Sure. Here’s another 1800-word, fully SEO-optimized, high-RPM style, professional article in English on:

How to Apply for FASTag Free Pass for Toll Exemption in 2025: Full Guide for Indian Vehicle Owners

As toll payments across India are now made compulsory via FASTag, many people are unaware that certain vehicles are eligible for free toll exemption through an Exempted FASTag. Whether you are a person with a disability, a government official, or drive an emergency vehicle, you can apply for a FASTag free pass online and drive through tolls without paying.

This in-depth article explains everything you need to know: eligibility, documents, online application steps, tracking status, and more.

✅ What is FASTag?

FASTag is a cashless toll payment system introduced by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). It uses RFID technology attached to your car’s windshield to automatically deduct toll charges as you pass through a toll gate.

Since February 2021, FASTag is mandatory for all four-wheelers in India. Even vehicles eligible for free toll travel must install a FASTag — but with an exemption tag instead of a regular one.

✅ What is an Exempted FASTag or FASTag Free Pass?

A FASTag Free Pass (also called an Exempted FASTag) is issued to specific vehicle owners who are not required to pay toll charges due to their eligibility category.

Although these vehicles are toll-free by law, they must still use a FASTag embedded with exemption data. Without the exemption tag, you will be charged at the toll gate automatically.

✅ Who is Eligible for FASTag Free Pass in 2025?

According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the following vehicle owners are eligible for toll-free FASTag:

1. Persons With Disabilities (PwD)

Must have a valid disability certificate
Vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person

2. Constitutional and Government Officials

President, Prime Minister, Chief Ministers
Members of Parliament (MPs) and MLAs
Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts
Senior officials of Defence and Police

3. Emergency and Public Utility Vehicles

Ambulances
Fire trucks
Police patrol cars

4. Army and Defence Vehicles

Vehicles registered with the Ministry of Defence

5. Funeral Vehicles

Vehicles carrying dead bodies for last rites

6. Local Commuter Pass Holders (in some cases)

Vehicles of residents living near toll plazas (subject to state approval)

If your vehicle fits into any of these categories, you can apply for a FASTag exemption through the official NHAI portal.

✅ Required Documents for FASTag Free Pass Application

Make sure to gather scanned copies of the required documents before starting the online application:

For PwD (Persons With Disabilities):

Disability Certificate (government issued)
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
Aadhaar Card
Passport-size photo

For Government Officials:

Department ID proof
RC of the vehicle
Appointment/authority letter

For Emergency Vehicles:

Certificate from the department head
RC document
Letter of assignment for emergency duty

For Defence Vehicles:

Ministry of Defence approval
Vehicle RC
Department letter

Note: Make sure all documents are clear, unexpired, and match the vehicle registration name.

✅ How to Apply for FASTag Free Pass Online (Step-by-Step Process)

The entire process for applying for a FASTag free pass is online through the NHAI’s dedicated portal.

🔗 Portal Link:

https://exemptedfastag.nhai.org/

Step 1: Visit the Portal

Go to the above website and click on “Apply for Exempted FASTag”.

Step 2: Create an Account

Enter your name, mobile number, and email
Set a strong password
Verify via OTP

Step 3: Login to Dashboard

Use your credentials to log into your applicant dashboard.

Step 4: Fill in Details

Select Exemption Category (PwD, Govt official, etc.)
Enter vehicle number and owner name
Upload the required documents in PDF/JPG format

Step 5: Upload Photograph

Upload a clear passport-sized photo of the applicant

Step 6: Submit the Application

Click Submit
You will get an Application ID for tracking purposes

✅ How to Track FASTag Exemption Application Status

You can track your application any time on the portal:

Visit https://exemptedfastag.nhai.org/
Click on “Track Application”
Enter your Application ID or vehicle number
The current status will be shown (Pending / Approved / Rejected)

If rejected, the reason will be mentioned and you can reapply with corrections.

✅ Processing Time and Delivery

After successful submission, the application will be reviewed by NHAI. Processing typically takes:

3–5 working days for initial verification
7–10 days for final approval and tag delivery

If approved, the FASTag Free Pass will either be:

Mailed to your registered address
Ready for pickup at your chosen POS location

✅ Can I Convert a Normal FASTag to an Exempted FASTag?

No. You cannot convert a regular FASTag into a free exemption FASTag. You must apply separately on the NHAI portal with valid exemption documents.

If you already have a normal FASTag:

You must deactivate it and apply for an exemption FASTag
Your vehicle must be eligible under the exemption list

✅ How Long is the FASTag Free Pass Valid?

Permanent Exemptions (e.g., for PwD, Government Vehicles) remain valid until the vehicle is sold or registration is changed
Temporary Exemptions (e.g., assigned duty vehicles) may have limited validity
You must renew or update the FASTag if details change

Always update your exemption status if there are any changes in ownership, category, or documents.

✅ Common Reasons for FASTag Free Pass Rejection

Name mismatch in RC and documents
Expired or unclear documents
Wrong exemption category selected
Unreadable file uploads
Vehicle not registered in the applicant’s name

To avoid rejection, double-check your application before submitting.

✅ What to Do If My FASTag Free Pass Application Is Rejected?

If your application is rejected:

Carefully read the rejection reason
Fix the issue (upload clear, correct documents)
Reapply on the same portal using the same account
You may also contact IHMCL support for help

Support Email: exempted.fastag@ihmcl.com

✅ Which Banks Issue Exempted FASTags?

Though application is done via the NHAI portal, the FASTag itself is issued through partner banks and authorized Point of Sale (POS) agents. Some common banks are:

SBI FASTag
ICICI FASTag
HDFC FASTag
Paytm FASTag
Axis Bank FASTag

Choose a bank that supports exempted FASTag issuance.

✅ Benefits of Having a FASTag Free Pass

No toll charges on national highways
Automatic exemption — no stopping at toll booths
Nationwide access — valid at all FASTag-enabled plazas
No penalties or disputes
Enables tracking, usage history, and transparency

✅ FASTag for Local Residents (Within 20 km of Toll Plaza)

If you live within 20 km of a toll plaza, you may be eligible for local toll pass exemption. You must apply through the toll plaza manager with:

Local residence proof
RC of vehicle
ID proof

Note: This is not the same as a FASTag Free Pass, but may offer discounted toll rates.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is FASTag mandatory even for toll-free vehicles?

Yes. Exempted vehicles must still use a FASTag with exemption coding.

Q: Can I apply offline?

You can apply at selected toll plazas or bank POS locations, but online application is preferred for speed and tracking.

Q: How will I know if my FASTag is activated for exemption?

You’ll receive an email/SMS confirmation. You can also check on the exemption portal.

Q: Is the FASTag free for exempted categories?

Yes, there are no charges for the tag or tolls once exemption is approved.

Q: Can I transfer my FASTag to another vehicle?

No. FASTag is non-transferable and vehicle-specific.

✅ Apply link ✅

Applying for a FASTag free pass ensures that eligible individuals can travel across India without paying toll charges. This official process, now fully digital via https://exemptedfastag.nhai.org, is easy and efficient — but requires accurate documentation and eligibility.

If you fall under any exempted category, don’t delay. Apply for your Exempted FASTag today to save money, time, and avoid legal penalties on highways.

Would you like me to:

Translate this content into Kannada for regional readers?
Optimize this article with internal links to your existing content on kannadavidhya.com?
Provide a downloadable PDF version?

Let me know how I can help you publish this article effectively.