About E-ZPass

Where E-ZPass Can Be Used

E-ZPass can be used in any lane marked with an E-ZPass sign. The map below illustrates where E-ZPass can be used in Virginia and other surrounding states. The E-ZPass network is continuing to grow and may soon allow you to travel across the country using only your E-ZPass transponder to pay for tolls!

Get E-ZPass

E-ZPass transponders can be obtained in several ways:

• Online - You can open an account and order your E-ZPass transponder through our website.
• Visit or call a Customer Service Center - You can visit one of our Customer Service Centers to open an account and immediately receive an E-ZPass transponder. Please check the Center’s hours before visiting. You can also call our main Customer Service Center at 1-877-762-7824 (1-800-828-1120 for TTY users) Monday through Friday between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm (excluding state and federal holidays) to request a transponder. Please have your credit card ready for the initial payment to fund your account.
• At a local retailer - You can get an E-ZPass On-the-Go transponder at Participating Retailers across Virginia. Payment methods will vary depending on the retailer’s policies. You can use the transponder immediately in Virginia but will need to register your E-ZPass On-the-Go Transponder by opening an account or adding it to your existing account to claim the full value of the prepaid balance.
• By mail - You can download and complete a Personal Account Application or Business Account Application and send it by mail along with a check for the initial prepaid amount. Mail to:
  E-ZPass Customer Service Center
  Clifton Forge, VA 24422

Note that there is no charge for a transponder, and they remain property of VDOT. There is a lost/stolen fee of $10.00 for an E-ZPass standard transponder and $20.00 for an E-ZPass Flex transponder.

You will need the following to order or register your transponder:

• Contact information (address, phone number, and email)
• Driver’s license information (or EIN for a business)
• Vehicle and license plate information* (providing information for all of your vehicles will make it easier to transfer your transponder from one vehicle to another)
• Payment information (accepted forms of payment will vary depending on how the transponder is obtained)

Once you receive your transponder, you will need to install it.

* Transponders are programmed for the type of vehicle (2-axle, 3-axle, etc.). If you have different types of vehicles, you will need individual transponders for each vehicle type. Towing a trailer or boat changes the type of vehicle and corresponding transponder type.

Install Your E-ZPass Transponder

To work properly, your E-ZPass transponder needs to be mounted on your windshield. Your transponder comes with adhesive mounting strips and installation instructions. Please follow the instructions carefully to make sure you don’t have any problems paying your tolls.

Download Detailed Instructions

Special Vehicles

Certain vehicle types may require a different type of transponder. Our Special Vehicle List provides additional information on vehicle types and options.

Motorcycles

Although transponders are not designed to work on motorcycles, they sometimes work depending on the shape of the motorcycle, the windshield, and the placement of the transponder. Customers may use transponders on motorcycles at their own risk and liability. Please call 1-877-762-7824 for information and assistance.

Fund Your E-ZPass Account

You can fund your account automatically or manually using several payment methods. All transponders under the same account will draw from that total account balance.

Automatic Replenishment

With this option, your account will be automatically replenished usually within a 24-hour period* of it reaching or falling below the low balance threshold (typically set at $10.00 per transponder). Automatic replenishment uses your selected payment method:

• Credit or debit card
• Electronic funds transfer via ACH from your checking or savings account (a valid credit or debit card must be set as back-up payment)

* The 24-hour period to automatically replenish your account may be longer in the event of an emergency or unforeseen maintenance.

The required/recommended replenishment amount will be $35 per transponder or your average monthly usage, whichever is higher. For example:

How to Fund Your E-ZPass Account

Manual Replenishment

There are several options for replenishing your account manually:

• Online or by phone - You can replenish your account with a debit card, credit card, or a prepaid card by logging into your account or calling 1-877-762-7824.
• Customer Service Centers - You can replenish your account by credit/debit card, cash, or check at one of many Customer Service Centers located throughout Virginia.
• E-ZPass Reload Card - You can get a Reload Card at several participating retailers across Virginia. A $1.50 convenience fee will be charged by the retailer each time you add funds to your card. Once you follow the one-time process to link the card to your E-ZPass account, the funds will be credited immediately. You can then reuse the card at any of the participating retailers to load cash directly to your account.

Maintain Your E-ZPass Account

It’s important to keep your account information current. Be sure to update your account when any of these things change:

• New vehicles and/or license plates (if you keep your vehicle information accurate, even if your transponder cannot be read, a toll facility may still be able to charge your account rather than sending a violation notice or invoice)
• Payment Information
• Address, email, or phone number

You can make updates to your account information by logging into your account, calling 1-877-762-7824, or visiting a Customer Service Center.

Account Activity and Statements

You can log into your account to view account activity such as toll transactions and payments. You can also download detailed account data in a variety of formats. Detailed monthly and quarterly statements are available online for free. If you want a detailed statement by mail, there is a cost of $2.00 per month for the first three transponders on your account and an additional $2.00 per month for each partial or full group of three transponders ($2.00 for 1-3 transponders, $4.00 for 4-6, $6.00 for 7-9, and so on).

Email and Text Notifications

Be sure to sign up to receive configurable email and/or text alert notifications when your account reaches a certain amount or has run out of funds. Standard text messaging rates apply for text notifications.

