Maryland E-ZPass account types give drivers three main ways to pay tolls across the state’s bridges, tunnels, and express lanes. The system includes Private accounts, Business accounts, and Video Tolling through Pay-By-Plate. Each option works for different driving patterns, vehicle counts, and budget needs.
Maryland runs its toll system through the Maryland Transportation Authority, also called MDTA. The toll roads include the Bay Bridge, Fort McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, Key Bridge, and Hatem Bridge. Every one of these facilities accepts EZPass and Pay-By-Plate payments.
What Are the Main Maryland E-ZPass Account Types?
Maryland offers three main E-ZPass account types. Each one fits a different kind of driver. The table below shows the core options at a glance.
| Account Type | Best For | Transponder | Discount Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Account | Personal drivers and families | Up to 10 transponders | Yes |
| Business Account | Companies and fleet operators | Unlimited transponders | Yes |
| Pay-By-Plate | Out-of-state and occasional drivers | No transponder | No |
Private Account (Standard E-ZPass Maryland)
The Private account is the most common E-ZPass Maryland option. It works for personal cars, SUVs, motorcycles, pickup trucks, and RVs. Drivers open this account for personal, non-commercial travel.
Key features of a Maryland E-ZPass private account include:
- Up to 10 transponders on one account
- Prepaid balance with auto-replenishment from a bank account or credit card
- No monthly account fee for Maryland residents
- Access to commuter and bridge discount plans
- Monthly statements available online
- Works at every Maryland toll facility and across the EZ Pass network
Most daily commuters and weekend drivers pick the Private account. The setup takes about 10 minutes online at DriveEzMD.
Business Account
The Business account is the E-ZPass Maryland option for companies, self-employed drivers, and anyone with more than 10 vehicles. It also works for individuals who want centralized billing for a household fleet.
Business accounts include:
- Unlimited transponders
- Centralized billing across all vehicles
- Detailed reporting for each vehicle and driver
- Volume-based savings on high-toll routes
- Access to the same discount plans as Private accounts
- Tax ID and business documents required at sign-up
Delivery companies, taxi services, and contractors use Business accounts to track toll expenses. The reporting tools make tax time easier.
Pay-By-Plate (Video Tolling)
Pay-By-Plate is the EZPass Maryland option without a transponder. Cameras read the license plate and send a bill to the registered vehicle owner. Out-of-state drivers and infrequent toll users rely on this method.
Important facts about Pay-By-Plate:
- No transponder or account setup needed
- Higher toll rate than E-ZPass transponder users
- Bills mailed to the address on the vehicle registration
- A $25 video toll transaction fee applies for out-of-state drivers at some facilities
- Works at every Maryland toll plaza
Pay-By-Plate costs more than E-ZPass. Drivers who cross Maryland tolls more than a few times per year save money by opening a Maryland E-ZPass account instead.
Maryland E-ZPass Discount Plans
Maryland EZPass account types unlock money-saving discount plans. These plans cut toll costs for frequent travelers on specific routes.
Hatem Memorial Bridge Option A
The Hatem Memorial Bridge Option A plan costs $20 per year for two-axle vehicles. It gives unlimited trips across the Hatem Bridge on US Route 40 between Havre de Grace and Perryville. Drivers who cross the Hatem Bridge for daily work commutes save hundreds of dollars each year with this plan.
Both Private and Business account holders can enroll in Option A. The annual fee is billed to the account balance.
Bay Bridge Commuter Plan
The Bay Bridge Commuter Plan offers a 25% discount on Bay Bridge tolls for drivers who make three or more round trips per month. The Bay Bridge connects the Western Shore and Eastern Shore of Maryland across the Chesapeake Bay.
This plan is available to Private and Business account holders. Drivers register online and the discount applies automatically to qualifying trips.
E-ZPass Maryland Coverage and Facilities
EZPass Maryland works at every MDTA toll facility. The system covers the state’s major crossings:
- William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bay Bridge (US 50/301)
- Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95)
- Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895)
- Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695)
- Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40)
- Intercounty Connector (MD 200) express lanes
- I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) in Baltimore
Note: The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in March 2026. The Maryland Transportation Authority is currently working on its replacement. Drivers in that area should check MDTA updates for the latest route options.
Maryland E-ZPass Account Costs and Fees
Maryland EZPass account types have different cost structures. Here is a breakdown of the typical fees:
| Fee Type | Private Account | Business Account |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Account Fee | $0 (MD residents) | $8 per month |
| Transponder Cost | $0 (included) | $0 (included) |
| Minimum Initial Balance | $25 | $25 per transponder |
| Low Balance Threshold | $10 | $10 per transponder |
| Auto-Replenishment Amount | $35 default | $35 default |
| Lost Transponder Fee | $25 | $25 |
Out-of-state drivers who open a Maryland E-ZPass private account pay a $1.50 monthly account fee. Maryland residents avoid this fee.
