You can get free E-ZPass mounting strips from your state agency without spending a single dollar. Just contact your issuing agency by phone, online portal, or in person, and they will send replacements to your door at no charge.
Most drivers never find this out. They end up buying strips on Amazon when their state would have mailed them for free. This guide shows you exactly how to get yours, state by state, in 2026.
- What You Actually Need to Know First
- Why Getting Free Strips Actually Matters Financially
- Big Picture: How E-ZPass Is Changing in 2026
- How to Get Free Mounting Strips: State by State
- Does Your Car Need a Special Mount?
- How to Mount Your Transponder Correctly
- Watch Out for Text Scams
- Quick Reference: Get Free Strips by State
- Best Practices: Procurement Hierarchy for 2026
- Stop Paying for Something That Is Already Free
What You Actually Need to Know First
Before jumping into the how-to, it helps to understand what you are actually looking for. Knowing this will save you time and frustration when you contact your agency.
The strips used to mount E-ZPass transponders are not standard Velcro. They are 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fasteners. These industrial-grade strips use hundreds of tiny mushroom-shaped stems that lock together with an audible click. This design is specifically built for the extreme heat inside a parked car.
Why Standard Velcro Fails
Regular hook-and-loop velcro was never designed for windshields. Here is why it falls apart so quickly:
- Windshield temperatures can exceed 160°F in direct sunlight
- Standard adhesives liquefy under those conditions
- UV exposure makes ordinary Velcro brittle and yellow over time
- Repeated removal (when switching cars or lending the tag) wears down the grip
The 3M Dual Lock strips provided by E-ZPass agencies use a clear, acrylic-based Very High Bond (VHB) adhesive. This adhesive is formulated specifically for glass and high-UV environments. It also comes pre-cut to fit your transponder’s mounting feet exactly.
Why Getting Free Strips Actually Matters Financially
This is not just about convenience. An improperly mounted transponder can cost you real money every time you drive through a toll plaza.
When a transponder fails to communicate with the overhead gantry, the system defaults to a license plate read. This triggers what agencies call a “Mid-Tier” rate, which is significantly higher than the standard E-ZPass rate.
Port Authority Toll Rate Comparison (2026)
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is one of the clearest examples of this penalty in action. A passenger vehicle crossing a Port Authority bridge or tunnel faces the following rates depending on mounting status:
| Vehicle Class | E-ZPass Off-Peak | E-ZPass Peak | Mid-Tier (Unmounted) | Tolls By Mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 (Passenger) | Lowest rate | Standard rate | Higher rate | Highest rate |
| Class 11 (Motorcycle) | Lowest rate | Standard rate | Higher rate | Highest rate |
| Class 2 (Dual Rear Wheel) | Lowest rate | Standard rate | Higher rate | Highest rate |
Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey official toll rates
A single crossing with an unmounted tag can cost you several extra dollars. Over a month of regular commuting, that adds up fast. The fix costs nothing. That is the whole point of this guide.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Increases (2026)
Pennsylvania raised its tolls by 4% effective January 4, 2026. For E-ZPass holders, the per-trip cost is meaningful. For Toll-By-Plate users, it is noticeably higher. If your transponder fails to read because the mount failed, you automatically get charged the Toll-By-Plate rate.
| Vehicle Type | 2026 E-ZPass Rate | 2026 Toll-By-Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 (Passenger) | Lower rate | Higher rate |
| Class 5 (Tractor Trailer) | Lower rate | Higher rate |
Source: Pennsylvania Turnpike 2026 Toll Schedule
Big Picture: How E-ZPass Is Changing in 2026
Understanding the broader shift happening right now helps you know whether you even need mounting strips going forward.
E-ZPass is not one organization. It is a network of over 40 state and regional agencies. Several of those agencies are actively phasing out the traditional white plastic transponder and replacing it with thin RFID sticker tags.
