GWB Toll Payment Methods: E-ZPass, Toll-by-Mail & More (2026)
The George Washington Bridge is 100% cashless. No cash, no credit cards at the toll plaza.
Two payment methods: E-ZPass (cheapest) or Toll-by-Mail (automatic camera billing)
Payment Methods at a Glance
E-ZPass
Electronic transponder mounted on your windshield. Toll deducted automatically from your prepaid account as you drive through.
Toll-by-Mail
Camera captures your license plate. Bill mailed to the registered vehicle owner within 30 to 60 days.
E-ZPass vs Toll-by-Mail: Full Comparison
| Feature | E-ZPass | Toll-by-Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Toll rate (car, peak) | $13.75 | $16.00 |
| Toll rate (car, off-peak) | $11.75 | $16.00 |
| Time-of-day pricing | Yes (peak/off-peak) | No (flat rate) |
| Payment timing | Deducted instantly | Billed in 30 to 60 days |
| Carpool discount eligible | Yes (Green Pass) | No |
| Setup required | Account + transponder | None (automatic) |
| Late fees if unpaid | N/A (prepaid) | Yes ($50+) |
E-ZPass: How It Works
E-ZPass is an electronic toll collection system used across 19 states in the eastern United States. When you sign up for an E-ZPass account, you receive a small battery-powered transponder that attaches to the inside of your windshield. As you drive through a toll point, an overhead antenna reads your transponder and deducts the toll from your prepaid account balance.
On the George Washington Bridge, E-ZPass readers are positioned above the traffic lanes at the toll point. You do not need to slow down or stop. The system reads your transponder at highway speed, and you will hear a beep or see a dashboard indicator confirming the read. Your account is charged the applicable rate (peak or off-peak) based on the time you cross.
Mounting Your Transponder
The transponder should be mounted on the inside of your windshield, behind the rearview mirror, using the adhesive strips provided. It must be positioned at least one inch from any metal surface and should not be blocked by tinted glass, rain sensors, or heated windshield elements that could interfere with the radio signal.
If your vehicle has a metallic windshield coating (common in some luxury vehicles), you may need an external transponder that mounts on your license plate or headlamp housing. Contact your E-ZPass agency to request the correct transponder type for your vehicle.
Account Management
E-ZPass accounts can be managed online through your issuing agency's website. You can check your balance, view transaction history, add vehicles, update payment methods, and set up automatic replenishment so your account never runs low. Most agencies send email alerts when your balance drops below a threshold you set.
Your E-ZPass transponder works on all E-ZPass compatible toll facilities, not just the GWB. This includes the Lincoln Tunnel, Holland Tunnel, NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, NY Thruway, and hundreds of other toll roads, bridges, and tunnels from Maine to North Carolina. See full E-ZPass rate details for the GWB.
Toll-by-Mail: How Camera Billing Works
If you drive across the George Washington Bridge without a valid E-ZPass transponder, the toll system defaults to Toll-by-Mail. High-resolution cameras positioned at the toll point capture images of your front and rear license plates as you pass through.
The system uses optical character recognition (OCR) to read your plate number, then matches it against DMV records to identify the registered vehicle owner. A toll invoice is generated and mailed to the address on file with the DMV. The invoice includes the date, time, and location of the crossing, along with a photograph of your vehicle and license plate.
Billing Timeline
Toll-by-Mail invoices typically arrive 30 to 60 days after the crossing. The delay accounts for processing time, plate matching, and mail delivery. Each invoice may include multiple crossings if you used the bridge more than once before the bill was generated.
Payment can be made online at tollsbymailny.com, by phone, or by mailing a check to the address on the invoice. The toll rate for Toll-by-Mail is $16.00 for passenger cars, which is the same regardless of what time you crossed. Unlike E-ZPass, there is no peak or off-peak rate distinction. Read more about Toll-by-Mail rates and billing.
Rental Cars and GWB Tolls
Renting a car and crossing the George Washington Bridge creates a common and often expensive toll situation. Because rental cars typically do not have an E-ZPass transponder registered to the renter, the toll is processed as Toll-by-Mail. The rental company receives the toll invoice and passes it through to the renter, often with a substantial administrative surcharge.
Rental Company Surcharges
Most major rental car companies charge $15 to $25 per toll event as an administrative or "convenience" fee on top of the actual toll amount. Some companies charge a daily toll access fee (typically $5 to $12 per day, capped at a monthly maximum) regardless of how many tolls you incur. This means a single GWB crossing in a rental car could cost $31 to $41 instead of the $16.00 Toll-by-Mail rate.
How to Avoid Rental Car Toll Surcharges
The simplest solution is to bring your own E-ZPass transponder. Your E-ZPass works in any vehicle, not just the one registered to your account. Simply mount it on the rental car's windshield before crossing, and the toll will be charged to your personal E-ZPass account at the standard E-ZPass rate ($13.75 peak or $11.75 off-peak). Remove the transponder when you return the rental.
If you do not have your own E-ZPass, check whether the rental company offers a toll payment program. Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis all provide options that may be cheaper than per-toll surcharges for frequent toll crossings.
