If you’re wondering how TollsByMailNY works, how to pay your toll bills, or what to do if you’ve received a toll notice in the mail, this guide is for you. TollsByMailNY is New York State’s tolling system for vehicles without E-ZPass. It allows drivers to use toll roads, bridges, and tunnels, and receive a bill in the mail instead of paying on the spot. Understanding how this system functions is crucial—especially for out-of-state drivers, new residents, or infrequent travelers using New York’s extensive toll infrastructure.
In this comprehensive, user-first article, we’ll cover how TollsByMailNY operates, what drivers should expect, how to manage toll charges, how to dispute a bill, and how to avoid late fees. This is a practical breakdown of what has become an increasingly common part of driving in and around New York.
🔎 Check Your New York Toll Bill
What Is TollsByMailNY?
TollsByMailNY is the official billing system for drivers who travel through New York State tolling points without an E-ZPass transponder. Instead of stopping at a toll booth, cameras photograph the vehicle’s license plate, and a toll bill is later mailed to the registered owner.
This system is part of the state’s move to cashless tolling, a streamlined model designed to reduce traffic, cut emissions, and improve road safety by eliminating the need to stop at toll plazas.
How Does TollsByMailNY Work?
When a vehicle passes through a tolling point—such as the New York State Thruway, MTA bridges and tunnels, or the Tappan Zee Bridge (Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge)—the system captures an image of the license plate.
From there:
- The vehicle’s registration is matched to an address via the state DMV or equivalent motor vehicle agency.
- A Toll Bill is generated and mailed to the registered owner.
- The bill can be paid online, by mail, phone, or in person at authorized service centers.
- If unpaid, additional fees or violations may be assessed.
Comparison of Toll Systems in New York
| System | Requires E-ZPass? | Sends Toll Bills by Mail | Offers Toll Discounts | Available to Out-of-State Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-ZPass NY | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| TollsByMailNY | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Pay Toll Now | Optional (Prepay) | No | No | Yes |
Where Is TollsByMailNY Used?
TollsByMailNY is utilized throughout New York State at any location that uses cashless tolling. Some of the major facilities include:
- NY State Thruway (I-87, I-90)
- Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
- Queens Midtown Tunnel
- Henry Hudson Bridge
- RFK Bridge
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge (formerly Tappan Zee)
- Grand Island Bridges
This also applies to some border crossings and parkways, where overhead gantries are equipped with license plate cameras and sensors.
How to Pay a Toll Bill from TollsByMailNY
When you receive a toll bill, it includes:
- The toll amount(s)
- Date(s) and location(s) of each transaction
- Vehicle plate number and class
- A unique billing number (Toll Bill Number)
Payment Options:
1. Online:
Go to www.tollsbymailny.com
Use your Toll Bill Number and license plate number to log in.
2. By Phone:
Call the TollsByMailNY Customer Service Center at 1-844-826-8400.
3. By Mail:
Mail your check or money order (never cash) with the remittance slip to:
Tolls by Mail Payment Processing Center
P.O. Box 15183
Albany, NY 12212-5183
4. In Person:
At select walk-in centers listed on the website.
Can You Pay Before Receiving a Bill?
Yes. The “Pay Toll Now” feature on the website lets users preemptively pay for a toll by entering their license plate number and date of travel. This is especially helpful for rental cars, rideshares, or out-of-state visitors unsure if they incurred a toll.
How Much Do Tolls Cost with TollsByMailNY?
Toll rates vary depending on:
- Vehicle type (car, truck, motorcycle, trailer)
- Time of day (some tolls have peak/off-peak rates)
- Route taken
Important Note:
Drivers using TollsByMailNY pay higher rates than those using E-ZPass. This differential encourages E-ZPass enrollment, which reduces processing and administrative costs.
Example (approximate, 2025):
- E-ZPass rate on Verrazzano Bridge: $6.94
- TollsByMailNY rate: $11.52
Why You Might Not Receive a Toll Bill Immediately
Delays can occur for several reasons:
- Processing time: Bills are often sent 1–4 weeks after travel.
- Out-of-state plates: Matching out-of-state registrations may take longer.
- Rental vehicles: If you drive a rental, the toll may be billed to the rental agency first, which then forwards the charge to you with a processing fee.
