Everybody has one drawer or shelf that is filled with items they no longer need. Things that simply gather dust over time, like outdated chargers, mismatched socks, or expired coupons. And for some reason, we never remember to remove it. Therefore, there's always that "Aha!" moment when you eventually get around to cleaning up and realise, "Wow, I didn't need this at all!"
Take Neha, for example. She discovered an old FASTag sticker hidden below the sun visor of her car as she was cleaning it out. Her car had been sold months ago, yet it was still there. "Now what?" she asked herself. There was money in the account, and it remained active. But how would she be able to disable the FASTag and restore that balance?
Perhaps you've experienced something similar: your car is not with you, but your FASTag account is still active. So, how can you properly cancel it and get your cash back? You just need a few minutes to sort things out online, and it's not as difficult as you may conceive.
Are you prepared to shed some clutter? In the article below, we'll go over each step of deactivating your FASTag and getting your refund.
Let us first understand the circumstances under which you may need to deactivate your FASTag account.
When Should You Deactivate Your FASTag?
There are several situations where FASTag deactivation becomes essential to avoid financial and legal issues:
Selling or Transferring Your Vehicle
When you sell or transfer ownership of your car, your FASTag should be deactivated immediately. This ensures the new owner doesn’t use your tag (and wallet) for toll payments.
Scrapping Your Vehicle
If your car is being scrapped or declared unfit for use, your FASTag must be closed. An active tag can be misused or accidentally charged if not properly cancelled.
Lost or Damaged FASTag
If your tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, report and deactivate it as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized toll deductions or fraud.
Change in Vehicle Registration Number
Changing your car’s registration requires a new FASTag. Deactivate the existing one and apply for a fresh tag linked to the updated number.
No Longer Using FASTag
If you no longer wish to use FASTag for toll payments. For example, if you’ve switched to a different vehicle type or stopped highway driving, you can opt to permanently close your account.
Pro Tip: Always check your FASTag balance before deactivation. You may be eligible for a refund of the remaining wallet balance and security deposit from your issuer.
What Are the Reasons to Deactivate FASTag?
Deactivating your FASTag isn’t just a formality; it’s a critical step to protect your finances and avoid future complications. If you're wondering whether it's necessary, here are some of the most common and important reasons why deactivation makes sense:
If You have Sold or Transferred Your Vehicle
If you’ve sold your car or handed it over to someone else, don’t forget to deactivate the FASTag linked to it. The tag is still connected to your wallet or bank account, which means the new owner could unknowingly (or intentionally) rack up toll charges on your dime.
Vehicle Has Been Deregistered or Scrapped
In cases where your vehicle has been permanently scrapped or declared a total loss, the FASTag has no future use. Keeping it active only exposes you to the risk of errors or misuse, especially if the tag remains readable.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Tag
If your FASTag is lost or stolen, it's important to block or deactivate it immediately. Toll plazas don’t check identity as they just scan and deduct. Without deactivation, anyone with access to your tag could use it.
Changed Vehicle Number or Registration State
Have you re-registered your car in a new state or received a new registration number? Your FASTag won’t update automatically. Since tags are linked to the registration details, you’ll need to deactivate the old one and get a fresh FASTag for the new vehicle identity.
If you Bought a New Car
When you get a new car, reusing your old FASTag might seem convenient, but it’s not advisable. FASTags are meant for one vehicle only. To avoid confusion or transaction failures, deactivate the old tag and register a new one tied to your new ride.
Switching Banks or Issuers
Maybe you're moving to a new bank or trying out a different FASTag provider. Either way, your old tag has to go. NHAI doesn’t allow more than one active FASTag per vehicle, so deactivate the current one before activating another.
If You No Longer Use FASTag
If you’ve stopped driving on toll roads or don’t want to use FASTag anymore, it’s better to close the account and claim any refundable deposit or remaining balance. Letting it sit inactive could cause automatic deductions in rare cases or limit your ability to register a new one later.
How Does One Deactivate Their FASTag Account?
Whether you're selling your car, switching banks, or simply done with FASTag, deactivating your tag is straightforward, but the process can vary depending on your provider. Here's how to do it with the major issuers:
Deactivating FASTag from Popular Issuers
Deactivating your FASTag isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It actually depends on which bank or platform is issuing it. To make things easy, here’s a breakdown of how to cancel your FASTag across major issuers, step-by-step.
Deactivate FASTag from Paytm
Paytm users can close their FASTag easily right from the app:
Steps to deactivate via Paytm app:
- Open the Paytm app
- Go to ‘Manage FASTag’
- Choose the FASTag account you want to close
- Select ‘Close FASTag’ and confirm the request
Alternate methods:
Ensure all dues are cleared before requesting closure.
Deactivate ICICI Bank FASTag
ICICI Bank customers can raise a deactivation request either via phone or email.
