exemptions under NHAI guidelines. Even though no money is deducted, the RFID-based tag helps:

• Automatically recognize exempted vehicles on toll plazas.

• Ensure smooth passage through dedicated lanes.

• Maintain compliance with NHAI’s NETC system.

• Avoid delays, disputes, or arguments with toll staff.
  

So while a normal vehicle must maintain balance in its FASTag wallet, exempted vehicles use a zero FASTag linked to their exemption category.

Exemptions are governed under Rule 11 of the National Highways Fee Rules. The categories include constitutional authorities, certain government vehicles, and emergency services.

Key Exempted Categories in 2025

Category	Example Vehicles	Typical Proof of Exemption
Constitutional Authorities	President, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Justices	Government-issued ID
Parliament/Assembly	MPs, MLAs/MLCs (within state jurisdiction)	ID card from Parliament/Assembly Secretariat
Defense Vehicles	Army, Navy, Air Force convoys	Departmental authorization letter
Emergency Services	Ambulances, Fire brigades	Registration certificate + service ID
NHAI/Contractor Operations	Toll plaza maintenance vehicles, construction machinery	Official authorization from NHAI
Public Transport	State buses (per NHAI/state notifications)	State transport authorization

Note: Jurisdiction limits apply — for example, an MLA is exempt only within their state. Applicants must always submit a valid proof of exemption when applying.

Applying for an Exempted FASTag is done through the IHMCL portal.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Register on IHMCL portal → Receive login credentials on email.

2. Login to Exempted FASTag portal → Access the application dashboard.

3. Download and fill the application form → Select your exemption category and NHAI Regional Office.

4. Upload required documents: RC, ID proof, proof of exemption, signed form.

5. Submit → Receive an Application Case ID.

6. Track application → Respond to queries/observations if flagged.

7. Approval → Collect your Exempted FASTag sticker from designated NHAI Regional Office.

8. Affix and verify → Test the tag at toll plazas; no deduction will occur.
   

Once you’ve registered, the Exempted FASTag login is available at the official portal. Using your User ID and password, you can:

• Check application progress using your Application Case ID.

• View and respond to “observations” if documents need correction.

• Track issuance timeline and download acknowledgement slips.

• After approval, verify your FASTag’s activation on the NETC tag status checker using your VRN (Vehicle Registration Number).
  

The documents required depend on the exemption category.

Mandatory Documents for All:

• RC of vehicle

• Valid ID proof of applicant

• Signed application form

Proof of Exemption Examples:

Category	Proof Document
MPs/MLAs	Official ID card issued by Parliament/Assembly
Judges/Governors	Government ID + appointment order
Defense	Department authorization, service ID
Emergency Vehicles	Vehicle registration + service certificate
NHAI Ops	Official work order or authorization letter

Pro Tip: Ensure documents are clear, colored, and match details on the RC.

It’s important to separate terms often misunderstood:

• Exempted FASTag (Zero FASTag) → Issued only to authorized exempt vehicles; incurs no toll charges.

• Zero Balance FASTag → A myth for regular vehicles. Non-exempt cars must always maintain a balance. If the balance is insufficient, the tag is blacklisted, and access may be denied at plazas.
  

So, unless you qualify under official exemption categories, you cannot claim or use a zero FASTag.

Applicants often face delays because of:

• Mismatched names/IDs between RC and exemption proof.

• Uploading unclear scans or expired documents.

• Selecting the wrong Regional Office during application.

• Failing to respond to portal “observations” on time.

Best Practices:

• Use clear, colored scans under the required file size.

• Double-check that RC and ID match exactly.

• Always carry originals when collecting tags from the NHAI office.

Frequently Asked Quations

Q1. Are state buses and public transport always exempt?
Yes, but exemptions depend on NHAI/state notifications. Carry official authorization.

Q2. Can an exempt FASTag be used on any vehicle?
No. It is tied to a specific RC and vehicle class. Misuse may result in blacklisting.

Q3. How do I replace a damaged exempt tag?
Apply via portal using your Case ID, surrender the damaged tag, and request re-issuance.

Q4. Do convoy/escort vehicles qualify?
Only if explicitly listed under exemption categories and supported with official proof.

Category	Example Vehicles	Proof Required
Constitutional Dignitaries	President, PM, Governors	Govt ID
MPs/MLAs	Parliament/Assembly members	Official ID
Defense	Army/Navy/Air Force vehicles	Departmental authorization
Emergency Services	Ambulances, Fire Trucks	Service certificate + RC
NHAI Ops	Maintenance vehicles	Work order

Stage	Applicant Action	IHMCL/NHAI Action	Timeline
Registration	Sign up online	Send User ID	Instant
Application	Upload docs	Review for errors	2–5 days
Observation	Correct/re-upload	Verify updates	+2 days
Approval	Collect tag	Issue sticker	5–7 days

Register → Login → Download form → Upload docs → Case ID → Review → Approval → Collect tag → Verify status

Conclusion

The Exempted FASTag is an essential compliance tool for vehicles that qualify for toll exemption under NHAI rules. While such vehicles do not pay tolls, they must still carry the tag for identification at toll plazas.

• Use the IHMCL Exempted FASTag online apply portal to register.

• Log in with credentials for tracking and exempted FASTag login checks.

• Submit accurate documents, including proof of exemption.

• Remember, unless you are part of the official categories, you cannot use a zero-balance FASTag.
  

By following the correct process, exempted vehicles enjoy smooth, dispute-free movement across India’s toll plazas in 2025. For more on FASTag and road safety, keep on following Ecozaar.