Disputing a Toll or Violation
You can challenge a toll bill online, by mail, or by calling customer service. Grounds for dispute include:
- Plate misread
- You weren’t the driver or vehicle owner at the time
- Duplicate charge
- Valid E-ZPass not read
To file a dispute online:
- Visit www.tollsbymailny.com
- Click “Dispute a Toll”
- Submit required documents and statements
- Await a response (typically within 14–30 days)
Avoiding Late Fees and Violations
Timely payment is key. Here’s how to stay in good standing:
- Monitor mail carefully if you’ve driven on New York toll roads.
- Enroll in email or text alerts via your TollsByMailNY account.
- Use Pay Toll Now if you suspect you passed a toll gantry.
- Consider registering your plate for better tracking on the website.
Failure to pay can result in:
- Late fees up to $50 per violation
- DMV registration holds
- Collections agency referrals
- Civil penalties
Renting a Car in New York? Here’s What to Know
Rental agencies often pass toll charges to renters, sometimes with added service fees. To avoid this:
- Ask if the rental car has E-ZPass
- If not, use Pay Toll Now to pay directly
- Monitor your trip dates and vehicle license plate
Some companies allow opt-out of toll services, but you must proactively manage tolls or risk post-rental charges.
How to Sign Up for E-ZPass NY (And Save)
If you regularly travel in or around New York, getting an E-ZPass is strongly recommended.
Benefits:
- Lower toll rates (up to 50% off)
- Automatic payments
- Online tracking and receipts
- Works in 17+ U.S. states
You can apply online at www.e-zpassny.com or pick up a starter kit at retail partners (CVS, Walgreens, etc.).
TollsByMailNY for Out-of-State Drivers
If you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, or beyond, you’re still responsible for tolls incurred in New York. TollsByMailNY works with DMVs across the U.S. to match license plate data.
Tips for visitors:
- Use the “Pay Toll Now” feature within 48 hours of your trip
- Make sure your DMV address is current
- Watch your mail for toll bills within a few weeks
- Pay early to avoid penalties
Privacy and Data Security
All license plate images and driver data collected by TollsByMailNY are handled in accordance with New York State privacy regulations. The system stores only:
- Plate number
- Vehicle class
- Time and location of toll passage
TollsByMailNY does not track GPS location beyond toll points and does not sell user data to third parties.
Future Developments
New York continues to upgrade its intelligent transportation systems. Expected enhancements to TollsByMailNY include:
- Real-time toll alerts by text/email
- Mobile app with Apple Pay and Google Wallet integration
- Multilingual support
- Increased collaboration with car rental companies
- AI-based plate recognition for improved accuracy
These changes aim to make tolling more transparent, efficient, and user-friendly for all drivers.
Final Thoughts: Navigating New York Tolls with Confidence
TollsByMailNY reflects a broader national shift toward cashless tolling—a system that blends convenience and modern traffic flow with increased responsibility for drivers to monitor and manage their toll usage. While it simplifies highway travel, it also demands awareness.
By understanding how the system works, knowing where to pay, keeping your registration up to date, and checking for mail promptly, you can avoid fees and ensure seamless road travel across New York State.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend visitor, TollsByMailNY is an essential piece of modern driving infrastructure—and one every driver should know how to navigate.
FAQs
1. What is TollsByMailNY, and who is it for?
TollsByMailNY is New York State’s cashless toll billing system for drivers who don’t have an E-ZPass. Instead of paying at a toll booth, a camera captures your license plate and a bill is mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
2. How can I pay my TollsByMailNY bill?
You can pay online at www.tollsbymailny.com, by phone at 1-844-826-8400, by mailing a check with your bill, or in person at authorized customer service centers.
3. What happens if I don’t pay a toll bill on time?
If unpaid, toll bills can accrue late fees, become violations, and may be referred to collections or result in DMV registration holds. It’s important to pay or dispute bills promptly.
4. I never received a toll bill. How can I check if I owe anything?
Use the “Pay Toll Now” feature on the TollsByMailNY website. Enter your license plate number and travel date to search for any unpaid tolls before they become violations.
5. Can out-of-state drivers or rental car users use TollsByMailNY?
Yes. TollsByMailNY works with all U.S. license plates. For rentals, tolls may go to the rental agency first, and they may bill you later with extra fees, so it’s best to pay directly through “Pay Toll Now” if possible.