How to pay New York tolls
New York tolls can be paid in three ways: through E-ZPass (an electronic tag that charges your account automatically), by mail after receiving an invoice, or at a toll booth if one is staffed. E-ZPass is the fastest and cheapest option — tolls cost less when you use the tag than when you pay by other methods. If you don't have E-ZPass, the toll authority will photograph your license plate, send you an invoice weeks later, and you pay by mail or online. Toll booth cash payment is available at some locations but is becoming less common as New York moves toward cashless tolling.
The tolls themselves vary by location and vehicle type. Crossings like the George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge each have different rates. Trucks and motorcycles may pay different amounts than standard cars. Rates also change periodically, so the amount you paid last year may not be what you pay this year.
Key Takeaways
- E-ZPass is an electronic tag that charges tolls automatically and costs less per crossing than paying by invoice or cash.
- If you don't use E-ZPass, the toll authority photographs your plate and mails you an invoice, which you pay by mail or online.
- You can open an E-ZPass account online or at a service center, and the tag arrives by mail in about two weeks.
- Toll rates vary by bridge or tunnel and change annually, so check the specific crossing you plan to use before you travel.
- If you receive a toll invoice you believe is wrong, you can dispute it through the toll authority's customer service line.
Getting an E-ZPass tag
E-ZPass is run by the Tolls and Bridges Authority in New York. You can open an account online at the E-ZPass website or visit a service center in person. Online, you'll need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You'll also need to provide the vehicle's license plate number and VIN.
After you complete the online form, the tag itself arrives by mail in about two weeks. You mount it on your windshield inside your vehicle, and it communicates with sensors at toll plazas. Your account is charged automatically each time you cross a tolled bridge or tunnel. You can set up automatic replenishment so your account refunds itself when the balance drops below a certain amount, or you can add money manually whenever you choose.
If you prefer not to explore online, E-ZPass service centers are located throughout the New York area. Staff can help you open an account and may issue a temporary tag on the spot, though the permanent tag still arrives by mail. Service center locations and hours are listed on the E-ZPass website.
Paying tolls without E-ZPass
If you don't have an E-ZPass tag, the toll authority uses automatic license plate recognition to photograph your vehicle as you cross. You won't pay anything at the moment you cross. Instead, weeks later, you'll receive an invoice by mail with the toll amount, the date you crossed, and instructions for payment.
You can pay the invoice online using a credit card or debit card, by mail with a check, or by phone. The toll authority's website has a payment portal where you can enter your invoice number and pay when ready. Paying by invoice costs more per crossing than E-ZPass — the difference is typically a dollar or two per toll, depending on the crossing.
If you cross the same toll multiple times before receiving an invoice, all the crossings will appear on a single bill. This means you might not see a charge for several weeks after your first crossing, which can be confusing if you're not expecting it. Keeping track of which tolls you've crossed helps you anticipate the invoice.
Cash payment at toll booths
Some toll plazas still have staffed toll booths that accept cash, though New York is gradually moving away from this option. Cash payment is the most expensive way to pay tolls — you'll pay a higher per-crossing rate than E-ZPass users. Not all crossings have cash booths open at all times, so you cannot rely on cash as your primary payment method.
If you do pay cash, the toll booth operator will give you a receipt. Keep it in case there's a dispute about the payment later. As New York continues to implement all-electronic tolling, cash booths are closing, so this option may not be available at your crossing much longer.
Understanding toll rates and changes
Toll rates in New York are set by the Tolls and Bridges Authority and vary by crossing, time of day, and vehicle type. The George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge each charge different amounts. Some crossings also use congestion pricing, which means tolls are higher during peak travel times and lower during off-peak hours.
Rates change annually, usually in the spring. The authority announces rate changes in advance, and you can find current tolls on the E-ZPass website or the specific crossing's website. If you cross the same toll regularly, checking the current rate before a rate change takes effect helps you budget for the increase.
Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles with special permits may pay different rates than standard passenger cars. If you drive a vehicle in one of these categories, confirm the rate that applies to you before you cross.
Disputing a toll charge
If you receive a toll invoice you believe is incorrect — for example, you were charged twice for a single crossing, or you don't recognize the date or location — you can dispute it. Contact the toll authority's customer service line with your invoice number, the date of the crossing, and an explanation of why you believe the charge is wrong.
The toll authority will investigate your dispute, which typically takes two to four weeks. If they determine the charge was an error, they'll issue a refund or credit to your account. If they determine the charge was correct, they'll explain why and you'll owe the toll. Keep copies of any correspondence about the dispute for your records.
If you have an E-ZPass account and notice an unexpected charge, you can also log into your account online to review your crossing history and account balance. This can help you spot errors quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I cross a toll without paying?
The toll authority photographs your license plate and mails you an invoice. If you don't pay the invoice within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days), late fees are added to your bill. Unpaid tolls can also affect your vehicle registration renewal. It's important to pay invoices when you receive them to avoid additional charges.
Can I use my E-ZPass tag from another state?
Yes. E-ZPass is accepted at toll facilities across multiple states in the Northeast and Midwest. If you have a tag from another state's E-ZPass program, it will work at New York tolls. Your account with your home state's program will be charged the toll amount.
How do I add money to my E-ZPass account?
Log into your E-ZPass account online and select the option to add funds. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account. You can also set up automatic replenishment so the account refunds itself when the balance drops below a threshold you choose, usually $10 or $20.
Do I need a separate E-ZPass account for each vehicle?
Yes. Each vehicle needs its own tag and account. However, you can link multiple accounts together so you manage them from one login. This makes it easier to add funds to all your vehicles at once if you have more than one.
What if my E-ZPass tag is damaged or lost?
Contact E-ZPass customer service and request a replacement tag. You'll need to verify your account information. A new tag will be mailed to you, usually within two weeks. Until it arrives, tolls will be charged to your account using license plate recognition, so you won't be stranded without a way to pay.