If you drive in New York, knowing how to pay E‑ZPass NY and Tolls by Mail bills quickly and correctly can save you money, fees, and headaches.
Official references:
- E‑ZPass New York: https://www.e-zpassny.com
- “Ways to Pay” (Tolls by Mail & E‑ZPass bills): https://www.e-zpassny.com/tbm/ways-to-pay
Main Ways to Pay E‑ZPass NY and Tolls by Mail
New York now uses cashless tolling statewide, so you must pay electronically or by mail—there’s no paying at a toll booth with cash anymore.
The main payment options are:
- Online via E‑ZPass NY or Tolls by Mail
- Tolls NY mobile app
- By phone (automated system)
- By mail (check or card form)
- In person at authorized cash retailers
If you have an active E‑ZPass NY account, most tolls are taken automatically from your prepaid balance at a discounted rate; without E‑ZPass, you’ll typically get a Toll Bill in the mail at a higher rate.
1. Pay Online (E‑ZPass Account or Toll Bill)
E‑ZPass NY account payments
If you already have an E‑ZPass NY tag and account, tolls are normally deducted automatically from your prepaid balance. You only need to “pay” manually if:
- Your account is low and auto‑replenish fails, or
- You need to make a one‑time payment to restore your balance.
You can:
- Log in at E‑ZPassNY.com to make a one‑time payment by credit/debit card or bank account.
- Use the Tolls NY app to make a one‑time payment to your E‑ZPass account.
Tolls by Mail online payments
If you don’t have E‑ZPass or your tag wasn’t read, you’ll receive a Toll Bill (Tolls by Mail). To pay it online:
- Go to the “Ways to Pay” / Tolls by Mail section.
- Choose Search and Pay or Pay Toll Bill.
- Enter your Toll Bill number and license plate, or search by plate if you lost the bill.
- Pay by credit/debit card or bank account.
Note: Tolls by Mail bills usually have a higher toll rate than E‑ZPass NY, plus about a 2‑dollar administrative fee per bill.
2. Pay Using the Tolls NY Mobile App
The Tolls NY app is the official app for both E‑ZPass NY and Tolls by Mail customers.
With the app, you can:
- Make one‑time payments to your E‑ZPass account by credit/debit card or bank account debit
- Pay your Tolls by Mail bills from your phone
- View toll activity, bills, and notifications
The app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play; always search specifically for “Tolls NY” to avoid fake look‑alike apps.
3. Pay by Phone
You can pay E‑ZPass NY or Tolls by Mail using the automated phone system.
- Call 1‑800‑333‑8655 (toll‑free).
- Follow the prompts to enter your Toll Bill number, E‑ZPass account number, or license plate.
- Pay using a credit/debit card or, in some cases, bank account.
Customer service hours (for speaking to a representative, not the automated system) are typically:
- Monday–Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: morning/early afternoon window (check the official site for current hours).
4. Pay by Mail
You can still mail your payment if you prefer paper.
- Follow the payment instructions printed on your Toll Bill or E‑ZPass statement.
- You can usually pay by:
- Check or money order (made payable to the entity listed on the bill)
- Filling out card information on the payment coupon (credit/debit card)
- Mail to the payment address shown on your bill or statement; common addresses include the E‑ZPass Customer Service Center in Albany, NY.
Always allow extra time for mail delivery and processing to avoid late fees or violation notices.
5. Pay In Person with Cash
If you want to pay in cash, you can’t pay at toll gantries anymore, but you can pay at authorized retail locations.
- Bring your Toll Bill payment coupon or the barcode from your bill.
- Go to a participating local retailer listed in the “In Person” locator on the E‑ZPass NY/Tolls by Mail site.
- Pay by cash at the counter; some locations may charge a small service fee.
You can use these locations to pay Toll Bills and, in some cases, to add funds to your E‑ZPass account.
EZPassNY vs. Tolls by Mail: Why It Matters
E‑ZPass NY is almost always cheaper than Tolls by Mail.
- E‑ZPass NY customers usually get at least a 25% discount on tolls in New York City and on many New York facilities, and up to around 75% off on some Thruway tolls compared with the non‑E‑ZPass rate.
- Tolls by Mail customers pay higher tolls and a per‑bill administrative fee (often about 2 dollars) for processing.
If you regularly drive in New York, opening an E‑ZPass NY account and enabling auto‑replenish is usually the smartest long‑term move.
Recent / 2026 Updates to Know
- Cash toll collection remains discontinued; you must pay via E‑ZPass or Tolls by Mail/Pay Toll Now style systems.
- The Tolls NY app is emphasized as the primary official mobile tool for managing both E‑ZPass and Tolls by Mail accounts and payments.
- Toll rates and discounts continue to favor New York‑issued E‑ZPass transponders over out‑of‑state E‑ZPass or Toll‑By‑Mail.
Always verify current fees and discounts on the official E‑ZPass NY or MTA/Thruway sites before relying on older rate charts.
Safety Tips When Paying EZPassNY Tolls
Toll and E‑ZPass scams are increasingly common, especially via text and email.
- Only pay through official sites: e-zpassny.com, the link printed on your Toll Bill, or the official Tolls NY app.
- Ignore texts/emails demanding “urgent toll payment” that link to strange domains; instead, go directly to the official website and log in to check your account.
- Keep your payment confirmations (online receipts, reference numbers, or copies of checks) until charges clearly show as paid.
FAQs About EZPassNY Toll Pay
1. How do I pay a New York toll if I don’t have E‑ZPass?
If you don’t have E‑ZPass, an image of your license plate is captured and a Toll Bill (Tolls by Mail) is mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner. You can pay that bill online, through the Tolls NY app, by phone, by mail, or in person at authorized retailers.
2. Can I pay my toll before I receive a Toll Bill?
In many cases you can search for and pay a toll online before the paper bill arrives using the Search and Pay by License Plate feature in the Tolls by Mail section or the Tolls NY app. You’ll need your plate number and sometimes basic trip details.
3. What number do I call to pay my E‑ZPass NY tolls?
Call 1‑800‑333‑8655 to access the automated phone system to pay E‑ZPass NY or Tolls by Mail bills. You can also reach customer service at this number during posted hours if you need help with an account or dispute.
4. Can I still pay New York tolls with cash at the toll plaza?
No. Cash toll collection has been eliminated at New York State Thruway and most NYC bridges and tunnels; all plazas use cashless tolling. Instead, use E‑ZPass or pay your Toll Bill (Tolls by Mail) through one of the approved methods.
5. Is it cheaper to use E‑ZPass NY than Tolls by Mail?
Yes. E‑ZPass NY customers usually get at least a 25% discount on tolls in New York and as much as about 75% off certain Thruway tolls compared with Tolls by Mail. Tolls by Mail also adds an administrative fee per bill, which increases your total cost.
6. Can I link a Toll Bill to my existing E‑ZPass account?
Often, yes. When you look up a Tolls by Mail bill online, there is usually an option to transfer that bill to your E‑ZPass account if the plate matches your account and other conditions are met. This may adjust the toll to the E‑ZPass rate for future trips, though you may still owe the original Toll‑By‑Mail amount for past travel depending on policy.
7. What happens if I ignore a Toll Bill in New York?
If you don’t pay, the bill can escalate to a violation with extra fees and possible registration holds or enforcement actions through the DMV. If you’re having trouble paying or think a bill is wrong, contact the E‑ZPass customer service center or use the dispute/appeal options as soon as possible.
