Tired of getting slapped with “Toll by Mail” charges because you don’t have an E-ZPass? You’re paying more than you need to. This guide breaks down exactly where to buy E-ZPass — online, in stores, and in person — so you can stop overpaying and start saving on every toll. Stick around, because the right choice depends on your state.
What Is E-ZPass and Why Does It Matter?
E-ZPass is a prepaid electronic toll system that covers approximately 20 states, stretching from Maine all the way to Florida and west to Minnesota. One transponder handles tolls across the entire network. No cash, no stopping, no fuss.
The system uses RFID technology — a small device on your windshield communicates with overhead sensors as you drive through. Tolls get deducted from your prepaid balance automatically.
Here’s the kicker: skipping E-ZPass isn’t free. In Massachusetts, for example, a Mass Pike trip costs $7.50 with an E-ZPass MA tag but jumps to $14.00 plus a $0.60 fee if you pay by plate. That gap adds up fast.
The 3 Main Ways to Buy E-ZPass
No matter which state you’re in, you’ll find one of these three options:
- Online through your state’s official tolling website
- Retail stores (grocery chains, drug stores, gas stations)
- In-person at government offices or toll plaza service centers
Each route has its own trade-offs. Online is cheapest and most convenient. Retail is fastest if you need it today. In-person works best if you want face-to-face help.
How to Buy E-ZPass Online
Online is usually your best bet. Most state agencies let you open an account, link a credit card, and ship a transponder to your door.
Massachusetts makes it especially easy through EZDriveMA.com. The transponder is free, and you just need a $20 minimum opening balance. Done.
Illinois drivers can visit getipass.com to order a free sticker tag. No deposit required.
Virginia walks you through setup with a step-by-step account wizard at E-ZPass Virginia. One heads-up: the portal times out after five minutes of inactivity, so have your vehicle info ready before you start.
Pennsylvania lets you manage everything through the PA Toll Pay app or at paturnpike.com, where you can even buy E-ZPass gift certificates ranging from $38 to $100.
Where to Buy E-ZPass at Retail Stores
Need a transponder today? Retail kits — often called “On-the-Go” or “Go Pak” — let you grab one off the shelf and use it immediately on most toll roads.
Here’s a quick breakdown by state:
| State | Retail Stores | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| New York | Wegmans, Rite Check, NY Transit Museum | $25–$30 kit; credited back when registered |
| Pennsylvania | Wegmans, Acme, Giant, Kuhn’s, Martin’s | 600+ locations; $38 minimum balance |
| Virginia | Wegmans, Giant, Pit Stop Convenience Stores | $35 kit with $15 credit included |
| Illinois | Jewel-Osco, Road Ranger | Retail service fee applies at checkout |
| Ohio | AAA, Discount Drug Mart, Speedway, Giant Eagle | Available at turnpike service plazas too |
| New Jersey | AutoSport, Spotless Car Wash, local hardware stores | Hyper-local network across the state |
Important: Most retail kits need registration within 24–48 hours to work out of state. Don’t skip this step or your tag won’t work beyond the issuing state’s roads.
Maryland note: Retail kits were once common at Giant and Safeway, but availability has dropped. Your best bet now is an MVA office or the DriveEzMD website.
Where to Buy E-ZPass In Person
Prefer talking to a real person? These options have you covered.
Virginia DMV offices in Chesterfield, Fairfax, and Richmond sell E-ZPass kits and handle full account setup. Check Virginia DMV’s E-ZPass page for hours.
Delaware goes all-in with 24/7 service centers right at major toll plazas. The Newark Toll Plaza on I-95, Biddles Corner on Route 1, and Dover Toll Plaza are all open around the clock.
New Jersey runs customer service centers in Newark, Camden, and Hammonton. The Newark center on McCarter Highway even opens on Saturdays.
AAA offices are a sleeper hit here. If you’re an AAA member, you can buy E-ZPass at branches across New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Delaware. In New York, AAA Northeast sells both MTA and Thruway tags depending on the branch location.
State-by-State Buying Guide
New York
New York has three agencies: NYSTA (Thruway), MTA Bridges and Tunnels, and the Port Authority (PANYNJ). All tags work across the full E-ZPass network, but the agency you choose affects your fees and discount plans.
- NYSTA and MTA tags: No monthly fee
- PANYNJ tags: $1.00/month fee
- Staten Island Bridges discount (50% off): Only available through E-ZPass New York or New Jersey accounts
For retail, head to a Wegmans or Rite Check location. AAA members can also buy at branches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s E-ZPass network covers the Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Atlantic City Expressway, and shares several bridges with the Port Authority and Delaware River Port Authority.