How to proceed:
You’ll need to provide:
- Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) or FASTag wallet ID
- Registered mobile number or email address
Tip: If you’ve sold your car, specify this in your request for quicker action.
Deactivate HDFC Bank FASTag
HDFC Bank requires a formal request through email or phone call.
Here are the steps involved:
Here’s some information to include:
- Customer ID or Vehicle Number
- Reason for deactivation (e.g., car sold, switching provider, etc.)
Once verified, your tag will be blocked and deactivated.
Deactivate SBI FASTag
To deactivate your SBI FASTag, you’ll need to reach their FASTag-specific support:
The options available are:
Here’s what you should provide:
- Your FASTag account details
- Registered contact number
- Reason for closure
SBI usually processes such requests within a few working days if there are no pending dues.
Deactivate FASTag from Axis Bank
Axis Bank allows deactivation through customer service.
Contact Methods:
You should also include:
- FASTag Customer ID or Vehicle Number
- Your registered mobile number
- Any final balance query, if needed
Your FASTag will be blocked post-verification and closed soon after.
Deactivate FASTag from Airtel Payments Bank
For Airtel Payments Bank FASTag, use their helpline or email to initiate closure.
Steps to deactivate:
You’ll also need:
- Vehicle Registration Number
- Registered mobile/email
- Reason for deactivation
If transferring to another provider, mention it during the request.
FASTag Deactivation Processing Time
While each issuer has its own policies, here’s a handy comparison of the estimated time frames to process FASTag deactivation:
|
Bank / Issuer
|
Deactivation Time
|
Refund Timeline (if applicable)
|
|
Paytm
|
3-5 working days
|
7-10 working days
|
|
ICICI Bank
|
3-5 working days
|
Up to 10 working days
|
|
HDFC Bank
|
4-7 working days
|
Within 10 working days
|
|
SBI
|
5-7 working days
|
Up to 10 working days
|
|
Axis Bank
|
3-5 working days
|
7-10 working days
|
|
Airtel Payments Bank
|
5-7 working days
|
7-10 working days
|
Deactivating FASTag Online via the IHMCL Customer Portal
If you’re looking for a centralized and official way to deactivate your FASTag, the NHAI-backed IHMCL FASTag customer portal offers a straightforward, fully online method. Ideal if your tag was issued by an IHMCL-authorized provider or if you're unsure who your issuer is.
Here’s how you can do it quickly through the IHMCL portal:
- Visit the IHMCL Portal
Go to https://fastag.ihmcl.com
- Log in to Your Account
Use your registered mobile number and OTP to log in. If you don’t have an account yet, you can register on the spot.
- Navigate to ‘Service Request’ Section
After logging in, head to ‘Service Request’ or ‘Help Desk’ menu.
- Raise a Closure Request
Select the relevant FASTag from your dashboard. Click on ‘Close FASTag’ and follow the prompts.
- Provide Reason and Confirm
You’ll be asked to select a reason (e.g., vehicle sold, duplicate tag, not required, etc.). Confirm the request.
- Track Status
You’ll receive a Service Request ID. Use it to track your request status in the portal or via SMS updates.
Note: If you face issues during login or tag not reflecting, you can raise a ticket via the same portal under the “Help Desk” section.
Documents Required for FASTag Deactivation and Refund
When submitting a deactivation request either via the issuer’s app, customer care, or the IHMCL portal, you’ll often need to provide a few basic documents. These help validate your identity and process any pending balance refunds.
Commonly Required Documents
Here’s a list of documents you should keep handy:
|
Document Type
|
Purpose
|
|
Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate)
|
To verify vehicle ownership
|
|
Registered mobile number
|
For account and OTP verification
|
|
Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, DL, etc.)
|
Identity verification, if requested
|
|
Cancelled Cheque or Bank Details
|
For refunding remaining wallet balance
|
|
Tag Wallet Number / Customer ID
|
To accurately identify and close the FASTag
|
Pro tip: Always use your registered mobile number/email when communicating with your issuer to avoid verification delays.
What Happens After Deactivation?
Deactivating your FASTag doesn’t always mean that everything is done in the blink of an eye. Once you request deactivation, there are some crucial steps and checks you should be aware of.
How Do I Know if My FASTag is Deactivated?
Once you’ve initiated the deactivation process, you’ll want to confirm that it has been completed successfully. Here’s how you can verify it:
Check via Issuer’s App or Portal
Most FASTag issuers will update the status of your tag on their mobile apps or online portals. Once deactivated, it’ll usually display as ‘Closed’ or ‘Inactive’ in the account details.
Receive Confirmation SMS/Email
After successful deactivation, you should receive a confirmation message via SMS or email from your FASTag issuer, stating that the tag has been deactivated.
