You pull into the E-ZPass lane, your toll tag beeps, and you glide through like royalty. But before you can live that dream, you need the transponder. So the big question is: can you still pick one up at your local Walgreens?
Short answer: In most states, no. Walgreens stopped selling E-ZPass transponders across most of the country, and most retail chains have quietly followed suit. However, getting your hands on one is actually easier than ever, and you do not need to wander the aisles of a drugstore to do it.
What Happened to E-ZPass at Walgreens?
Not too long ago, you could grab an E-ZPass starter kit at Walgreens, CVS, or even some gas stations. It was genuinely convenient. Then, somewhere along the way, retailers pulled the product from shelves.
The shift was not random. E-ZPass programs across participating states moved toward online account management and mail-order transponders. This made it far simpler for drivers to get set up directly through their state’s toll authority, without needing a middleman retailer.
Today, most E-ZPass agencies handle fulfillment entirely on their own terms. They mail you the transponder, you link it to a payment method, and you are good to go.
So, Where Can You Actually Get an E-ZPass in 2026?
Good news: the options are solid. Here is a breakdown of the most reliable ways to get your transponder sorted right now.
1. Order Online Through Your State’s E-ZPass Agency
This is by far the most straightforward route. Each participating state runs its own E-ZPass portal where you can open an account, pay the deposit, and receive your transponder in the mail within a few business days.
Here are a few of the major state portals to bookmark:
- New York: E-ZPass NY or the NY.gov E-ZPass service page
- New Jersey: E-ZPass NJ
- Pennsylvania: PA Turnpike E-ZPass
- Virginia: E-ZPass Virginia
- Illinois: I-PASS / E-ZPass IL
- Ohio: Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass
- Maryland: DriveEzMD E-ZPass
- Indiana: Indiana Toll Road E-ZPass
If your state is not listed above, a quick search for your state name plus “E-ZPass” will take you directly to the right place. The E-ZPass Interagency Group website also lists all 19 participating agencies in one place.
2. Walk Into a Local Customer Service Center
Prefer to handle things in person? Many states operate E-ZPass customer service centers where you can pick up a transponder on the spot. No waiting for the mail. No guessing games.
These centers are often located near major toll plazas or in urban areas with high toll traffic. Check your state agency’s website for the nearest location. This option works especially well if you need your transponder immediately before a long road trip.
3. Some AAA Offices Still Carry Transponders
Depending on your state, certain AAA branches distribute E-ZPass transponders to members. It is not universal, so call your local AAA office before making the trip.
This is a handy option if you already have a AAA membership and want to consolidate your errands. AAA Northeast handles E-ZPass distribution across several northeastern states and can typically have your tag active within three business days of application.
4. Toll-by-Plate as a Temporary Workaround
If you are in a pinch and need to use a toll road today, most modern toll systems support Toll by Plate. Your license plate gets photographed, and a bill gets mailed to your registered address.
This works fine in an emergency, but costs more per trip than using an E-ZPass transponder. In Maryland, for example, video toll rates run 1.5 times the standard E-ZPass rate, with a minimum surcharge added per trip. Think of it as the lazy tax. Get the actual transponder sorted as soon as possible.
5. Pay Cash at Walgreens for Existing Toll Bills
Here is something most drivers do not know. Even though Walgreens stopped selling hardware in most states, it still plays a real role in the tolling system. Through the KUBRA Cash Payment Network, you can walk into a Walgreens and pay outstanding Toll by Plate invoices or replenish your E-ZPass account balance in cash.
The PA Turnpike specifically lists Walgreens as a cash payment location for drivers who receive a toll invoice and want to settle it in person. Generate a Pay Slip through your state’s app or website, bring it to the counter, and you are done.
How Much Does an E-ZPass Cost?
Costs vary by state, but here is a general idea of what to expect:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Transponder deposit | $10 to $35 |
| Initial account funding | $10 to $40 |
| Annual or monthly fee | Free in most states |
| Replacement transponder | $5 to $25 |
Some states offer the transponder free of charge when you open a new account. Maryland, for instance, provides the transponder at no cost and only requires a $25 deposit that goes entirely toward your toll balance.
Others charge a refundable deposit that you get back when you return the device. Always check your specific state agency’s fee structure before signing up.
Is E-ZPass Worth It in 2026?
Absolutely yes, and here is why the math works in your favor.
E-ZPass users consistently pay lower toll rates than cash or Toll-by-Plate customers. In New York, the Port Authority of NY and NJ confirms that E-ZPass customers pay discounted rates compared to cash customers on its bridges and tunnels. Over months of regular driving, those savings stack up fast.
Beyond the savings, the time you save is real. No fumbling for exact change. No slowing to a full stop at a cash booth. No watching the cars in the E-ZPass lane zoom past while you wait in a 12-car line. (We have all been that person. It is not a great feeling.)
E-ZPass also works across 19 states and over 40 toll agencies, so one transponder handles your tolls from Maine down to North Carolina and across to Illinois.
What If You Travel Across Multiple States?
Here is something a lot of drivers miss: you do not need a separate account for each state. One E-ZPass account and one transponder cover you across all participating states and agencies.
The key is to make sure your transponder is issued by a full member agency of the E-ZPass Interagency Group. Most state-issued transponders qualify automatically.
A few things worth knowing before you hit the road:
- Some states use compatible but separate systems, like SunPass in Florida or TxTag in Texas. These are not always interoperable with E-ZPass, depending on the specific road.
- Always verify interoperability on your state agency’s website before assuming your tag works on every toll road in the country.
- Keep your account funded. A zero balance does not stop you at the toll booth, but it does trigger late fees and plate violations in most states.
- Allow 24 to 48 hours after activation for your account to sync across the full 19-state network before traveling out of state.
A Quick Recap Before You Head Out
Let us make sure you leave with the essentials locked in.
Key takeaways:
- Walgreens and most retail stores no longer sell E-ZPass transponders in most states.
- The easiest way to get one is through your state’s official E-ZPass website.
- In-person pickup is available at customer service centers and some AAA offices.
- Walgreens still accepts cash payments for toll invoices and account replenishment through the KUBRA network.
- One transponder covers 19 states and 40-plus toll agencies.
- E-ZPass saves you money compared to cash tolls and Toll-by-Plate options.
Before You Hit the Road
Skip the trip to Walgreens for a transponder. Head straight to your state’s E-ZPass portal, get your account set up in under 10 minutes, and have your transponder in your mailbox within a week.
The days of retail toll tag shopping are behind us in most states, and the direct route is better anyway. No standing in a checkout line clutching a cardboard box next to the vitamins and greeting cards.
Get the transponder, fund the account, and enjoy the lane that just keeps moving. You have earned it.
Pavithra Vinoth is the founder of nytollsinfo.com, where she simplifies U.S. toll systems through expert insights and custom-built calculators. Her research-driven tools help drivers avoid costly mistakes and make smarter car decisions.