Maryland E-ZPass On the Go is a prepaid toll transponder that lets drivers pay tolls on Maryland roads, bridges, and tunnels without using cash. The kit comes with a transponder loaded with an opening balance, mounting strips, and registration instructions, so you can mount the device and start using toll lanes within minutes.
Issued by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) through the DriveEzMD program, the On the Go transponder works across the E-ZPass network of 19 states. It is built for drivers who want fast, simple toll payment without opening a traditional monthly billing account.
How Maryland E-ZPass On the Go Differs from a Standard E-ZPass Account
Both options use the same transponder technology and work at the same toll plazas. The main difference is how you set up and fund the account.
With a standard EZ Pass Maryland account, you register online, link a payment method, and select automatic replenishment that adds funds when your balance drops below a set level. The On the Go version skips the online registration requirement at the start because the transponder already carries a prepaid balance.
| Feature | EZPass On the Go | Standard EZPass Account |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Immediate, after registration | Online account required first |
| Payment method | Prepaid balance | Credit card or bank account |
| Auto-replenishment | Optional after registration | Standard |
| Monthly fee | None for MD residents | None for MD residents |
| Best for | Occasional or first-time users | Daily commuters |
What Comes in the E-ZPass On the Go Kit
Each EZ-Pass On the Go kit has three items.
- One E-ZPass transponder loaded with a $25 starting toll credit
- Adhesive mounting strips for attaching the device to the inside of your windshield
- A registration card with the transponder serial number and setup instructions
The transponder is a small electronic device that sends a radio signal to readers mounted above toll lanes. When you drive through, the reader picks up the signal and deducts the toll from your prepaid balance.
Where to Buy Maryland E-ZPass On the Go
Maryland E-ZPass On the Go kits are sold at authorized locations across the state. Retail availability has changed over the years, and today the most reliable places to buy one are MDTA E-ZPass Customer Service Centers and participating MDOT MVA branch offices.
You can also order a kit online through the DriveEzMD website at ezpassmd.com. Online orders ship by mail and arrive within a few business days. The kit is not sold at pharmacies, grocery chains, or other retail locations in Maryland.
purchase locations include:
- MDTA E-ZPass Customer Service Centers (Baltimore, Rockville, and other cities)
- Maryland Department of Transportation MVA branch offices
- The official DriveEzMD online store
How to Activate and Register Your Transponder
Registration is required before your first toll. The EZ Pass On the Go activation links the transponder to your name, license plate, and contact details so tolls are billed correctly.
Steps to complete activation:
- Visit the DriveEzMD website or call the customer service line
- Enter the transponder serial number printed on the back of the device
- Enter your vehicle license plate, contact details, and mailing address
- Confirm your payment method for future replenishments
After registration, the transponder becomes tied to your license plate. The system can read your plate with cameras if the transponder signal is ever missed, so tolls are still charged to your account.
How to Mount the E-ZPass Transponder
Correct mounting is important for reliable toll reading. Mount the transponder on the inside of your windshield, about one inch below the headliner and centered behind the rearview mirror.
Mounting steps:
- Clean the windshield area with glass cleaner and let it dry
- Peel the backing from the adhesive strip on the transponder
- Press the device firmly against the glass, logo facing outward
- Hold for 30 seconds to secure the bond
Do not mount the transponder in areas with metallic tinting, behind wipers, or on the dashboard. These spots can block the radio signal and cause missed tolls, which result in video toll charges.
Maryland E-ZPass On the Go Cost and Fees
The EZ Pass On the Go price is $25, which covers the transponder and a starting toll balance. The full amount is applied to tolls, so there is no separate device fee.
Maryland residents do not pay a monthly account maintenance fee. Out-of-state drivers who use Maryland toll facilities fewer than three times in a billing cycle are charged a $1.50 monthly maintenance fee.
Toll rates on Maryland roads are set by the MDTA and vary by facility. rates:
- Bay Bridge (US 50/301): $4.00 for two-axle vehicles with EZ-Pass
- Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95): $3.00 to $5.00 depending on time of day
- Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895): $3.00 to $4.00
- ICC/MD 200: variable rates based on distance and time
EZ-Pass customers pay the lowest available toll rate on every Maryland facility. Pay by Plate and cash customers pay higher rates.