NHAI Verification
You can also visit the NHAI FASTag Portal and enter your vehicle registration number to confirm if the tag status is inactive. If it is still showing active, you may need to follow up with your issuer.
Toll Plaza Check
Another simple way to confirm deactivation is to check if the FASTag still works at a toll plaza. If the tag is deactivated, the toll system won’t deduct charges.
Important Notes on Refunds
When you deactivate your FASTag, you might be eligible for a refund of the remaining balance in your FASTag account. However, the refund process can sometimes be a bit tricky, so it's essential to know what to expect.
Refund Timelines
Standard Refund Timeline: Refunds typically take between 5 to 15 business days from the date of deactivation. This timeline may vary depending on the issuer and the mode of payment.
In Case of Delays
If your refund is delayed beyond the stated time frame, always follow up with customer care. Make sure to mention your reference ticket number when doing so. This will help the support team track your request efficiently.
Ensure Correct Bank Details
Refunds are generally processed through NEFT or direct bank transfers. To avoid any issues, double-check that the bank account details (such as account number and IFSC code) you provided during the deactivation process are correct. Incorrect details may lead to a failed or delayed refund.
Security Tip - Remove FASTag Physically After Deactivation
It’s important not just to deactivate your FASTag digitally, but also to take an extra step to ensure it’s completely inactive. Here's why and how you should physically remove your FASTag from the vehicle:
Why Remove the FASTag?
Even after deactivation, leaving your FASTag on the windshield can be a security risk. Although the tag is digitally disabled, it may still be read by toll booths if it’s physically left on the vehicle, which could cause confusion or accidental deductions in the future.
How to Remove It Safely?
- Peel off gently: Use your fingers or a soft tool to peel the FASTag sticker off the windshield. Be careful not to damage the surface.
- Store it properly: If you plan to reactivate or reuse it later, keep the tag in a safe place until you’re ready for it.
- Avoid tampering: Don’t attempt to peel off the tag in a hurry. Doing so could damage your car’s windshield or leave sticky residue that’s difficult to remove.
Removing the FASTag ensures that there are no inadvertent readings, and helps protect your vehicle from unnecessary toll charges.
Wrapping Up
It only takes a few clicks to deactivate your FASTag account and receive a refund online, just like utilising the highway shortcut to avoid traffic. Carefully following the instructions will save you time and money by avoiding the need to visit the bank or stand in queue. Think of it as organising and streamlining your wallet or clearing out some unwanted clutter. Take control of your FASTag account now to experience a seamless, hassle-free journey that is comparable to driving on an open road without any tolls. Happy saving and driving!
FAQs
Yes, FASTag can be deactivated. You can request deactivation through your FASTag issuer’s customer support portal or app. Once deactivated, the tag will no longer be valid for toll transactions. It’s important to ensure that your account balance is either refunded or transferred before deactivation.
When you sell your car, you must deactivate your FASTag. This ensures that toll charges do not continue to be deducted from your account after the sale. You can either transfer the FASTag to the new owner (if permissible by your issuer) or return it to your FASTag issuer. The issuer will guide you on the exact process for deactivation or transfer.
To delete an existing FASTag, you will need to contact your issuer’s customer support or access their online portal. Once you request deletion, they will deactivate your FASTag and remove your details from their system. However, deletion typically means that you will have to reapply for a new tag if you wish to use FASTag again in the future.
Yes, you can transfer your FASTag to a different vehicle, but the process varies depending on the issuer. Generally, you will need to visit the issuer’s portal or contact their customer support to request the transfer. The vehicle registration details will need to be updated in your FASTag account to reflect the new vehicle. Ensure that the tag is not being used simultaneously in two vehicles to avoid confusion.
If you don’t deactivate your FASTag after selling your car, there is a chance that toll charges will continue to be deducted from your account. This can result in unwanted deductions and possibly affect your credit balance. It may also lead to confusion if the new owner starts using the toll system. Deactivating the tag ensures that you don’t face these issues.
Yes, you are generally entitled to a refund of the remaining balance in your FASTag account after deactivation. The exact refund amount will depend on the balance available at the time of deactivation. The refund is typically processed to the bank account linked to your FASTag within 5 to 15 business days, although it may take longer in some cases. Always ensure your bank details are correct to avoid delays.
You can check your FASTag balance through the mobile app of your FASTag issuer, the issuer’s website, or via SMS services. Some issuers also allow checking via their customer service helplines. Regularly monitoring your balance ensures that you have enough funds to avoid inconvenience while traveling.
Activating your FASTag is simple and can be done online or through your bank or issuer's app. Generally, you'll need to provide your vehicle details, upload necessary documents (like RC), and make a payment for the initial balance. Upon successful activation, you’ll receive your FASTag, and it will be ready to use for toll payments.
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