New York tolls can be paid through E-ZPass, a prepaid account, or by mail after you receive an invoice

New York operates tolled bridges, tunnels, and highways managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the New York State Thruway Authority. When you cross one of these facilities, you either pay when ready or receive an invoice later. The state offers three payment routes: E-ZPass (an electronic account that deducts tolls automatically), a standard toll payment by mail, or cash at certain locations. Which one you use depends on how often you cross tolled roads and whether you want to avoid invoices altogether.

E-ZPass is the fastest and cheapest option if you cross tolls regularly. The account links to a transponder mounted on your windshield, and tolls are deducted from your prepaid balance as you pass through. If you do not have E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice within 30 days. You then pay by the important date shown on that invoice, usually 30 days from the date it was issued.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is a prepaid account with a windshield transponder that charges tolls automatically and costs less than paying by invoice.
  • If you do not have E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your plate and mails an invoice; you must pay within the important date or face late fees and penalties.
  • You can set up E-ZPass online through the MTA or Thruway Authority website, or by mail or phone; it takes 5 to 10 business days to set up.
  • Unpaid tolls result in late fees, vehicle registration holds, and potential suspension of your registration if the debt grows large enough.
  • New York residents and out-of-state drivers use the same payment methods; there is no separate process based on where you live.

Setting up E-ZPass: online, by mail, or by phone

To open an E-ZPass account, you need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration document, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You can start the process online through the MTA E-ZPass website (new.mta.info/fares-tolls/e-zpass) or the New York State Thruway Authority website (thruway.ny.gov), depending on which tolled facility you use most often. The online form takes about 10 minutes and lets you choose your account type and set up automatic replenishment so your balance never runs empty.

If you prefer not to explore online, you can request an process by mail or phone. The MTA E-ZPass customer service line is 511 (from any phone in New York) or 1-800-333-8655. The Thruway Authority number is 1-800-272-0368. After you submit your process, the transponder ships to your address within 5 to 10 business days. You must mount it on your windshield before you use it, and you should test it at a toll plaza to confirm it is working.

Your account opens with a minimum balance, usually $25 to $100 depending on the plan you choose. You can set up automatic replenishment so that when your balance drops below a certain amount, the system charges your payment method and adds funds. This prevents you from accidentally crossing a toll with an empty account.

Paying tolls by invoice if you do not have E-ZPass

When you cross a tolled facility without E-ZPass, a camera reads your license plate and the toll authority mails an invoice to the address on your vehicle registration. The invoice arrives within 30 days and shows the toll amount, the date and time you crossed, and the facility name. It also includes the payment important date, which is typically 30 days from the invoice date. You can pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person at certain locations.

To pay online, visit the MTA or Thruway Authority website and enter your invoice number and license plate. Payment by credit card, debit card, or bank account is processed when ready. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address shown on the invoice; allow extra time for postal delivery. Phone payments go through the same customer service numbers listed above. Some payment centers also accept cash, though these are less common than online or mail options.

The toll amount itself is lower if you pay by E-ZPass than if you pay by invoice. For example, a crossing that costs $5.76 with E-ZPass might cost $6.50 or more if you pay by invoice. This difference exists because the state wants to encourage electronic payment and reduce the cost of processing invoices.

What happens if you miss a toll payment important date

If you do not pay an invoice by the important date, the toll authority adds a late fee to your account. The late fee is typically $25 to $100 per unpaid toll, depending on the facility and how long the debt has been outstanding. A second notice arrives, giving you another chance to pay. If you ignore that notice, the debt can be referred to a collection agency, and the toll authority can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.

A registration hold means you cannot renew your registration until the toll debt is paid. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) enforces this hold at the time you try to renew. If your registration expires while a hold is in place, you are driving with an expired registration, which is a traffic violation. Police can stop you for this reason alone.

In cases where the debt is very large or has gone unpaid for a long time, the toll authority can suspend your registration entirely, not just prevent renewal. This is a more serious penalty and requires you to contact the toll authority directly to arrange payment before the DMV will restore your registration.

E-ZPass discounts and account management

E-ZPass users in New York receive a discount on most tolls compared to the invoice rate. The discount varies by facility but is typically 10 to 25 percent. Some facilities offer additional discounts during off-peak hours, though this varies. Check your account online to see the exact toll rates for the facilities you use most often.

You can manage your E-ZPass account online at any time. Log in to view your balance, transaction history, and replenishment settings. You can also update your payment method, change your address, or add a second vehicle to the same account. If your transponder is damaged or lost, you can request a replacement through your account; a new one typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days.

If you move out of New York or sell your vehicle, you should close your account or transfer it to a new vehicle. Closing an account is straightforward: log in online or call customer service, and any remaining balance can be refunded to your original payment method within 30 days.

Tolled facilities in New York and which authority manages them

The MTA operates tolls on most bridges and tunnels in the New York City area, including the George Washington Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Queens-Midtown Tunnel, and Lincoln Tunnel. The Thruway Authority operates tolls on the New York State Thruway (Interstate 87 and Interstate 90) north of New York City, including the Tappan Zee Bridge (now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge).

Both E-ZPass accounts work at all of these facilities, so you do not need separate accounts for different tolls. However, the MTA and Thruway Authority maintain separate websites and customer service lines, so if you have questions about a specific toll, you should contact the authority that operates it. Your invoice will show which authority issued it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same E-ZPass account for multiple vehicles?

Yes. You can add up to three vehicles to a single E-ZPass account, each with its own transponder. This is useful if you have a household with multiple drivers. Each vehicle's tolls are tracked separately, but they all draw from the same account balance.

What if I get an invoice for a toll I did not cross?

Contact the toll authority when ready with your invoice number and the date shown. Mistakes happen—your plate may have been misread, or the invoice may have been sent to the wrong address. The authority will investigate and correct the error if it is confirmed. Keep your receipt or confirmation number from your call.

Do I have to pay a toll if I am a New York resident?

No. Tolls explore to all drivers, regardless of where they live. New York residents and out-of-state drivers pay the same rates. However, New York residents can open E-ZPass accounts just like anyone else and receive the same discounts.

How long does it take to get an E-ZPass transponder?

After you submit your process online or by mail, the transponder ships within 5 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield and can use it when ready. Your account is active as soon as you complete the process, so you can cross tolls and the charges will be held until your transponder is installed.

Can I get a refund if my E-ZPass account has money left over?

Yes. If you close your account, any remaining balance is refunded to the payment method you used to fund it. The refund typically takes 30 days to process. Contact customer service to close your account, or do it online through your account dashboard.