Troubleshooting Transponders

If you suspect that there are issues with your transponder being read, there could be several causes:

• Your account has an insufficient or zero balance
• The transponder is mounted improperly
• The transponder’s battery is running low
• The transponder has not yet been activated in the lane
• A balance change due to a recent payment has not yet reached the lane

Ensure that your transponder is mounted properly and check your account balance. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for new accounts, payments, and transponders to be activated and detected at Virginia toll plazas and will take up to 48 hours at out-of-state toll plazas.

If these do not resolve the issue, please visit a Customer Service Center or call 1-877-762-7824.

Exchanging Transponders

You may want to exchange transponders if your current one stops working or if you need a different type of transponder (such as an E-ZPass Flex for toll-free HOV use on Express Lanes). You can do this online by logging into your account, calling 1-877-762-7824, or visiting a Customer Service Center.

Returning Transponders

If an old or exchanged transponder needs to be returned, it can be dropped off at one of our Customer Service Centers or mailed* to:

E-ZPass Customer Service Center
PO Box 1234
Clifton Forge, VA 24422-1234

*Transponders should be mailed in a mylar bag or wrapped in foil to prevent them from being read if the delivery truck goes through a toll plaza.

Closing Your Account

You can close your account by completing the Account Closure Form and submitting it via mail, email, or in person at a Customer Service Center. You will also need to return your transponder(s) or you will be charged a lost/stolen transponder fee of $10 for each standard transponder and $20 for each E-ZPass Flex transponder. Transponders can be turned in by dropping them off at a Customer Service Center or mailing* them to:

E-ZPass Customer Service Center
PO Box 1234
Clifton Forge, VA 24422-1234

*Transponders should be mailed in a mylar bag or wrapped in foil to prevent them from being read if the delivery truck goes through a toll plaza.

E-ZPass Flex

E-ZPass Flex is a special transponder for those who want to drive toll free on Express Lanes in Virginia when they have enough people in the vehicle to qualify (2 or 3, depending on the roadway). The transponder has a switch so that you can identify whether you meet the vehicle occupancy criteria. The transponder works the same as a standard E-ZPass on all other roads.

If you want to use Express Lanes and don’t plan on having enough people to qualify to drive toll-free, you may use a standard E-ZPass transponder for travel.

E-ZPass Flex Cost

VDOT does not charge a fee for customers to use their transponders. The only time a Flex transponder is needed is when you are traveling on Express Lanes with the required number of people in the vehicle. Therefore, you are asked to order an E-ZPass Flex transponder only if you plan to use it on Express Lanes with the required number of people to travel toll free. Additionally, the lost/stolen fee for a Flex transponder is $20.00, rather than $10.00

Getting E-ZPass Flex

E-ZPass Flex transponders can be obtained in the same way as standard transponder: online, at a Customer Service Center, or through a participating retailer.

If you already have a standard E-ZPass and want to exchange it for an E-ZPass Flex, you can do this online, by phone (1-877-762-7824) or by visiting a Customer Service Center. You will have to return your current transponder by mailing it or dropping it off at a Customer Service Center.

Using E-ZPass Flex

If you do not have the minimum number of people and want to use the Express Lanes at the posted toll rate, slide the transponder switch away from the “HOV ON” position prior to entering Express Lanes. E-ZPass Flex also works like a standard E-ZPass on all other toll roads in Virginia and wherever E-ZPass is accepted regardless of the position of the switch.

For your safety, you should always change the switch setting while parked.

Where E-ZPass Flex Can Be Used

E-ZPass Flex can be used for toll-free travel on the 64, 66, 95, 395, and 495 Express Lanes when you have enough people in your vehicle (2 or 3 depending on roadway) and have your transponder switched to “HOV ON”. It can also be used on all toll roads that accept E-ZPass at the posted rate.

E-ZPass On-the-Go

E-ZPass On-the-Go is a standard E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex transponder that you can acquire at various retailers and other outlets throughout Virginia. You can use it immediately on Virginia toll roads and Express Lanes. You can use it on out-of-state E-ZPass toll facilities 48 hours after registering it.

Cost of E-ZPass On-the-Go

E-ZPass On-the-Go costs $35 at a retail location. The entire $35 is credited to your account, although only $15 is available for immediate use for travel on Virginia toll roads and Express Lanes. Once you register your E-ZPass On-the-Go transponder any remaining funds become available for use immediately on Virginia E-ZPass facilities, and within 48 hours on E-ZPass facilities outside of Virginia.

Registering Your E-ZPass On-the-Go Transponder

There are three ways to register your On-the-Go transponder:

• Online
• Call the Customer Service Center at 1-877-762-7824
• Visit a Customer Service Center or DMV partner location

E-ZPass Reload Card

E-ZPass Reload Card is a convenient way to replenish your E-ZPass account with cash at participating Virginia retailers.

Getting and Linking Your E-ZPass Reload Card

You can find the E-ZPass Reload Card on the gift card racks at the participating retailers shown above. Take the card to the cashier for scanning and let them know how much cash you want to provide (between $10-$500). The retailer will charge you a convenience fee of $1.50 each time you add money to your account. The initial amount will remain on the card (not in your E-ZPass account) until you link the card to your account.

To link the card to your E-ZPass account, have your transponder number ready and call 1-855-583-5306. Once you have followed the instructions to link your card, the initial amount will be credited to your account balance.*

Once you have linked the card, you can reuse it by simply taking it to the cash register at a participating retailer and your future payments will be transferred immediately to your linked E-ZPass account balance.

* Funds may not be available for immediate use. If the account balance was negative before funds were added, it can take up to 48 hours to be updated across the E-ZPass network.