Virginia E-ZPass On the Go is a ready-to-use toll transponder you can buy at retail stores across Virginia. It lets you pay tolls without stopping at booths. The kit comes pre-loaded with funds and works the moment you mount it on your windshield.
You can grab one at Walmart, CVS, Sheetz, Giant, Wegmans, or any Virginia DMV office. The whole process takes a few minutes. Once mounted, you can drive through EZPass lanes on highways, tunnels, and bridges right away.
What Is Virginia E-ZPass On the Go?
Virginia EZ Pass On the Go is a transponder kit sold at retail stores. It includes a small electronic device and mounting instructions. You stick it on your windshield, and it talks to toll readers on Virginia roads.
The kit costs $35. Out of that, $15 is ready for Virginia tolls. The remaining $20 becomes available after you register the transponder. Registration is free and takes about five minutes online.
You can use it on all Virginia toll roads, plus any EZPass state in the country once you register. The E-ZPass network covers 19 states from Maine to Illinois. A registered account also unlocks online features like balance checks and toll history.
How Much Does Virginia E-ZPass On the Go Cost?
The retail price is $35 at most stores. This breaks down into two parts: $15 in pre-loaded Virginia toll credit and $20 added to your account after registration.
- $15 pre-loaded toll credit for Virginia roads
- $20 added to your account after registration
- $0 monthly account fee
- $0 auto-replenishment fee
Virginia has no monthly account fees. You only pay when you drive through a toll. Many other states charge $1 to $3 per month, so Virginia is cheaper to maintain over time.
If you want automatic balance top-ups, you can sign up for auto-replenishment. Your card gets charged when your balance drops below a set level. There is no extra fee for this service in Virginia.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-ZPass On the Go kit | $35 |
| Virginia toll credit (up front) | $15 |
| Account credit (after register) | $20 |
| Monthly account fee | $0 |
| Auto-replenishment fee | $0 |
| Replacement transponder (lost) | $15 |
Where to Buy E-ZPass On the Go in Virginia
You can buy the kit at many retail locations across the state. These stores stock it on the customer service desk or near checkout lanes. Call ahead to check stock before driving over.
retailers that sell EZ-Pass On the Go in Virginia:
- Walmart – Most Virginia Walmarts carry it in the customer service area
- CVS Pharmacy – Selected CVS stores stock it at the register
- Sheetz – Most Sheetz locations in Virginia sell it
- Giant Food – Customer service desk in most Giant stores
- Wegmans – Available at Virginia Wegmans locations
- Virginia DMV – All DMV offices have it
To find a store near you, use the store locator on the Virginia EZPass website. Type your ZIP code, and it shows the closest retailers with current stock.
How to Register and Activate Your E-ZPass On the Go
Registration turns your kit into a full EZPass account. Without registration, you can only use $15 of toll credit in Virginia. After registration, the other $20 unlocks and you can use the pass in other states.
You have three ways to register:
- Online – Go to the EZ-Pass Virginia website and enter your transponder number, plate, and contact info
- Phone – Call 1-877-762-7824 and talk to a customer service agent
- In Person – Visit any Virginia DMV office for help
You will need the transponder number from your kit, your license plate number, vehicle make and model, contact information, and a payment method for future top-ups. Registration is free.
Once registered, your transponder works on any E-ZPass road in 19 states. You can also log in online to check your balance and view toll history.
How to Mount Your E-ZPass Transponder
Correct mounting matters. A bad mount can cause the toll reader to miss your transponder. That leads to a missed toll and a possible violation notice.
Follow these steps for proper mounting:
- Clean the inside of your windshield where you plan to mount it
- Peel the backing off the Velcro strips on the transponder
- Place it about 1 to 2 inches below the rearview mirror mount
- Press firmly for 30 seconds
- Wait 24 hours before driving through a toll
Make sure the transponder faces forward and is not blocked by tint strips or other objects. If you switch vehicles, you can move the transponder to another car on your account.
Where You Can Use Virginia E-ZPass On the Go
Your transponder works on most Virginia toll roads and bridges. Once registered, it also works in other E-ZPass states.
Virginia toll roads and facilities that accept E-ZPass:
- 495 Express Lanes (Capital Beltway)
- 95 Express Lanes (Northern Virginia)
- 395 Express Lanes
- I-64 Express Lanes (Hampton Roads)
- Dulles Toll Road (Route 267)
- Powhite Parkway (Richmond)
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
- Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel
- Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel
- Downtown Tunnel (Norfolk and Portsmouth)
- Midtown Tunnel (Norfolk and Portsmouth)
Toll prices on express lanes change based on traffic. This is called dynamic tolling. Your EZ Pass reads the current rate and deducts it from your balance.
E-ZPass Flex for HOV and Carpool Lanes
EZPass Flex is a special transponder with a switch. It lets you declare how many people are in your car. On Virginia express lanes, vehicles with 3 or more people ride for free with Flex set to HOV mode.
You can buy the Flex version at retail for the same $35 price. Look for the box that says “Flex” on the front. It works the same as a standard transponder but has a toggle switch on the side.
If you carpool often, Flex can save you a lot on tolls. Without Flex, you pay full price even with three people in the car.
Managing Your Balance and Auto-Replenishment
Your account balance pays for your tolls. If the balance runs low, your account goes into a negative status. A negative balance can trigger a toll violation notice and a fee.
To avoid this, set up auto-replenishment. Your credit card or bank account gets charged when your balance drops below a set level. The default in Virginia is $10. When you hit $10, the system adds $35 to your account.
