Get a Pennsylvania E ZPass

If you're tired of counting out the right change for tolls when you're on the road, using the Pennsylvania E-ZPass is a more efficient way to travel through Pennsylvania and other states where E-ZPass is accepted. Setting up an account is just as easy because you can do it online, by purchasing a Go Pak, or sending an application form to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC).

Steps

Getting Started

  1. Read the E-ZPass User’s Manual. The PTC recommends that you consult the manual and their terms of conditions before you enroll in the E-ZPass program, so you understand how it works and how you manage your account. It can help you determine if you’re sure that you want to sign up.[1]
    • If you still have questions about the E-ZPass program after reading the manual, you can call the PTC’s E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 1.877.736.6727 to speak to representative.
  2. Choose the type of E-ZPass that you need. The PTCH offers both personal and commercial accounts. A personal account is available if you need nine transponders or less for personal vehicles that weigh less than 15,000 pounds. You must sign up for a commercial account if you have an RV or other vehicle that weighs more than 15,000 pounds and/or require 10 transponders or more.[2]
    • If you plan to use your E-ZPass for commuting to work, road trips, and other personal travel, opt for a personal account.
    • If you have an RV or other recreational vehicle that you use personally but it weighs more than 15,000 pounds, you must sign up for a commercial account.
  3. Have the necessary application information ready. You’ll need to provide the driver’s name, driver’s license number, and contact information to open an E-ZPass account. The application also requires vehicle information, including the make, model, color, year and license plate number for each vehicle that will be covered.[2]
    • You’re required to link your E-ZPass account to a form of payment to ensure that there are always enough funds to pay for tolls. Depending on how you choose to set up your account, you can either link directly to your bank account for automatic payment, provide a credit or debit card, or send a personal check or cash through the mail.

Signing Up Online

  1. Access the E-ZPass application on the PTC website. You’ll have the option to choose a personal or commercial account before you agree to the program’s terms of service. Make sure to read the terms carefully, though, so you understand how you are expected to use the E-ZPass.[2]
    • It’s a good idea to print a copy of the E-ZPass Terms and Conditions, so you can refer back to it if you have any questions once you open your account.
  2. Provide the driver and vehicle information. To open an account, you must input your name, mailing address, phone number, email address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and vehicle make and model. You’ll also be asked to set up an online account and password, so you can access your account information, and to add payment information to replenish the account.[2]
    • While it’s mandatory to add primary contact information for the account, you should also consider including additional contacts in case the primary contact is unavailable.
    • Only individuals who are listed as contacts on the E-ZPass account are authorized to receive account information. If you want someone other than yourself to be able to access the account info, make sure to include them in the application.
  3. Wait 7 - 10 days for your transponder. Once you complete your application, it usually takes about a week to receive the E-ZPass transponder that contains your account information and provides payment when you pass through tolls.[1]
  4. Mount the transponder in your vehicle. E-ZPass transponders must be properly mounted in or on your vehicle in order to ensure that they’re read properly. Once you place it in your vehicle according the the instructions, your E-ZPass is ready to go.
    • There are three types of transponders: interior, motorcycle, and bumper mount. You’ll be sent the proper transponder based on the vehicle information that you provide in the application.
    • Interior transponders should be installed on the windshield behind the rear view mirror and below any tinting. Make sure the windshield is clean and dry before pressing it in place.
    • Motorcycle transponders should be installed on the windscreen, placing it between the windscreen and instrument cowl.
    • To install a bumper mount transponder, attach it to the top of the front license plate holder .

