How to pay tolls in New York

E-ZPass is the easiest and most convenient way to pay tolls. Whenever your vehicle passes underneath a toll gantry, a radio transmitter inside your E-ZPass communicates with overhead sensors and the discounted toll rate is automatically applied. 

To receive the discounted rate, your current license plate must be linked to your E-ZPass account. If your E-ZPass was issued by New York State, you can check the status of your account on the E-ZPass New York website. If your E-ZPass was issued in another state, you'll need to check the appropriate state's E-ZPass website.

There are three E-ZPass payment options:

Automatic replenishment: Link your E-ZPass account to a credit or debit card or bank account to automatically replenish whenever the account balance gets too low. Your monthly replenishment amount is based on your travel history. 

We no longer require the $10 deposit for those who do not have a credit card linked to their E-ZPass account.

Pay Per Trip: Instead of maintaining a minimum balance on your E-ZPass at all times, Pay Per Trip lets you pay for only the tolls you use by linking your E-ZPass directly to your bank account. This option is available whether you're a new or existing E-ZPass account holder. Learn more about Pay Per Trip.

Pay with cash: E-ZPass uses the VanillaDirect retailer network to process cash payments. Visit the VanillaDirect Locator to find a retail location near you where you can make a payment. Once you've found a retailer that accepts cash payments, provide the cashier with the VanillaDirect barcode found on your E-ZPass statement. Be sure to retain the receipt for your records.

If you do not have an E-ZPass account, a Tolls by Mail toll bill will be sent to the registered vehicle owner in the mail. However, Tolls by Mail bills are more expensive and less convenient to pay. 

You can pay the toll bill through the mail, on the phone, or in person using a check, credit or debit card, bank account, or cash. Visit the Tolls by Mail site or call 844-826-8400 for more information. 

Our "Pay Toll Now" service lets you use a license plate and credit or debit card to set up a short-term account to pay tolls, which is ideal if you are renting or borrowing a car. 

If you do not pay your toll bill in a timely manner, you may be subject to additional fees, suspension of your vehicle registration, or exclusion from MTA Bridges and Tunnels toll facilities. This may also result in a judgment against you for unpaid liabilities and could lead to a vehicle being towed or immobilized.

E-ZPass customers 

If your E-ZPass account balance goes below $0, your account will not be in compliance with the E-ZPass agreement. As a result, you may receive a toll bill. 

Visit the Tolls by Mail website to pay a toll bill using your funded E-ZPass account by clicking the "Resolve Toll Bill (E-ZPass Customers)" option.

Questions? Call 800-333-8655 or visit the E-ZPass website. 

Tolls by Mail customers 

If your toll bill is unpaid after 30 days of the bill date, you will owe the toll amount plus a $5 late fee. After 60 days, the late fee for each unpaid bridge or tunnel toll will increase to $50.

Questions? Call 844-826-8400 or visit the Tolls by Mail website. 

If you would like to dispute a toll bill or a violation notice, you must fill out the appropriate form and mail it to the E-ZPass Violation Payments and Inquiries office. These forms can be found on the back of your toll bill or notice of violation. 

Mail the completed form to the following address: 

E-ZPass Violation Payments and Inquiries 
P.O. Box 15186 
Albany, NY 12212-5186 

You may also fax the completed form to 718-390-9772.

If you have misplaced your toll bill or notice of violation, you may get a replacement by calling the following numbers: 

• For toll bills: Tolls by Mail, 844-826-8400 
• For notices of violation: E-ZPass Customer Service Center, 718-313-9414

It's essential to keep your contact information up to date to stay informed about your toll activity, including any potential toll violations. Here's how to do that:

• For E-ZPass customers: Go to "My Account" on the E-ZPass website. You can update your contact information under the "Account Settings" tab.
• For Tolls by Mail customers: Use the toll bill number from a recent bill to access your account on the Tolls by Mail website. Once logged in, navigate to “My Account” and select “Communication Preferences.” You can then update or add your email address. This applies even if you have an E-ZPass account.

Customer Service Center

• For help with E-ZPass, visit the E-ZPass website or call 800-333-8655.
• For help with Tolls by Mail, visit the Tolls by Mail website or call 844-826-8400. 

If you are unable to resolve your issue through the Customer Service Center, you may contact the Office of the Toll Payer Advocate.

Office of the MTA Toll Payer Advocate 

The Office of the MTA Toll Payer Advocate is an independent office within the MTA committed to balancing toll payer assistance efforts against enforcement efforts. 

The Toll Payer Advocate can help with:

• Free and independent toll-problem assistance, including payment options
• Resolving long-standing toll problems
• Recommending administrative reforms