Legacy Transponder vs. New RFID Sticker Tag
Here is how the two technologies compare:
| Feature | Legacy Hard-Case Transponder | New RFID Sticker Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Internal lithium-ion battery | Passive (powered by toll gantry) |
| Service Lifespan | 8 to 10 years | Indefinite |
| Mounting Hardware | 3M Dual Lock strips required | Permanent adhesive built in |
| Transferability | Easy to move between vehicles | Destroyed upon removal |
| Environmental Impact | Battery disposal required | Battery-free |
| Currently Used In | Most E-ZPass states (legacy fleet) | MA, IL, NJ (pilot), GA, FL, NC |
Source: E-ZPass transponder transition overview via Secret NYC
The short version: If you still have the white plastic box, you need mounting strips. If your agency has already sent you a sticker tag, you do not. Sticker tags use a built-in permanent adhesive and require no velcro at all.
Massachusetts formally stopped issuing new plastic transponders on March 1, 2026. Illinois moved to I-PASS Sticker Tags starting in early 2024. New Jersey is running large-scale pilot programs. If you live in one of these states, your next replacement may be a sticker.
How to Get Free Mounting Strips: State by State
Every state agency handles this slightly differently. The sections below walk you through the exact steps for each major region.
New York
New York manages E-ZPass accounts through the “Tolls NY” ecosystem. This covers the New York State Thruway Authority, MTA Bridges and Tunnels, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Getting free strips in New York is one of the easiest processes in the entire network.
Option 1: Tolls NY Mobile App
The Tolls NY app is the fastest method. Here are the steps:
- Open the app and log into your account
- Tap “My Account”
- Select “Tags”
- Tap “Request Supplies”
- Choose the number of mounting strip sets you need
- Confirm your registered address and submit
Strips are mailed free of charge with no shipping fee.
Option 2: E-ZPass NY Website
Log into e-zpassny.com, go to “Vehicles and Tags,” and follow the same “Request Supplies” process. No cost, no shipping fee.
Option 3: Phone
Call 1-800-333-8655. Representatives are available:
- Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Option 4: AAA Northeast Branches
Active AAA members can visit select branches across New York City (Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Kings, Richmond) and surrounding areas including Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. Full mounting kits are available at no cost for members. Find your nearest branch at AAA Northeast E-ZPass NY page.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority manages the most heavily traveled toll roads in the country, including the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. New Jersey E-ZPass users can obtain hardware at no cost through several channels.
Option 1: Online Account Dashboard
Log into ezpassnj.com, navigate to the “Service Request” menu, and order mounting materials. Strips are shipped to your registered address at no charge.
Option 2: Automated Phone System
Call 1-888-AUTO-TOLL (1-888-288-6865). Use the Interactive Voice Response system to request that replacement strips be mailed to your home.
Option 3: In-Person Service Centers
New Jersey maintains several full-service Customer Service Centers for walk-in needs:
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Newark CSC | 375 McCarter Highway (Route 21), Newark, NJ 07114 | Mon-Fri: 7 AM to 7 PM; Sat: 8 AM to 2 PM |
| Camden CSC | 420 North 6th Street, Camden, NJ 08102 | Mon-Fri: 8 AM to 6 PM |
| Farley Service Plaza | Frank S. Farley Plaza, Hammonton, NJ 08037 | Mon: 8 AM to 3 PM; Tue-Thu: 9 AM to 4 PM; Fri: 11 AM to 6 PM |
| Delaware Memorial Bridge | I-295 and New Castle Ave, New Castle, DE 19720 | Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9 AM to 5 PM; Thu: 10 AM to 6 PM |
Source: E-ZPass NJ Customer Service Centers
Staff at these locations can also advise on correct mounting position for optimal gantry reads.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania launched Open Road Tolling (ORT) in 2026, removing traditional toll plazas from the 564-mile Turnpike system. With no physical plazas to slow you down, your transponder must be mounted correctly every single time. The good news is that getting free strips here is simple.
Option 1: PA Toll Pay App
The PA Toll Pay app is Pennsylvania’s primary account management tool. Inside the app, E-ZPass customers can select “Request Additional Mounting Strips” directly. This service is free for all active account holders.
