What a closing letter is and why you need one
A closing letter is a written request to E-ZPass asking them to stop charging your account and end your service. You send it to the toll authority that manages your account — not to E-ZPass itself, since E-ZPass is a network of regional toll agencies, each running its own program. The letter creates a paper record that you asked to close on a specific date, which protects you if charges appear after you stop using the transponder.
You need a closing letter if you are moving out of a region served by E-ZPass, selling a vehicle, or straightforward no longer want to use tolled roads. Without a written request, your account may remain open and collect fees or penalties if the transponder is used again or if tolls go unpaid.
Key Takeaways
- A closing letter should include your account number, the date you want the account closed, and your signature, and you should send it to the specific toll authority that manages your account, not a national office.
- Different E-ZPass regions have different mailing addresses and may accept email or online closure, so check your account statement or the regional website before you send anything.
- You should close your account before you return the transponder or stop using tolled roads, because charges can continue if the device is used after closure.
- Keep a copy of your closing letter and any confirmation number the toll authority gives you, in case disputes arise over charges after your closure date.
How to identify which toll authority to contact
E-ZPass operates in 17 states and the District of Columbia, but each region is run by a separate toll authority. Your account belongs to one of them — not to a central E-ZPass office. The toll authority that manages your account is printed on your account statement, on your transponder, or on the invoice you receive.
Common E-ZPass regions include the New York State Thruway Authority, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. If you are unsure which authority manages your account, log into your E-ZPass account online or call the customer service number on your statement. They will tell you the correct mailing address for a closing letter.
What to include in your closing letter
Your closing letter should be brief and include only the information the toll authority needs to find and close your account. Use a standard business letter format with your name and address at the top, the date, and the toll authority's address below.
In the body of the letter, include the following:
- Your full name as it appears on the account
- Your account number (found on your statement or transponder)
- Your transponder number or tag number, if you have it
- The date you want the account closed (typically the date you send the letter or a date within the next few days)
- A clear statement that you are requesting closure of your account
- Your current phone number and email address
You do not need to explain why you are closing the account. A straightforward closing request is sufficient. Sign the letter by hand if you are mailing it, or type your name if you are sending it by email.
Sample closing letter template
Here is a basic template you can adapt to your situation:
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Date]
[Toll Authority Name] [Mailing Address] [City, State ZIP]
Dear [Toll Authority Name],
I am writing to request closure of my E-ZPass account effective [date]. My account number is [account number], and my transponder number is [transponder number].
Please close this account and confirm closure in writing. I can be reached at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you, [Your Signature] [Your Typed Name]
Keep the letter to one page. Do not include payment disputes, complaints, or other matters in the same letter — those should be handled separately with the toll authority's customer service department.
How to send your closing letter
Most E-ZPass regions accept closing letters by mail, email, or through an online account portal. Check your account statement or the toll authority's website to find the correct method and address for your region.
If you mail the letter, use regular first-class mail and keep a copy for your records. If you email it, send it to the customer service email address listed on the toll authority's website, not to a general inbox. Some regions allow you to request closure directly through your online account — if that option is available, use it, because you will receive when ready confirmation.
Send your closing letter before you return the transponder or stop using tolled roads. If you return the device or stop paying before the account is officially closed, you may be charged late fees or penalties.
What happens after you send the closing letter
The toll authority will process your request and send you a written confirmation of closure. This confirmation should include the date the account was closed and any final balance due or refund owed. The confirmation letter is your proof that you requested closure, so keep it with your records.
If you have a positive balance in your account (money you prepaid), the toll authority will either refund it to your original payment method or hold it for a set period before refunding it. The timeframe varies by region — check your confirmation letter or contact customer service to learn when to expect a refund.
After closure, do not use the transponder on tolled roads. If it is used after the account is closed, you may be charged as a toll violator, which carries higher fees and penalties. If you plan to keep the transponder for a future account, store it in a place where it will not be read by toll gantries.
What to do if you do not receive confirmation
If you do not receive a written confirmation of closure within two to three weeks, contact the toll authority's customer service department by phone. Provide your account number and the date you sent the closing letter. Ask them to confirm the closure date in writing and to send you a copy of the confirmation.
If the toll authority claims they never received your letter, ask them to check their records for your account number and the date range when you sent it. If you emailed the letter, ask for confirmation that it was received. If you mailed it, you can request that the toll authority issue a new confirmation based on their internal records.
Keep all correspondence — the original closing letter, the confirmation, and any follow-up emails or letters — in case you need to dispute charges that appear after your closure date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my E-ZPass account online instead of sending a letter?
Many E-ZPass regions allow you to request closure through your online account portal. Log in, look for an account settings or closure option, and follow the prompts. You will receive when ready confirmation. If your region does not offer online closure, you will need to send a letter or call customer service.
What if I have unpaid tolls on my account?
You can still request closure, but the toll authority will not close the account until the balance is paid. Include a note in your letter asking about the balance and how to pay it. Once you pay, the account can be closed. Do not ignore unpaid tolls, as they can result in collection action or license suspension.
Do I have to return the transponder after I close my account?
Most E-ZPass regions require you to return the transponder within a set timeframe after closure, usually 30 to 60 days. Check your confirmation letter for the return instructions and address. If you do not return it, you may be charged a non-return fee. Some regions allow you to keep the transponder if you plan to open a new account later.
What if charges appear on my account after I close it?
Contact the toll authority when ready with your confirmation of closure and the date of the unauthorized charge. Explain that the account was closed on that date and should not have been charged. Provide your confirmation letter as proof. The toll authority should investigate and reverse the charge if it occurred after your closure date.
How long does it take for my account to be officially closed?
Closure is usually effective on the date you request it or the date the toll authority receives your letter, whichever is later. However, it can take one to two weeks for the toll authority to process the request and send you written confirmation. During this time, do not use the transponder on tolled roads.