You can check your balance anytime online. The website also shows your toll history, so you can see where you drove and what you paid. Low balance alerts go to your email or phone.
Make sure your contact info stays current in your account settings. Outdated contact info means you miss alerts about low balance or account issues.
Problems and Fixes
Sometimes a transponder does not read. Here are common issues and what to do:
Transponder not reading at toll lane: Check the mount. Make sure it is on the windshield, not the dashboard. Some readers miss devices placed on the dash.
Battery dead: Most Virginia EZ-Pass transponders have non-replaceable batteries that last 5 to 7 years. If the light does not come on, contact customer service for a replacement.
Low balance and missed toll: The system charges a missed toll fee on top of the toll price. Keep your balance positive to avoid this fee.
Transponder expired: The kit has a shelf life before activation. If you do not register within the time window, the kit may expire. Check the expiration date on the box.
Malfunction at toll lane: Pull over and call EZ Pass customer service. They can check your account and the read on their end.
E-ZPass On the Go vs Online Order
The On the Go kit and the online order give you the same transponder. The difference is speed and convenience.
| Feature | On the Go Kit | Online Order |
|---|---|---|
| Where to buy | Retail stores | EZ-Pass website |
| Cost | $35 | $35 |
| Pre-loaded credit | $15 (VA only) | $0 (added after funding) |
| Time to receive | Same day | 5 to 7 business days |
| Best for | Immediate use | Planned ahead |
Choose On the Go if you need a transponder today. Choose online if you have time to wait for shipping. Both work the same once active and registered.
Transfer, Refunds, and Customer Service
You can move a registered transponder to another vehicle on your account. Log in online or call customer service. There is no fee to move a transponder between your own cars.
To get a refund on unused balance, close your account. Virginia sends a refund check for the remaining balance. There is no fee to close an account with money in it.
For help, contact EZPass Virginia:
- Website: ez-passva.com
- Phone: 1-877-762-7824
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST
- Closed Sundays and major holidays
Customer service can help with registration, balance, violations, and transponder problems. The phone line has shorter wait times in the morning. You can also chat with support on the E-ZPass Virginia website during business hours.
E-ZPass Discounts and Virginia Toll Savings
E-ZPass users get the same toll price as everyone else on most Virginia roads. The savings show up on express lanes. Cash customers pay a higher rate on dynamic toll lanes than EZPass users.
For example, on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, the toll rate is higher for vehicles without an EZPass. E-ZPass always gets the posted rate. Carpoolers with E-ZPass Flex in HOV mode pay zero on these lanes.
Some commuter programs offer extra discounts. Check the express lanes websites for current deals and monthly passes for frequent drivers.
Paying Virginia Tolls Without E-ZPass
You can still drive on Virginia toll roads without an EZPass. The system takes a photo of your plate and mails a bill. This is called toll by plate.
Toll by plate costs more than the EZ-Pass rate. The extra fee covers the cost of billing and processing. If you do not pay the bill, you get a violation notice with a higher fine.
To avoid extra fees, most drivers get an E-ZPass. The retail On the Go kit is the fastest way to start saving on Virginia tolls.
Contact E-ZPass Virginia
Use the contact details below for help with registration, balance, violations, or transponder issues. The phone line is the fastest way to reach a live agent.
- Official website: ez-passva.com
- Customer service phone: 1-877-762-7824
- Hours: Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST
- Closed on Sundays and major holidays
- Mail: E-ZPass Virginia, P.O. Box 12345, Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia E-ZPass On the Go
Below are answers to the most common questions about buying, registering, and using E-ZPass On the Go in Virginia. These cover retail purchase, balance management, transponder issues, and express lane rules. Read through to find quick answers to your toll pass questions.
How long does an E-ZPass On the Go kit last before I need to register it?
Most kits give you 30 days from purchase to register and activate. After 30 days, the kit expires and the $15 pre-loaded balance may be lost. The $20 stored credit also expires. Register as soon as you can after buying to keep your funds.
Can I use Virginia E-ZPass On the Go in other states?
Yes, after you register the transponder online or by phone. Registered EZ Pass accounts work in 19 states including Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, and more. You need at least $20 in your account to use it outside Virginia.
What happens if my E-ZPass balance goes negative?
Your account can go negative after a toll. The system tries to charge your registered payment method. If the charge fails, you get a violation notice with a fee. To avoid this, turn on auto-replenishment so the account stays positive at all times.
How do I replace a broken or lost E-ZPass transponder?
Call E-ZPass customer service at 1-877-762-7824. They cancel the old transponder and mail a new one. There is a replacement fee for lost or damaged devices. If your transponder stops working for no reason, the fee may be waived by the support team.
Can I share my E-ZPass transponder between two cars?
You can move the transponder between vehicles on the same account. Both cars must be listed on your account. You cannot share a transponder with another driver who has a separate account. Each car needs its own transponder for accurate billing.
Do motorcycles need an E-ZPass in Virginia?
Motorcycles are toll-free on most Virginia express lanes but pay on tunnels and bridges. EZ Pass works on motorcycles. Mount the transponder where the toll reader can see it. Some riders put it in a tank bag or jacket pocket for the toll gantry to read.
How do I dispute a Virginia toll violation?
Log in to your EZPass account or call customer service. You can file a dispute if the toll was wrong, you already paid, or your transponder was not working. The team reviews the dispute and may dismiss the fee or refund the charge based on the evidence.