Maryland Toll Roads, Bridges, and Tunnels Covered
Maryland EZ Pass works on every toll facility operated by the MDTA. This covers major bridges, tunnels, and express lanes across the state.
Covered facilities:
- William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge (Bay Bridge)
- Fort McHenry Tunnel
- Baltimore Harbor Tunnel
- Intercounty Connector (MD 200)
- I-95 Express Toll Lanes
- MD 695 (Baltimore Beltway outer crossings)
- Nice/Middleton Bridge (US 301)
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge check lanes
Beyond Maryland, the transponder works on every E-ZPass-compatible toll road in 19 states from Maine to Florida and west to Illinois and Indiana.
Adding Funds and Checking Your Balance
After registration, you can add funds to your EZ-Pass account at any time. The easiest way is automatic replenishment, which charges your card or bank account when the balance drops below $10.
You can also add funds manually through the DriveEzMD website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Accepted payment methods are credit cards, debit cards, and ACH bank transfers.
To check your EZPass Maryland balance, log in to your account online or use the DriveEzMD mobile app. The app shows your current balance, recent toll transactions, and low-balance alerts.
Maryland E-ZPass Customer Service
MDTA EZPass customer service is available by phone, online chat, and in person at service centers. Agents can help with registration, account updates, transponder replacement, and billing questions.
Here are the contact details for E-ZPass Maryland:
- Phone: 1-888-321-6824
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Online account: ezpassmd.com
In-person service centers operate in Baltimore and other locations. You can also get help at any MDOT MVA branch office.
Pay by Plate Maryland vs E-ZPass
Maryland offers Pay by Plate as a no-transponder option for occasional drivers. The system reads your license plate and mails a bill to the registered owner.
Pay by Plate costs more than E-ZPass. The MDTA charges a service fee on top of the base toll for every Pay by Plate transaction, and missed payments lead to higher video toll rates. EZPass customers always pay the lowest toll and avoid mailing delays.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Transponder
If your E-ZPass transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your online account or by calling customer service. A replacement fee may apply, and the remaining balance from the old device transfers to the new transponder once the old one is deactivated.
Damaged transponders caused by normal wear are sometimes replaced at no charge. Stolen devices require a police report for fee waiver eligibility.
Maryland E-ZPass Discounts and Savings
EZ Pass users receive the MDTA’s discounted toll rate on every facility. The savings add up quickly for commuters and frequent travelers.
Other ways to save with EZ-Pass Maryland:
- Commuter plans for daily I-95 Express Toll Lane users
- HOV discounts during off-peak hours on some facilities
- Reciprocal discounts on partner toll roads in neighboring states
Compared to Pay by Plate and video tolls, E-ZPass users save 20% to 50% on most Maryland tolls.
Issues and Troubleshooting
Most EZPass issues come from mounting errors, low balances, or inactive accounts. Check these three things first if your transponder is not working at toll lanes.
- Verify the transponder is mounted correctly behind the rearview mirror
- Check your account balance and add funds if the balance is low
- Confirm the transponder is registered to the correct license plate
If the issue persists, call MDTA customer service. Agents can run a diagnostic on your transponder and issue a replacement if needed.
Maryland E-ZPass On the Go: Contact Details
Maryland EZ Pass On the Go is managed by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). Here are the main office, customer service line, and online portal details.
- Official website: ezpassmd.com (DriveEzMD)
- Customer service phone: 1-888-321-6824
- Service hours: Monday–Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Main office address: 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions drivers ask about Maryland EZPass On the Go, including pricing, setup, account management, and out-of-state use. These answers cover the details that affect your toll savings, account status, and long-term use of the transponder on Maryland toll roads and across the E-ZPass network.
1. How much does Maryland E-ZPass On the Go cost?
The Maryland E-ZPass On the Go kit costs $25 at the time of purchase. This price covers the transponder hardware and an opening toll balance that goes directly toward your first tolls. There is no separate device fee or activation charge. Maryland residents do not pay monthly maintenance fees, making the kit a one-time cost for occasional drivers. Out-of-state drivers who use Maryland toll facilities fewer than three times per billing cycle are charged a $1.50 monthly maintenance fee. The $25 opening balance is enough to cover several trips on most Maryland toll roads, including the Bay Bridge, Fort McHenry Tunnel, and Intercounty Connector. You can add more funds through your account at any time. Online orders through the DriveEzMD store may include a small shipping fee depending on your address and delivery method. Tax is added where required by state law.
