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In short
You can open an E-ZPass New York account online at e-zpassny.com, buy a tag at an On-the-Go retail location, or send the paper application. You need your license plate number and a way to pay. You can start with as little as $25. You don't need a credit card: a bank account or cash also works. For a TLC vehicle, add the TLC plate to the account before your first trip, mount the tag, and make sure it is an E-ZPass NY tag.
This page walks through the sign-up and the choices that matter for drivers. Then it covers what TLC rules expect from owners and drivers.
Before you start: what you need
NY.gov lists two things: "License plate number(s)" and "Credit card or checking account information" (NY.gov). The Port Authority's E-ZPass page adds that "other payment method (e.g. cash or check)" can fund the account (Port Authority). It's worth reviewing the discount plans first, in case one fits you. The which E-ZPass to get guide compares them.
Four ways to sign up
Step by step
We don't list tag fees or low-balance amounts here. Those are set on e-zpassny.com and we could not confirm them from a page we could open. Check them when you sign up.
Payment choices in one line each
- Automatic replenishment: link a card or bank account. The account refills when it gets low. MTA says the amount is "based on your travel history."
- Pay Per Trip: link a bank account and pay for tolls the same day you use them, with no prepaid balance. The Port Authority says it is "only offered to E-ZPass New York account holders."
- Cash: pay at a VanillaDirect retailer with the barcode on your statement, and keep the receipt (MTA).
The full comparison, with the risk of each, is in paying for E-ZPass without a credit card.
What TLC rules require
E-ZPass is optional for most New Yorkers. For TLC vehicles it is required, and the rules name a specific kind of account.
Owners. Taxi, FHV and SHL owners "must participate in the EZ-Pass New York Program by maintaining a current account with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority" (58-27(a), 59A-24(a), 82-27(a)). They must have at least one MTA Bridges and Tunnels tag for each medallion, FHV license or SHL, and keep a sufficient balance (58-27(b)(2)-(3), 59A-24(b)(2)-(3), 82-27(b)(2)-(3)). Breaking either rule carries a $100 fine and suspension until compliance, and appearance is required. An SHL licensee may take part through its affiliated SHL base (82-27(a)(2)).
Drivers. A driver must not drive a taxi, FHV or SHL for hire without an E-ZPass tag. The driver must use it at all MTA crossings "and wherever else E-ZPass is accepted," and may use a personal tag (80-15(d)(1)-(3)). The fine is $100 if you plead guilty before a hearing, or $150 if found guilty after.
App companies. A high-volume for-hire service "must not dispatch a Vehicle unless the Vehicle is participating in the E-ZPass program" (59D-18(a)). If your car isn't set up, the app shouldn't be sending you trips.
How to tell you have an MTA B&T tag
E-ZPass NY accounts are run by more than one agency. The Port Authority's chart matches the first three digits of the tag ID on the decal to the agency: 008 or 086 is MTA Bridges and Tunnels, 004 the Thruway, 005 the Port Authority (Port Authority). The owner rules name an MTA B&T tag. If you already have a tag, check the digits. If you are not sure your tag or account meets the TLC rule, ask E-ZPass at 800-333-8655 before you put the car in service. Which agency issued my E-ZPass? explains why it matters.
New TLC vehicle or new plates
When you get TLC plates, or switch cars, the plate on your account must change too. MTA says "your current license plate must be linked to your E-ZPass account" for the discount. The Port Authority says plates must be "correctly registered to an active NY/NJ E-ZPass account in good standing to prevent Tolls by Mail invoices." Add the new plate before your first trip. Then remove plates you no longer drive, so your account lists only the vehicles you actually use. If you surrendered the old plates, keep the DMV surrender receipt. It is your proof if a toll is later billed to the old plate (dispute guide).
For a car you only borrow or rent for a short time, MTA offers a Temporary Travel Account (plate plus card, short term), "ideal if you are renting or borrowing a car." It doesn't replace the E-ZPass a TLC vehicle must carry. See the temporary travel account entry.
Problems drivers run into after signing up
"I opened the account but still got a toll bill." Two common causes: the plate on the account doesn't match the car, or the account went below $0. MTA says a negative balance puts the account "out of compliance" and can trigger a Toll Bill. If you have a funded account, pay the bill through "Resolve Toll Bill (E-ZPass Customers)" on the Tolls by Mail website. Then fix the cause. More in why did I get a toll bill with E-ZPass?
"My tolls are higher than the posted E-ZPass rate." Check for Mid-Tier amounts on your statement and see Mid-Tier and tag mounting.
"I got a text asking me to pay." The Port Authority warns that texts from "NY Toll Services" are likely a scam. Check your account only at e-zpassny.com or in the Tolls NY app.
Related
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to open an E-ZPass NY account?
The license plate number of each vehicle, and a way to fund the account: a credit card or checking account, or another method such as cash or check. NY.gov says you can start with as little as $25.
Do I need a credit card?
No. You can link a bank account for automatic replenishment or Pay Per Trip, or pay cash at a VanillaDirect retailer with the barcode on your statement. MTA says the $10 deposit is no longer required for accounts without a linked credit card.
Where can I buy a tag today?
NY.gov says you can buy an E-ZPass at an On-the-Go retail location. You still need to register it and link your plate so tolls are charged at E-ZPass rates.
Does my TLC car need a specific kind of tag?
The owner rules require an E-ZPass New York account with MTA Bridges and Tunnels and at least one MTA B&T tag for each medallion, FHV license or SHL. MTA B&T tag IDs start with 008 or 086. Drivers may use a personal tag (Rule 80-15(d)(3)).
What happens if the owner doesn't have an E-ZPass account?
Under Rules 58-27(a), 59A-24(a) and 82-27(a) the fine is $100 and suspension until compliance, with appearance required. A high-volume app company must not dispatch a vehicle that isn't in E-ZPass (59D-18(a)).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- NY.gov: Get E-ZPass ny.gov
- MTA: How to pay tolls (updated Apr 23, 2025) mta.info
- Port Authority: E-ZPass plans and discounts panynj.gov
- MTA: Tolls by vehicle type (rates effective Jan 4, 2026) mta.info
- TLC Rule Book Chapter 58 (Medallion Taxicab Service) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book Chapter 59 (For-Hire Vehicles, Bases, High-Volume) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book Chapter 80 (Drivers) nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book Chapter 82 (Street Hail Livery) nyc.gov
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.