E-ZPass Guide
📱 What is E-ZPass?
E-ZPass is a contactless electronic payment system that allows you to drive through toll points without stopping. The small transponder device uses radio frequency technology to automatically deduct tolls from your prepaid account as you pass through the toll plaza.
💰 E-ZPass Benefits for Bridge Users
Lowest Passenger-Car Rate: A properly mounted NY E-ZPass tag pays $7.46 per trip on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 2026.
Faster Travel: Drive through without stopping - no waiting for license plate processing
Mid-Tier vs. Tolls by Mail: If your NY tag is not read, the charge can rise to $9.79. Without a NY E-ZPass, passenger cars are billed $12.03 by mail.
Required for Discounts: Staten Island residents must use a NY E-ZPass account to get the $2.75 resident rate.
Works Everywhere: Valid on all MTA bridges and tunnels, plus 17 other states
🔧 How to Get E-ZPass
1. Sign Up Online (Easiest)
Website: e-zpassny.com
Requirements:
- Valid driver's license
- Credit card or bank account for payments
- Vehicle information (license plate, make, model)
- $25 minimum account balance
Account Setup Fee: $1 per transponder
Transponder Cost: $5-15 depending on type
2. Visit a Customer Service Center
Locations in NYC area:
- Brooklyn: 625 Atlantic Ave (near Barclays Center)
- Queens: 132-12 14th Ave, College Point
- Staten Island: 1775 South Avenue
- Manhattan: 2 Columbus Circle
Bring: Driver's license, vehicle registration, payment method
3. Buy at Retail Locations
Available at: AAA offices, Costco, Stop & Shop, CVS, Walgreens, and many gas stations
Note: Still need to register online or call to activate
🚗 Installation & Usage
Mounting Your Transponder
Cars: Center of windshield, behind rearview mirror
Motorcycles: Special motorcycle mount available
Commercial Vehicles: Lower right corner of windshield
Important: Remove old E-ZPass devices from other states to avoid double-charging
Account Management
Auto-Replenishment: Set automatic refills when balance gets low
Online Access: Check balance, view trips, add vehicles at e-zpassny.com
Mobile App: E-ZPass NY app for smartphone management
Customer Service: 1-800-333-8655
🏠 Staten Island Resident Discount
Deepest Discount: Eligible Staten Island residents pay $2.75 per trip instead of the regular passenger-car rate.
How to Apply for Resident Discount
Step 1: Get regular E-ZPass account first
Step 2: Apply for resident program at MTA Resident Discount Program
Step 3: Provide proof of Staten Island residency:
- Current driver's license with Staten Island address
- Utility bill or lease agreement
- Vehicle registration
Processing Time: The MTA advises allowing a few weeks for approval and reminds residents to recertify periodically to keep the discount active.
Annual Savings: Regular commuters save $2,000-3,500 per year
🚛 Commercial Vehicle Users
Business Accounts: Manage multiple vehicles and drivers
Fleet Management: Detailed reporting and billing
Volume Discounts: Available for high-usage commercial accounts
❓ Common Questions
What if I don't have E-ZPass?
No problem! Your license plate is photographed automatically and you'll receive a Tolls by Mail bill. For passenger cars, the 2026 Tolls by Mail rate is $12.03.
Can visitors get E-ZPass?
Yes! Non-New York residents can get NY E-ZPass. Works in 17 states across the eastern United States.
What if my transponder doesn't work?
You may be charged the Mid-Tier or Tolls by Mail rate instead of the $7.46 NY E-ZPass price. Contact customer service to get credit and fix the issue.
Lost or stolen transponder?
Call 1-800-333-8655 immediately to report it. Your account will be protected and a replacement sent.
💡 Pro Tips for Bridge Users
Keep $10+ Balance: Avoid account suspensions
Update Vehicle Info: If you change cars, update your account
Check Monthly: Review statements for accuracy
Backup Payment: Have a secondary payment method on file