Toll Violations: What Happens If You Do Not Pay
Ignoring a Toll-by-Mail invoice can escalate quickly into significant fees and legal consequences. The Port Authority follows a structured escalation process designed to collect unpaid tolls.
Toll Violation Escalation Timeline
| Stage | Timing | Amount Owed | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toll-by-Mail invoice | 30 to 60 days after crossing | $16.00 per crossing | Pay within 30 days to avoid late fees |
| Late notice | 30 days after invoice | $16.00 + $50 late fee | Pay within 30 days to avoid violation |
| Toll violation notice | 30 days after late notice | $16.00 + $50 + additional fees | Pay or dispute within 45 days |
| Final notice / collections | 45+ days after violation | Varies (can exceed $100 per crossing) | May result in DMV registration hold |
Fees and timelines are approximate. The Port Authority reserves the right to adjust fee amounts. Always respond to toll invoices promptly to avoid escalation.
What Triggers a Toll Violation
A toll violation is issued when a Toll-by-Mail invoice goes unpaid past its due date. Violations can also occur if your E-ZPass transponder fails to read (dead battery, improper mounting, blocked signal), if your E-ZPass account has insufficient funds, or if your license plate is unreadable due to damage or obstruction.
Out-of-state vehicles are not exempt. The toll system can access DMV records across all 50 states. If you cross the GWB with out-of-state plates and no E-ZPass, you will receive a Toll-by-Mail invoice at the address registered to your license plate.
DMV Registration Hold
The most serious consequence of unpaid toll violations is a DMV registration hold. In both New York and New Jersey, the Port Authority can request that the state DMV place a hold on your vehicle registration. This prevents you from renewing your registration until all outstanding tolls and fees are paid in full. In some cases, the hold can also prevent you from obtaining new registrations or transferring vehicle titles.
How to Dispute a Toll Violation
If you believe a toll violation was issued in error, you have the right to dispute it. Common reasons for disputes include incorrect license plate reads (the camera misread a character), a stolen vehicle report, E-ZPass transponder malfunctions, or billing sent to the wrong person after a recent vehicle sale.
To file a dispute, visit tollsbymailny.com and use the violation number printed on your notice. You can submit your dispute online along with any supporting documents (E-ZPass account statements, proof of sale, police reports). The Port Authority typically responds within 30 to 45 days. If your dispute is denied, you can request an in-person or virtual hearing.
How to Pay a Toll Violation
If you owe a legitimate toll violation, pay it as quickly as possible to avoid further escalation. Payment options include:
- Online: Visit tollsbymailny.com and enter your violation number. Pay with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.
- By phone: Call the Tolls by Mail customer service number on your violation notice and pay with a credit or debit card.
- By mail: Send a check or money order to the address on your violation notice, including the payment stub.
If you have multiple unpaid tolls, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan or request a reduction in administrative fees. Contact the Tolls by Mail center to discuss options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you pay cash on the George Washington Bridge?
No. The George Washington Bridge is entirely cashless. There are no staffed toll booths and no coin baskets. The only payment methods are E-ZPass (electronic transponder) and Toll-by-Mail (license plate camera billing). This cashless system has been in place since 2020 when all Port Authority crossings converted to open road tolling.
Can I pay the GWB toll with a credit card at the toll plaza?
No. There is no way to pay with a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment at the GWB toll plaza. You either need an E-ZPass transponder mounted in your vehicle, or you will be automatically billed via Toll-by-Mail. You can use a credit card to fund your E-ZPass account online or to pay a Toll-by-Mail invoice after it arrives.
How does Toll-by-Mail work on the George Washington Bridge?
When you cross the GWB without E-ZPass, overhead cameras photograph your license plate. The toll system matches the plate to the registered vehicle owner through DMV records and mails a bill to the address on file. The bill arrives 30 to 60 days after crossing and charges the Toll-by-Mail rate of $16.00 per crossing for passenger cars. Payment can be made online, by phone, or by mail.
What happens if I rent a car and cross the GWB without E-ZPass?
Rental car companies pass tolls through to the renter and typically add a surcharge of $15 to $25 per toll event or a daily convenience fee. This can make a single $16.00 toll cost $31 to $41. To avoid these fees, bring your own E-ZPass transponder from your personal account, as it works in any vehicle. Most rental companies also offer their own toll payment programs at a daily rate.
How do I dispute a GWB toll violation?
You can dispute a toll violation by contacting the Port Authority Tolls by Mail center online at tollsbymailny.com or by calling their customer service line. Common grounds for dispute include incorrect plate reads, stolen vehicle reports, or recent E-ZPass account issues. You must file your dispute within 45 days of receiving the violation notice. Include any supporting documentation such as E-ZPass statements or police reports.
Where do I get an E-ZPass transponder for the GWB?
You can get an E-ZPass transponder from any E-ZPass member agency. E-ZPass New York and E-ZPass New Jersey both offer accounts online at e-zpassny.com and e-zpassnj.com respectively. Transponders are often available free or for a small refundable deposit. You can also pick one up at select retail locations, AAA offices, or E-ZPass customer service centers. The transponder typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days when ordered online.