2. Where can I buy an E-ZPass On the Go kit in Maryland?
EZ-Pass On the Go kits are available at MDTA E-ZPass Customer Service Centers and participating MDOT MVA branch offices across Maryland. The main service centers are located in Baltimore, Rockville, and other cities, with hours that match the posted MDTA schedule. You can also order a kit online through the DriveEzMD website at ezpassmd.com, with shipping by mail to any U.S. address. The kit is not sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, or other retail locations in the state, so service centers and online ordering are the only direct options. To find the nearest service center, use the location finder on the DriveEzMD website or call the customer service line at 1-888-321-6824. Walk-in purchases are available at service centers during business hours, and online orders typically ship within three to five business days. Some MDOT MVA branches also stock the kit for in-person purchase.
3. How do I activate my E-ZPass On the Go transponder?
Activation requires online registration before your first toll. Visit the DriveEzMD website, enter the transponder serial number printed on the back of the device, and enter your license plate, contact details, and payment method. The process takes about five minutes from start to finish. You can also activate by calling the customer service line at 1-888-321-6824. Until the transponder is registered, tolls will be charged through the Pay by Plate system at a higher rate, and missed plate reads can result in video toll violations that cost more than the original toll. Registration links the device to your vehicle plate so the system can match toll charges to your account even if the transponder signal is weak or the device is not mounted correctly. After activation, you can mount the transponder and start using toll lanes right away. Account updates, such as adding a new vehicle, can be made online at any time.
4. What is the difference between E-ZPass On the Go and a standard E-ZPass account?
The transponder technology is identical for both options. The difference is the funding model. On the Go comes with a prepaid balance and no auto-replenishment requirement at signup. A standard EZPass account requires a credit card or bank account on file from the start and automatically adds funds when the balance drops below a set threshold. Both options receive the same discounted toll rates on every Maryland toll facility, and both can be managed through the same online account. On the Go works best for occasional drivers, visitors, and first-time users, while standard accounts suit daily commuters and frequent travelers. You can upgrade an On the Go transponder to a full account at any time by adding a payment method to your account settings. The opening $25 balance carries over, and no new device is needed for the upgrade.
5. Can I use Maryland E-ZPass On the Go in other states?
Yes. The Maryland E-ZPass transponder works on every EZPass-compatible toll road in the network, which covers 19 states from Maine to Florida and west to Illinois and Indiana. This covers bridges, tunnels, and express lanes operated by partner agencies such as the New York Thruway, New Jersey Turnpike, Delaware Memorial Bridge, Pennsylvania Turnpike, and West Virginia Turnpike. Out-of-state drivers should monitor their balance closely, since toll rates vary by state and a low balance can result in missed tolls and video toll charges. The same transponder reads at every EZPass facility, so there is no need to switch devices when crossing state lines. Some partner agencies offer reciprocal discounts for EZPass users, but the discount amount and eligibility rules vary by state. Check the partner agency website before travel for the most current rates.
6. How do I check my E-ZPass Maryland balance?
Log in to your account at DriveEzMD.com or use the DriveEzMD mobile app to view your current balance, recent toll charges, and account history. The app also sends low-balance alerts when your balance drops below your set threshold, which helps prevent missed tolls and video toll charges. You can also call the customer service line at 1-888-321-6824 and use the automated phone system to check your balance 24 hours a day. Monthly statements are available for download through the online portal, which is useful for business travelers who need expense records for tax or reimbursement purposes. The app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices, and the account login works across web, mobile, and phone systems. Account holders can also set up text or email alerts for low balance, statement availability, and account changes.
7. What happens if my E-ZPass transponder is lost or damaged?
Report the lost or damaged transponder immediately by logging into your account or calling the customer service line at 1-888-321-6824. The device is deactivated to prevent misuse, and your remaining balance transfers to a replacement transponder once it is activated. A replacement fee may apply, though damaged devices caused by normal wear are sometimes replaced at no charge. Stolen transponders require a police report for fee waiver consideration, and the report number should be provided when you contact customer service. Replacement kits can be picked up at a service center or shipped to your address. Until the replacement arrives, you can still use Maryland toll roads through the Pay by Plate system, though you will pay the higher rate without the transponder discount. To avoid future issues, keep the transponder serial number on file so a replacement can be ordered quickly.