Buying a Transponder with a Go Pak

  1. Purchase an E-ZPass Go Pak. If you plan to travel immediately and don’t have time to wait for your application to go through, you can purchase an EZ-Pass transponder at select retail locations. It has an initial balance of $38, which includes $35 in prepaid tolls and a $3 initial annual fee. At some locations, an additional convenience fee may also be added.[3]
    • You can find E-ZPass Go Paks at participating Pennsylvania AAA offices, Turnpike Service Plazas, and the Harrisburg E-ZPass Customer Service Center.[4]
    • E-ZPass Go Paks are also available at select Walmart, Wegmans, Kuhn’s, Giant Eagle, GetGo, Acme, Karns, Giant, and Martin’s stores.
  2. Register your transponder. Once you’ve purchased your Go Pak, you need to register the transponder to establish an E-ZPass account. You will need to provide the transponder number and PIN, as well as a credit card, e-mail address, and license plate number. You’ll also be able to set up online account access with a screen name and password.[5]
    • Keep in mind that you must register your transponder within 72 hours of purchase.
    • You don’t have to choose to have your account automatically replenished with a credit or debit card. Instead, you can opt to manually replenish it when necessary. However, you need to pay a deposit for the transponder. Contact the E-ZPass Customer Service Center to discuss your options.
  3. Mount the transponder inside your vehicle. Once you’ve registered the transponder, you need to place it in your car, so you’re ready to the hit the road. Go Paks include interior transponders, which should be placed on the windshield, behind the rear mirror and below any tinting.[1]
    • To ensure that the transponder adheres well to the windshield, clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure to dry it with a clean, dry cloth before mounting, though.
    • The transponder is self-adhesive, so you only need to remove the clear plastic strips from the back to install it.
    • The E-ZPass logo should be upright and facing you when you install the transponder.

Signing Up By Mail or Fax

  1. Download and complete an application form. You can find it as a PDF file on the PTC’s website. Simply follow the link, and save a copy of the form to your computer.[3] You can either print out a copy and fill it in by hand, or type into the form to provide the requested information. The form requires your name, driver’s license number, address, phone number, and email address. In addition, you’ll need to include the vehicle information, including the make, model, license plate number, and weight.[6]
    • You’ll also have to choose a replenishment option, such as automatic payment from your bank account, automatic payment from a credit or debit card, or manual replenishment with a check or cash, which requires a $10 deposit for the transponder.
    • As with the online application, you can add a second contact to the account, so another person is authorized to receive account information.
  2. Mail or fax it. Once the form is completed, you’ll need to send it back to the PTC. You can mail or fax it to the E-ZPass Customer Service Center. The mailing address is 7631 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17111, and the fax number is 717.565.4311.[3]
  3. Wait approximately 10 to 14 days for the transponder to arrive. When you mail or fax your application, it takes a little longer to receive your E-ZPass transponder. You’ll likely receive it more quickly if you fax your form, but if you open an account with a mailed form, you may need to wait up to two weeks.[7]
  4. Install your transponder. Once you receive it, you’ll need to install the transponder, so it’s ready when you go through a toll. The type of transponder that you receive depends on the make of your vehicle. In most cases, you simply have to mount it in on the interior windshield behind the rear view mirror.[1]
    • Motorcycles require exterior transponders that install between the windscreen and instrument cowl. If you receive a bumper mount transponder, don’t try to install it inside your car; it’s only designed for mounting to the top of the front license plate holder.

Tips

  • You can deposit as much as you’d like in your E-ZPass account when you open it, but there is a minimum initial deposit of $35 per vehicle.
  • With the E-ZPass Plus program, you can use your E-ZPass transponder to pay for charges at participating facilities. There is no additional charge to sign up for the Plus program. Visit the PTC website to see where you can use your transponder as part of the program.
  • If you replace your vehicle or license plates, update the information for your E-ZPass by logging into your online account or calling the PTC E-ZPass Customer Service Center.
  • If you’d like to give an E-ZPass as a gift, you can purchase E-ZPass Gift Certificates, which allow the recipient to open a new account or replenish an existing account.

Warnings

  • E-ZPass accounts with insufficient funds incur penalty charges, so regularly check the balance in your account online or via your statements, so you can replenish the balance in your account as needed if you haven’t set up your account for automatic replenishment.
  • You can receive a violation, which results in a maximum fare charge plus additional fees, if you use your E-ZPass improperly, such as driving through with an improperly mounted transponder, a stolen or lost transponder, or a defective transponder.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://www.paturnpike.com/pdfs/tolls/EZPass_User_Manual.pdf
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 https://www.ezpass.csc.paturnpike.com/PovEntryPages/CreatePersonalAccount.aspx
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 https://www.paturnpike.com/toll/get_ezpass_personal.aspx
  4. ↑ https://www.paturnpike.com/toll/sales.aspx
  5. ↑ https://www.ezpass.csc.paturnpike.com/PovEntryPages/GoPakLogin.aspx
  6. ↑ https://www.paturnpike.com/pdfs/tolls/App06.pdf
  7. ↑ https://www.paturnpike.com/toll/personalfaq.aspx
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