You’ll find transponders at local spots like AutoSport in Upper Saddle River, Spotless Car Wash in Hackensack, and even Ramsey Hardware. Check the NJ E-ZPass plans page to find the right discount plan before signing up.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s “Go Pak” is available at 600+ retail locations, including Wegmans, Acme, and Giant Eagle. The minimum opening amount is $38. Register via the PA Toll Pay app after purchase and you’ll save up to 50% versus “Toll by Plate” billing.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has gone fully electronic — no cash toll lanes exist anymore. An EZDriveMA account is essentially mandatory. Online accounts come with a free transponder. Massachusetts is also switching to sticker-style transponders that replace the older plastic boxes.
Out-of-state E-ZPass works here, but you’ll pay more. Massachusetts residents get the lowest rate:
| Payment Method | Mass Pike | Tobin Bridge | Sumner Tunnel |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-ZPass MA | $7.50 | $2.50 | $2.60 |
| Out-of-State E-ZPass | $9.35 | $3.00 | $3.25 |
| Pay By Plate | $14.00 + $0.60 fee | $3.50 + $0.60 fee | $3.90 + $0.60 fee |
Virginia
Virginia’s E-ZPass kits cost $35 at DMV offices or participating retailers. Virginia is also one of the few states that widely issues the E-ZPass Flex — a transponder with a physical switch for HOV lane travel. Flip it to HOV mode on the I-495 or I-95 Express Lanes with 3+ passengers, and you ride for free.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s NC Quick Pass gives you a free sticker transponder that works in 19 states. In early 2025, the discount jumped from 35% to 50% off tolls — a big deal. Without a transponder, the “Bill by Mail” rate doubles your toll. A $4.05 trip on the Triangle Expressway becomes $8.10 by mail.
Want HOV functionality? Get the NC Quick Pass Flex for $16.49 plus tax.
Florida and Georgia
Florida now accepts E-ZPass on all toll roads statewide. Georgia’s Peach Pass works on E-ZPass roads too. If you travel frequently between the Northeast and Deep South, consider the “Uni” transponder from CFX — it’s compatible with all 19 E-ZPass states plus Florida and Georgia.
Illinois and the Midwest
Illinois uses I-PASS, which is fully compatible with E-ZPass. Grab one at any Jewel-Osco or pick up a free sticker tag at Tollway Oases in Belvidere, DeKalb, Lake Forest, or South Holland.
Ohio drivers can buy at turnpike service plazas or at retail stores like Speedway and Giant Eagle. Average savings on Ohio Turnpike tolls run about 33%.
Cost Comparison: What You’ll Pay by State
Fees vary a lot. Here’s a snapshot to help you pick the right state account, especially if you travel across multiple states:
| State/Agency | Transponder Fee | Min. Opening Balance | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Free | $20.00 | None |
| New York (MTA/NYSTA) | Free | $25.00 | None |
| Virginia | Free | $35.00 | None |
| North Carolina | Free (sticker) | $10.00 | $1.00 (inactive only) |
| Maryland | Free (interior) | $25.00 | $1.50 (non-residents) |
| Pennsylvania | $3.00/year | $35.00 | $3.00/year |
| Ohio | $3.00 deposit | $25.00 | $0.75 |
| Indiana | $15.00 | $10.00 | $1.25 |
| New Hampshire | $7.15 (box) | $30.00 | None or $0.50 (lease) |
| Illinois | $10.00 (refundable) | $20.00 | None |
The takeaway: If you want to avoid monthly fees entirely, Massachusetts, New York (MTA/NYSTA), and Virginia are your best bets.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick decision guide:
- Want to save the most money? Open an account in Massachusetts or New York — no monthly fees, free transponder
- Need it today? Grab a retail “On-the-Go” kit at Wegmans, Giant Eagle, or Jewel-Osco
- Carpool regularly? Go for E-ZPass Flex (Virginia, Maryland) or NC Quick Pass Flex (North Carolina)
- Travel to Florida or Georgia often? Get NC Quick Pass or the CFX “Uni” transponder for full interoperability across all E-ZPass states plus Florida and Georgia
- Prefer face-to-face help? Visit a DMV office, toll plaza service center, or your local AAA branch
The E-ZPass network keeps growing, fees keep shifting, and the technology keeps improving. But the core benefit stays the same — pay less, drive faster, skip the paper bill headaches. Pick the channel that fits your situation and get started.
