You can pay New York tolls online through the E-ZPass system or by mailing a check to the toll authority

New York has two main ways to pay tolls without stopping at a booth: E-ZPass, which charges your account automatically as you drive, and toll-by-mail, where the toll authority sends you an invoice after you cross. E-ZPass is faster and cheaper — tolls cost less when you use the tag than when you pay by mail. Toll-by-mail is slower but requires no equipment or advance setup.

Which one you use depends on whether you drive tolled roads regularly. If you cross a toll bridge, tunnel, or highway more than a few times a year, E-ZPass saves money. If you cross rarely, toll-by-mail will find you eventually, and you can pay the invoice online when it arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • E-ZPass is a tag you mount on your windshield that charges your bank account or credit card each time you cross a toll point; tolls cost less with E-ZPass than with toll-by-mail.
  • You can open an E-ZPass account online at the New York E-ZPass website, choose a payment method, and receive your tag by mail within one to two weeks.
  • Toll-by-mail invoices arrive weeks after you cross and can be paid online by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer through the toll authority's website.
  • If you do not have E-ZPass and cross a toll without paying, the toll authority photographs your license plate and mails an invoice; paying it online stops additional penalties.

Setting up E-ZPass for automatic toll payments

To open an E-ZPass account, go to the New York E-ZPass website and click "Open an Account." You will need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or bank account. The account takes about 15 minutes to set up online.

After you complete the account, E-ZPass mails you a tag (also called a transponder) within one to two weeks. The tag is a small plastic device you stick to the inside of your windshield. Once it arrives, set up it through your online account, and it will begin charging tolls automatically the next time you cross.

E-ZPass tolls in New York are lower than toll-by-mail rates. For example, a car crossing the George Washington Bridge costs $17.50 with E-ZPass but $18 if you pay by mail. On some roads, the difference is larger. You can check your balance and recent charges anytime by logging into your E-ZPass account online.

Paying toll-by-mail invoices online

If you cross a toll without E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your license plate. Within two to four weeks, you will receive an invoice by mail. The invoice includes the toll amount, a processing fee, and instructions for payment.

You can pay the invoice online through the toll authority's website using a credit card or debit card. The website for New York tolls is tolls.ny.gov. Enter your invoice number (printed on the bill) and your license plate number to find your account and pay. You can also pay by phone or by mailing a check, but online payment is the fastest option.

If you receive multiple toll-by-mail invoices over time, opening an E-ZPass account will stop future invoices. When you set up E-ZPass, the toll authority stops sending bills for that vehicle.

Tolled roads and bridges in New York

New York tolls explore on major crossings and highways. The George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel connect New York to New Jersey. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge connects Brooklyn and Staten Island. The Triborough Bridge (now called the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge) connects Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. Several highways also charge tolls, including sections of the New York State Thruway.

Each crossing has the same toll rate regardless of which payment method you use, except that E-ZPass rates are lower. If you are unsure whether a specific road charges a toll, the tolls.ny.gov website lists all tolled routes.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you cross a toll without paying and do not receive an invoice, the toll authority will eventually send one to the address on your vehicle registration. Ignoring the invoice adds penalties and can result in a suspended registration or license. The fastest way to resolve this is to pay the invoice online as soon as you receive it.

If you believe you were charged in error — for example, if your E-ZPass tag malfunctioned — you can dispute the charge through your account or by contacting E-ZPass customer service. Keep records of when you crossed and any evidence that your tag was not working properly.

Choosing between E-ZPass and toll-by-mail

E-ZPass makes sense if you cross tolls more than a few times per month. The lower toll rate and automatic charging save time and money. You also avoid the risk of missing a toll-by-mail invoice and facing penalties.

Toll-by-mail is simpler if you cross tolls rarely — perhaps once or twice a year. You do not need to buy or maintain equipment, and you only pay when you actually cross. The downside is the higher toll rate and the delay before you receive an invoice.

Some drivers use both: they have E-ZPass for frequent crossings but occasionally drive a rental car or borrowed vehicle that does not have a tag. In that case, they straightforward pay the toll-by-mail invoice when it arrives.

Managing your E-ZPass account online

Once your E-ZPass account is active, you can log in anytime to check your balance, view recent transactions, update your payment method, or add more vehicles. If your tag is damaged or lost, you can order a replacement through your account.

E-ZPass accounts do not expire, but if you do not use your tag for an extended period, the account may become inactive. You can reactivate it by logging in and updating your payment information. If you move out of New York or no longer need the tag, you can close your account through the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

E-ZPass mails your tag within one to two weeks of opening your account. You can begin using tolled roads when ready after you set up the tag through your online account, which usually takes one business day. If you need a tag urgently, some E-ZPass service centers offer in-person pickup, though this varies by location.

Can I use my E-ZPass tag in other states?

Yes. E-ZPass works on tolled roads in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Your New York E-ZPass account and tag work in all these states without any changes. Tolls vary by state and road, but your account charges automatically.

What if I do not receive a toll-by-mail invoice?

If you crossed a toll without E-ZPass and did not receive an invoice within four weeks, check the tolls.ny.gov website using your license plate number. You can search for outstanding tolls and pay online. If you still cannot find a record, contact the toll authority directly to confirm whether a toll was charged.

Can I pay tolls with a prepaid card or gift card?

E-ZPass accounts require a credit card, debit card, or bank account. Most prepaid cards work if they have a Visa or Mastercard logo and are registered to your name. Gift cards typically do not work because they are not registered to a specific person. Contact E-ZPass customer service if you are unsure whether your card will work.

Do I get a refund if I close my E-ZPass account?

If your account has a positive balance (money you prepaid but did not use), E-ZPass refunds it to your original payment method within two to four weeks of closing your account. There is no fee to close an account. If your account has a negative balance (you owe money), you must pay it before closing.