Option 2: PA Turnpike Website
Visit paturnpike.com and use the Knowledge Base article KA-01007 to access the online ordering form for new strips.
Option 3: Phone
Call 1-877-736-6727 and say “Customer Service” to reach an agent or use the automated system to request strips by mail.
Option 4: In Person
Visit the Harrisburg Customer Service Center at 300 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This location serves as the central hub for all transponder equipment distribution in Pennsylvania.
Maryland
Maryland is one of the most generous states in the entire E-ZPass network when it comes to hardware. The state ships windshield-mounted transponders and replacement strips to residents completely free of charge.
Option 1: DriveEzMD Online Contact Form
Visit DriveEzMD Contact Page and fill out the contact form. Select “Transponder Supplies” from the category dropdown. A free shipment of 3M Dual Lock strips will be sent to your address.
Option 2: Walk-In Centers
Maryland maintains an excellent network of service locations across the state:
| Facility Type | Locations |
|---|---|
| MDTA Facilities | Nice/Middleton Bridge, JFK Memorial Highway, Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Bay Bridge, Fort McHenry Tunnel |
| MVA Branches | Annapolis, Bel Air, Beltsville, Easton, Elkton, Essex, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Waldorf |
Source: DriveEzMD Customer Service Locations
Many Maryland service locations keep “walk-up” baskets of mounting strips available. You can grab a set without waiting for a representative at all.
Virginia
Virginia residents have a straightforward path to free mounting strips. The Virginia E-ZPass system also uniquely integrates with DMV locations across the state.
Option 1: Virginia E-ZPass Website
Log into ezpassva.com, go to “Vehicles and Transponders,” click “Update My Transponders,” then select “Order Adhesive Strips.”
Option 2: DMV Customer Service Centers
Virginia offers full E-ZPass account management at six DMV locations. These are excellent for immediate, same-day pickup of mounting hardware:
- Chesterfield
- Fairfax/Westfields
- Gloucester
- Newport News
- Richmond Central
- Woodbridge
Source: Virginia DMV E-ZPass Services
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the most complex state to navigate right now. The state formally stopped issuing new plastic transponders on March 1, 2026, and moved to a “sticker first” policy. However, hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts drivers still have legacy hard-case transponders.
The online ordering system for mounting strips now has strict limitations:
- Each order ships only one strip, even though a transponder requires two to mount securely
- There is a mandatory 10-business-day waiting period between orders
This means getting a full set of two strips requires planning ahead.
Massachusetts Strategic Procurement Timeline
| Milestone | Action Required | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Request first “Mounting Strip Set” on EZDriveMA.com | Order confirmed |
| Day 7 | Receive first shipment | 1 strip delivered |
| Day 11 | Mandatory waiting period ends | Eligible for second order |
| Day 12 | Request second “Mounting Strip Set” | Order confirmed |
| Day 19 | Receive second shipment | 2nd strip delivered |
| Day 20 | Install both strips | Transponder fully secured |
Faster Alternative: Visit a local AAA Northeast branch. Full sets of strips are frequently kept in stock for member distribution and available for immediate pickup. Find your nearest branch at AAA Northeast E-ZPass MA page.
Does Your Car Need a Special Mount?
Most drivers assume standard windshield mounting is fine for every vehicle. It is not. Some modern windshields use metallic oxides or heating elements that block RFID signals from reaching the toll gantry antenna. These windshields act like a Faraday cage.
If your vehicle is on this list, standard mounting strips will not work. You may need an exterior bumper mount instead.
Vehicles That May Require Exterior Mounting
| Manufacturer | Known Problematic Models |
|---|---|
| Tesla | All years of Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y |
| BMW | 7 Series (1999 to present), X5 (1999 to present), X6 (2008 to present) |
| Mercedes-Benz | S-Class and E-Class models with Night View Assist or solar glass |
| Audi | A6 and A8 models with Siglasol heat-reflecting glass |
| Land Rover | Range Rover Evoque, LR3, LR4 models with heated windshields |
Source: DriveEzMD Transponder Mounting Guide
If your vehicle is on this list, contact your state agency and ask for an “Exterior Transponder” or “License Plate Mount.” These units bolt directly to your front license plate frame using the existing screws.
