How to Get E Z Pass in New York

Co-authored by Eric McClure

Last Updated: August 27, 2020 References

EZ-Pass is a system that makes it easier for drivers to pay tolls in New York and many other states. If you enroll, you will receive an EZ-Pass transponder to place in your vehicle which will allow you to drive through an automated toll system instead of stopping at the booth every time that you need to pay. Using EZ-Pass usually makes tolls cheaper as well. To get an EZ-Pass transponder, you can sign up for an account online and wait for the transponder to show up in the mail. You can also buy a transponder from an EZ-Pass service center or retailer at a toll plaza.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Enrolling on the EZ-Pass Website

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1
Visit the EZ-Pass website by going to https://www.e-zpassny.com/en/signup/facility.shtml. You can enroll in the EZ-Pass program in person at a tollway plaza, but enrolling online is the easiest method since the state of New York will mail your transponder to you. Visit the EZ-Pass website to start the enrollment process.^{[1]
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New York State Government
Official website for the State of New York

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- An EZ-Pass that you purchase and register in New York will be accepted in any state that uses the EZ-Pass toll system. There are currently 16 states that use this system, and most of them are in the Midwest or East Coast.
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Select your state and click “enroll online” to start. If your car is registered in a state other than New York, you have to enroll in their EZ-Pass program if they have one. If your state doesn't participate in the EZ-Pass program, then you can sign up for a New York EZ-Pass. For example, if you click “Illinois,” you will be redirected to the Illinois EZ-Pass application since they also use EZ-Pass. But if you click “Arkansas,” you can simply apply for a New York EZ-Pass.^{[2]
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New York State Government
Official website for the State of New York

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- You can also print the application forms from this screen if you want to fill them out by hand and mail them.
- You can open a business account on this page if you're registering a company car.
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3
Enter your personal information and sign up for an account. Enter your name, address, and phone number into the appropriate forms. Select a username for your account. At the bottom of the page, select whether you want to opt in or out of mobile alerts for your account. Click “continue” when you're done to move to the next page.^{[3]
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- If you opt into the mobile alerts, you will receive a text message on your cell phone every time that your transponder is used or your account needs to be checked.
4
Input your vehicle information and set your email and password. On the settings page, enter the email and password for your account. Select your statement delivery preferences to receive your monthly payments via mail or email. Choose a pin and security question before entering vehicle information. Enter your license plate number, state, vehicle type, year, and model before continuing.^{[4]
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- Each EZ-Pass transponder is linked to a specific car, and can only be used on that vehicle.
- If your license plate or vehicle information is incorrect, your account will not be accurately charged and you will accrue driving violations every time that you use the EZ-Pass toll.
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Select your plan based on desired discounts and vehicle type. The plan you can choose is based on the type of vehicle you have. Motor homes, electric vehicles, and motorcycles will all be placed in a separate plan. You can also select whether you want a specific discount on a certain route or roadway. There are dozens of options to choose from, but you should likely select the standard plan if you don't drive the same route every day.^{[5]
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- There are also residential discounts if you live on Staten Island.
- Motor homes, electric vehicles, and motorcycles all receive a discounted rate automatically. You need to prove that your vehicle qualifies though by uploading your registration.
Tip: Any discount plans tied to specific routes or bridge tolls have a monthly minimum number of trips in order to qualify. If you take a route less than 20 times a month, you probably don't qualify for the route-specific discounts. If you don't meet the monthly minimum number of trips for a plan's discount, you will be charged at the end of the month.
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Pay $25.00 or $30.00 and wait for your transponder in the mail. Depending on your specific plan and vehicle, you need to pay $25-30 in order to receive your transponder. The payment for the transponder will be credited to your account once you activate it. Wait 2-14 days for your transponder to come in the mail.^{[6]
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- If you don't receive your transponder, contact an E-ZPass service center. To find one, search online or visit your nearest highway toll plaza.
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Follow the instructions on the transponder to activate it. Depending on what type of transponder you're receiving and when you're receiving it, you may need to turn your EZ-Pass on once it arrives. To do this, follow the instructions that come printed on the accompanying letter or sticker.^{[7]
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- Usually this simply involves entering the transponder number on the EZ-Pass website to confirm the delivery.
- Once your transponder is active you can mount it on your vehicle.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Purchasing a Transponder at a Toll Plaza or Store

