What Good To Go Pay is and how it charges you

Good To Go Pay is Washington State's toll payment system for the SR-99 tunnel in Seattle and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. You can pay tolls three ways: with a Good To Go account (a prepaid balance you load money into), a one-time toll payment by mail, or a video toll invoice if you don't pay within a set window.

When you drive through a toll point, a camera reads your license plate. If you have an active Good To Go account linked to your vehicle, the toll is deducted from your balance automatically. The toll amount varies by time of day and direction — peak-hour tolls cost more than off-peak tolls. Washington State Transportation Commission sets these rates and changes them periodically.

If you don't have an account, you'll receive a video toll invoice in the mail. This invoice gives you a deadline (usually 10 days) to pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you miss that deadline, late fees apply and the debt can be reported to a collection agency.

Key Takeaways

  • Good To Go accounts let you prepay tolls and drive through without stopping; the toll is deducted automatically when your license plate is read.
  • If you don't have an account, you'll receive a video toll invoice by mail with a payment deadline, and missing it triggers late fees and collection action.
  • You can set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.
  • Toll rates change by time of day and direction, so the same route costs different amounts depending on when you drive.
  • If you dispute a toll charge, you have 30 days from the invoice date to request a review through the Good To Go customer service line.

Setting up and funding a Good To Go account

To open an account, visit the Good To Go website (goodtogo.wsdot.wa.gov) or call their customer service line. You'll need to provide your vehicle's license plate number, vehicle type, and payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). The account itself is free to open.

You then load money into your account — this is your prepaid balance. The minimum initial load varies but is typically $10 to $20. You can add money online, by phone, or through the Good To Go mobile app. Many people set up automatic replenishment, which means the account automatically adds a set amount (you choose how much) when your balance falls below a threshold you set. This prevents the account from running empty and triggering video toll invoices.

If you have multiple vehicles, you can link them all to one account or keep separate accounts. Each vehicle needs its own license plate registered.

What happens if you don't pay a toll on time

If you drive through a toll point without an active Good To Go account and don't pay the video toll invoice within the deadline, late fees are added to the original toll amount. The exact late fee amount depends on the toll authority, but it is typically $10 to $25 per unpaid toll.

If the bill remains unpaid after multiple notices, the debt can be referred to a collection agency. This appears on your credit report and can affect your credit score. Washington State can also place a hold on vehicle registration renewal until the toll debt is paid.

If you believe a toll charge is wrong — for example, you were charged twice for one crossing or the toll amount doesn't match the posted rate — you have 30 days from the invoice date to request a review. Contact Good To Go customer service with your invoice number and explain the issue. They will investigate and issue a refund or credit if they find an error.

How toll rates work and when they change

Tolls on Washington State roads are not flat. The SR-99 tunnel and Tacoma Narrows Bridge use congestion pricing, which means the toll is higher during peak travel times (usually weekday mornings and evenings) and lower during off-peak hours. Rates also vary by direction — one direction may cost more than the other depending on traffic flow.

The Washington State Transportation Commission reviews toll rates annually and adjusts them to manage traffic flow and fund maintenance. Rate changes are announced in advance, usually several months before they take effect. You can find current toll rates on the Good To Go website or by calling customer service.

If you drive the same route regularly, tracking when peak and off-peak hours begin and end can help you plan trips during lower-toll times if your schedule allows.

Disputing charges and getting refunds

If you were charged a toll you believe you shouldn't have been — for instance, you think your vehicle was misidentified or you already paid — contact Good To Go within 30 days of the invoice date. Have your invoice number, vehicle information, and the date and time of the crossing ready.

Good To Go will review the camera image and toll records. If they confirm an error, they will issue a refund to your original payment method or credit your account. If they find no error, they will explain why the charge stands. You can request a second review if you disagree with their decision, though this is less common.

Refunds typically process within 5 to 10 business days once approved. If you paid by mail, the refund will be mailed to the address on your invoice.

Linking your account to multiple vehicles and managing payments

You can register up to five vehicles to a single Good To Go account. Each vehicle's license plate is linked separately, so tolls are deducted from the shared account balance no matter which vehicle you drive. This is useful if you own multiple cars or share a vehicle with family members.

To add a vehicle, log into your account online or call customer service. You'll provide the new license plate number and vehicle type. The change takes effect immediately, though it may take a few hours for the system to recognize the new plate at toll points.

If you sell a vehicle or no longer use it, remove it from your account to prevent tolls from being charged if someone else drives it. You can also temporarily suspend a vehicle's registration if you're not using it for a period of time.

What to do if your account balance runs out

If you drive through a toll point and your Good To Go balance is zero or too low to cover the toll, the system will not charge you at that moment. Instead, you'll receive a video toll invoice by mail within two weeks. This invoice includes the original toll amount plus any applicable late fees if you don't pay within the deadline.

To avoid this, set up automatic replenishment. You choose a minimum balance (for example, $10) and a replenishment amount (for example, $25). When your balance drops to $10, the system automatically charges your payment method and adds $25 to your account. This happens in the background and you receive a confirmation email.

If you prefer not to use automatic replenishment, check your balance regularly through the Good To Go website or app and add money manually before it runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a toll with a credit card instead of setting up a Good To Go account?

No. You must either have a Good To Go account or pay the video toll invoice that arrives by mail. There is no way to pay at a toll booth or by credit card in real time. Setting up an account takes about 10 minutes online and prevents the hassle of receiving invoices.

What if I drive someone else's car through the toll?

If the car's license plate is not registered to a Good To Go account, the owner will receive a video toll invoice. If the owner has an account, the toll is deducted from their balance. Make sure you know whether the vehicle you're driving has an active account before you cross.

Do I get a refund if I load money into my account and don't use it?

Good To Go account balances do not expire and do not earn interest. Your prepaid balance remains in the account indefinitely until you use it or request a refund. To request a refund of your remaining balance, contact Good To Go customer service with your account number.

How long does it take to set up a Good To Go account?

You can set up an account online in about 10 minutes. You'll need your vehicle's license plate, vehicle type, and a valid payment method. The account is active immediately, though it may take a few hours for the system to recognize your plate at toll points.

What if I move out of Washington State?

You can keep your Good To Go account active even if you move. Your account balance and payment method remain valid. If you no longer plan to use Washington toll roads, you can request a refund of your remaining balance by contacting customer service.