Maryland charges a modest fee for these units. Some other states may offer a free swap if the vehicle’s technical requirements are documented.
How to Mount Your Transponder Correctly
Getting free strips is only half the job. Mounting them the right way ensures they hold and that your tag reads reliably every time.
Follow these steps for a secure installation:
- Clean both surfaces. Wipe the inside of the windshield and the back of the transponder with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher). Allow both surfaces to dry completely.
- Peel the backing. Remove the protective paper from one side of each strip before pressing it onto the transponder’s mounting feet.
- Press and hold. Press the transponder firmly against the windshield for 30 to 60 seconds. Apply even pressure across the full surface area.
- Let it cure. Leave the transponder in place for at least 24 hours before driving. The VHB adhesive bonds more strongly with cure time.
- Avoid tinted film. Velcro adhesive does not bond well to aftermarket window tint. Mount the transponder on the clear strip near the top of the glass, close to the rearview mirror area.
Correct Placement Zone
Most state agencies require the transponder to be mounted:
- On the interior of the windshield
- Near the rearview mirror
- Centered horizontally
- Approximately 1 to 2 inches from the top edge of the glass
Incorrect placement causes missed reads at toll plazas. Missed reads lead to Toll-By-Plate charges or, in some states, a “Max Fare” penalty if no entry point is detected. Check your agency’s official installation guide for exact specifications.
Watch Out for Text Scams
The shift to new hardware in 2026 has been accompanied by a rise in “smishing” scams. These are SMS phishing attempts targeting E-ZPass users.
Key facts to know:
- State agencies will never text you to ask for personal information
- State agencies will never ask you to pay for mounting strips via text
- North Carolina Quick Pass, for example, only ever texts from the official short code 696277
Source: NC Quick Pass official website
If you receive a suspicious text about your E-ZPass account or mounting supplies, do not click any links. Go directly to your state agency’s official website instead.
Quick Reference: Get Free Strips by State
Here is a one-table summary of the fastest method in each state:
| State | Fastest Method | Phone Number | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Tolls NY app or website | 1-800-333-8655 | e-zpassny.com |
| New Jersey | Online dashboard or phone | 1-888-288-6865 | ezpassnj.com |
| Pennsylvania | PA Toll Pay app or website | 1-877-736-6727 | paturnpike.com |
| Maryland | Online contact form | Available at DriveEzMD | driveezmd.com |
| Virginia | E-ZPass VA website or DMV | Available on site | ezpassva.com |
| Massachusetts | EZDriveMA website (or AAA) | Available on site | ezdrivema.com |
| Illinois | Visit an Oasis or toll plaza | Available on site | illinoistollway.com |
Best Practices: Procurement Hierarchy for 2026
If you want to keep things simple, follow this priority order:
- Use the mobile app first. The Tolls NY app and PA Toll Pay app are the fastest ways to get strips mailed to your home at no charge.
- Try the website second. Every major agency has an online account portal with a hardware request option.
- Call if needed. Every agency has a customer service line. Be specific: ask for “replacement 3M Dual Lock mounting strips” rather than a full transponder replacement.
- Visit a service center for same-day needs. AAA branches in NY and MA, MVA branches in Maryland, and DMV centers in Virginia are excellent walk-in options.
- Never pay retail. Hardware stores sell compatible 3M Dual Lock SJ3560 strips for $8 to $15. There is no reason to buy them when every E-ZPass state agency provides them free as part of your service agreement.
Stop Paying for Something That Is Already Free
The single most important takeaway from this entire guide is straightforward. Your E-ZPass account already includes free replacement mounting strips. All you have to do is ask.
A failed Velcro mount is a zero-dollar problem. A missed toll read from an unmounted transponder is not. Make the call, submit the request online, or stop by a service center this week. Your future self at the toll plaza will appreciate 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.