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1
Stop at a toll plaza to buy an EZ-Pass transponder in person. Stopping at a toll plaza is an easy way to get EZ-Pass if you're already on the road. Simply pull into any toll plaza in New York to apply for the EZ-Pass program.^{[8]
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- Most toll plazas will have signs on the highway that let you know if you can buy an EZ-Pass there.
- Some toll plazas may have a privately-owned business selling the transponders for the state.
2
Purchase your transponder and fill out the registration information. If you buy your transponder in person, all you have to do is fill out a short application with your personal and vehicle information before you are handed your transponder. The retailer will fill out your account information online for you. Once you've filled out your application, pay $25.00 to receive your EZ-Pass transponder.^{[9]
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- The $25.00 will be debited to your EZ-Pass account once you set it up.
- If you want the online account benefits, you can always link your transponder to an account online.
- Your transponder will not work until you activate it. You cannot pay for it and then stick it right on your vehicle.
- You can select a commuter plan to save money on a specific bridge or tollway if you drive through it frequently.
To turn your transponder on, go to https://www.e-zpassny.com/en/signup/facility.shtml and select the option at the top of the page where it says, “Did you purchase an E-ZPass Tag at a Retail Location or Toll Plaza? Click here.” You can also activate your EZ-Pass by calling their toll-free activation number.^{[10]
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Tip: Whether you call the activation number or go online, all the information that you need is on the transponder itself.
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Enter the 11-digit tag number on your transponder. To find your transponder number, find the barcode on your specific unit. Look above or below the barcode for an 11-digit number. The tag number will start with either 004 or 008. This is your transponder number.^{[11]
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- Depending on your specific model, the number may be above or below the bar code.
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Enter the validation code that is in between the mounting strips on the back. The validation code is an 8-digit code that contains both numbers and letters. It is located on the back of the transponder in between the mounting strips. Enter or repeat your validation code on the phone or online to complete the activation process.^{[12]
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- The validation code is case sensitive.
Once your transponder is activated, you need to connect it to a payment method. Link it to a credit card or checking account by providing the account or card number when you call the service number or activate your transponder online. Once your transponder is activated, you can start using it!^{[13]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Your EZ-Pass

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1
Mount the transponder on your vehicle's windshield near the rearview mirror. Clean the area near your rearview mirror with a dry cloth. Remove the tape covering the mounting strips on the back of the transponder. Stick it to the windshield with the label facing you and the lettering right-side up. Place it at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the right of your rearview mirror and at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the support beam.^{[14]
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- If you have a tint on the top of your windshield to help block the sun, stick your transponder underneath it so that the camera at a toll road can get an accurate picture.
- As long as the transponder is near the top of your windshield to the right of the rearview mirror, the camera and sensor should have no problem registering it.
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Drive through any EZ-Pass bypass lane to use it without stopping. Some toll roads have a bypass lane that you can use if you have an EZ-Pass transponder. To use one, simply drive through them while staying under the posted speed limit to automatically pay your toll with the EZ-Pass.^{[15]
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- The transponder is read by a camera and a sensor at the automatic toll junction. If you're driving too fast, the camera may not catch your transponder and you may end up paying a fine.
At any junctions without a bypass lane, you can use your EZ-Pass to pay standard tolls. Simply stop at a toll booth and the camera will read your EZ-Pass and open automatically. The prices for tolls are usually cheaper if you use your EZ-Pass.^{[16]
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Tip: There are usually signs above each of the toll booths indicating which booths are exclusively for EZ-Pass users.
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Pay automatically or online at the end of the month. You can change the payment setting in your online account settings. If you enroll in autopay, any toll fees will be immediately charged to your account as soon as you drive through a toll. If you opt out of autopay, you'll need to go online and access your EZ-Pass account at https://www.e-zpassny.com/en/home/index.shtml to pay it when the bill is due.
- If you drive through the bypass lane without your EZ-Pass, go online to your account to pay the toll.