How to Set Up a Maryland E-ZPass Account
Setting up a Maryland EZPass account takes a few minutes. Drivers follow these steps:
- Visit DriveEzMD.com
- Click “Sign Up” and choose Private or Business
- Enter personal and vehicle details (license plate, make, model, year)
- Add a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account)
- Pay the initial balance ($25 minimum)
- Receive the transponder by mail within 5-7 business days
- Mount the transponder on the windshield and start driving
Pay-By-Plate does not require sign-up. Cameras read the plate and bills go to the registered owner automatically.
E-ZPass Maryland Interoperability
EZ-Pass Maryland transponders work across the entire E-ZPass network. Drivers can use one Maryland EZ-Pass account on toll roads in 19 states, including:
- Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York
- Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina
- Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky
- Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island
- Florida (SunPass), Georgia (Peach Pass), Texas (TxTag)
Out-of-state EZPass accounts also work in Maryland. A driver with a New Jersey EZ-Pass can cross the Bay Bridge and the toll posts to their New Jersey account.
E-ZPass Maryland for Out-of-State Drivers
Out-of-state drivers have two main options in Maryland. They can open a Maryland E-ZPass account or use Pay-By-Plate. Each option has trade-offs.
Opening a Maryland E-ZPass account gives out-of-state drivers:
- Lower toll rates than Pay-By-Plate
- Access to commuter and bridge discount plans
- One bill for all tolls across multiple states
- A $1.50 monthly fee for non-Maryland residents
Pay-By-Plate works without sign-up. The downside is a higher toll rate. For example, the Bay Bridge costs $4.00 with E-ZPass and $6.00 with Pay-By-Plate for two-axle vehicles. Drivers who cross Maryland tolls more than a few times a year save money with an EZPass account.
Maryland E-ZPass Customer Service
The Maryland EZ Pass customer service center handles account questions, payment issues, and transponder requests. The center is located at the Maryland Transportation Authority headquarters.
Official Website: https://www.driveezmd.com
Phone: 1-888-321-6824
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday Closed
Address: Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Maryland E-ZPass account type for a personal vehicle?
The Private account is the best EZ Pass Maryland option for personal vehicles. It supports up to 10 transponders, has no monthly fee for Maryland residents, and unlocks all discount plans. Most commuters, families, and weekend travelers use the Private account because it costs the least and covers every Maryland toll facility.
How does Pay-By-Plate work in Maryland?
Pay-By-Plate uses license plate cameras to charge tolls. No transponder is needed. The system mails a bill to the address on the vehicle registration. Pay-By-Plate tolls cost more than EZ Pass tolls, and out-of-state drivers may pay an extra video toll transaction fee. Drivers who cross Maryland tolls often save money by opening an E-ZPass account instead.
Can out-of-state drivers open a Maryland E-ZPass account?
Yes. Out-of-state drivers can open a Private or Business EZ-Pass Maryland account at DriveEzMD.com. They pay a $1.50 monthly account fee and the same $25 minimum initial balance as Maryland residents. An out-of-state EZPass also works in 18 other states across the EZPass network, so one account covers tolls on most East Coast highways.
What is the Hatem Bridge Option A discount plan?
The Hatem Memorial Bridge Option A plan costs $20 per year for two-axle vehicles. It gives unlimited trips across the Hatem Bridge between Havre de Grace and Perryville. Drivers who cross the Hatem Bridge for work or regular travel save hundreds of dollars per year. Both Private and Business account holders can enroll online.
How many transponders can I have on a Maryland E-ZPass account?
A Private EZ Pass Maryland account supports up to 10 transponders. A Business account supports unlimited transponders. Each transponder is tied to one vehicle. Drivers with more than 10 vehicles must open a Business account to register all of them under one billing profile.
What is the difference between E-ZPass and Pay-By-Plate in Maryland?
EZ Pass uses a windshield transponder to deduct tolls from a prepaid account. Pay-By-Plate uses a camera to read the license plate and mail a bill. E-ZPass tolls are cheaper. For example, the Fort McHenry Tunnel costs $4.00 with EZPass and $6.00 with Pay-By-Plate. Drivers save money with EZ-Pass and gain access to discount plans like the Bay Bridge Commuter Plan and Hatem Bridge Option A.
Does E-ZPass Maryland work in other states?
Yes. Maryland EZPass transponders work in 18 other states through the EZ-Pass interoperability network. This includes toll roads in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Illinois. One Maryland E-ZPass account covers all tolls on these highways, with one monthly statement for every trip.