Just closed on a home in Staten Island and wondering how to cut your Verrazzano tolls fast? The Staten Island resident discount can bring your one-way cost down to an effective $2.75 when everything is set up correctly. As a new owner, you just need the right E-ZPass account, the right documents, and a quick enrollment. This guide walks you through each step, explains how billing works, and helps you avoid common mistakes. Let’s dive in.
What the discount is
The Staten Island Resident program gives eligible drivers an effective one-way toll of $2.75 on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge when a qualifying NY E-ZPass tag and plan are in place. You must use a New York Customer Service Center E-ZPass and enroll in the Staten Island Resident plan to receive the rate. You can review eligibility and plan details on the MTA’s Staten Island Resident program page. Learn more about the Staten Island Resident program.
The bridge now uses split tolling, which means tolls are collected in both directions. The round-trip total is similar to before, but you will see charges eastbound and westbound. See the MTA’s split tolling announcement.
Who qualifies and what you need
To qualify, your non-commercial passenger vehicle must be registered to a Staten Island (Richmond County) address and your E-ZPass must be a New York Customer Service Center account. Details are listed in the MTA’s resident program overview. Check eligibility and plan rules.
Have these items ready:
- Proof of residency showing your Staten Island address, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or lease.
- Vehicle registration for each tag you want covered. The registration must list your Staten Island address.
- Copies only. Do not send originals.
Enroll step by step
Follow these steps to activate your discount quickly:
- Update your ID and registration
- After closing, update your NY driver’s license and vehicle registration to your Staten Island address. Many enrollments require your registration to match your resident address.
- Confirm your E-ZPass account
- Make sure you have a New York Customer Service Center E-ZPass account and tag. You can review plan info and get started on the E-ZPass NY site. Visit E-ZPass NY plan information.
- Submit your documents
- Online: Log in to your E-ZPass NY account and upload your proof through Account Inquiries or document upload.
- Mail or fax: Send copies to E-ZPass Customer Service Center, P.O. Box 15187, Albany, NY 12212-5187, or fax 718-390-9772. These addresses are listed in the MTA’s recertification FAQ. See the MTA recertification FAQ.
- Track and verify
- Keep copies of what you submit. Note any case or confirmation number.
- Once approved, check your first statement to confirm you see the Staten Island Resident plan code (SIR) and the effective rate.
How billing works
The resident discount is applied as a rebate or plan adjustment on your E-ZPass account. You may see a posted toll line and a separate credit or adjustment that produces the effective $2.75 one-way charge when the SIR plan is active. This structure is explained in the MTA’s resident program materials. Review the resident program details.
Fixing incorrect charges
If you see a higher toll than expected, check the basics first:
- Plan not on account: Make sure the Staten Island Resident plan (SIR) is active for the correct tag and plates.
- Registration mismatch: Confirm the vehicle is registered to a Staten Island address and your account shows the correct plates.
- Tag mounting: An improperly mounted tag can produce a mid-tier rate.
- Non-NY tag or account: Only NY Customer Service Center tags receive E-ZPass NY rates. See the MTA’s E-ZPass tag guidance.
- Recertification lapse: If you missed a request for documents, the discount may have been removed. Check the recertification FAQ.
If your setup is correct and you were still charged the wrong amount, open an inquiry through your E-ZPass NY online account or contact customer service and provide your documents. Credits can be applied after review when appropriate. See E-ZPass NY plan information.
Special cases and tips
- Out-of-state registration: You must register your vehicle in New York to a Staten Island address to qualify. If you have not switched yet, enroll once your NY registration is active.
- Carpooling: If you regularly travel with three or more occupants, ask about the Staten Island Resident Carpool Plan and the required switchable HOV tag. Availability and pickup steps vary by service center.
- Multiple vehicles: Each vehicle must meet eligibility and be listed on your NY E-ZPass account. A registration can be tied to only one account.
- Security: Use only official MTA and E-ZPass channels. Phishing texts about tolls are common. Review reported scam patterns and verify through your official account before clicking any link. Read a report on recent toll text scams.
Recertification timeline
Resident accounts are recertified every two years. Some accounts are auto-verified, while others receive a mailed request for updated documents. If you receive a request, submit the documents by the stated deadline or the discount may be removed. Triggers include plate or address changes, registrations that no longer match, or excess unused tags. See the MTA recertification FAQ.
Quick checklist for new homeowners
- Update your NY driver’s license and vehicle registration to your Staten Island address.
- Confirm your E-ZPass is a New York Customer Service Center account and tag.
- Gather and submit proof: driver’s license, vehicle registration, and a utility bill or lease if requested.
- Enroll in the Staten Island Resident plan and confirm plan code SIR on your account.
- Check your first statement for the effective $2.75 one-way rate.
- Set a calendar reminder to expect recertification in two years and respond promptly to any request.
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FAQs
What is the Staten Island resident toll rate on the Verrazzano?
- Eligible residents with a qualifying NY E-ZPass and SIR plan see an effective one-way rate of about $2.75 as outlined by the MTA’s resident program.
How do I prove eligibility for the Staten Island Resident plan?
- Provide proof of your Staten Island address and a NY vehicle registration showing that address, plus your E-ZPass NY account details; submit copies online, by mail, or by fax.
Do I need a New York E-ZPass tag to get the discount?
- Yes; only NY Customer Service Center tags receive the resident discount and best E-ZPass NY rates, while non-NY tags or Tolls by Mail are higher.
How often do I need to recertify the resident discount?
- Every two years; if you receive a request for documents, submit them by the deadline to avoid losing the discount.
What should I do if I see a higher toll than expected?
- Check for the SIR plan on your account, confirm proper tag mounting and correct plates, then open an E-ZPass inquiry and provide documents if an adjustment is needed.
Can I get a carpool discount as a Staten Island resident?
- Yes; ask about the Staten Island Resident Carpool Plan, which requires a switchable HOV tag and has specific usage rules for vehicles with three or more occupants.
