Toll Roads

The Toll Relief Program starts with an in-person application at either of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in Norfolk or Portsmouth or at the DriverERT Customer Care Center in Portsmouth.

Once you've been approved for the program, you will need to link your E-ZPass transponder to the unique Toll Relief confirmation code noted on your acceptance form. This transponder will now become the designated Toll Relief transponder. 

Trips associated with this designated transponder through the Downtown or Midtown tunnels will receive a credit equal to 50% of the 2-axle toll paid. The maximum number of trips for which a credit can be applied is limited to 14 per week (Monday-Sunday). 

Only tolls through the tunnels that are associated with your Toll Relief designated transponder will be eligible for the relief.

Hampton Roads residents who use the Downtown or Midtown tunnels and make $65,000 or less per year are eligible to participate in the program.

Proof of income and residency must be presented at the time of enrollment.

One of the following is required for proof of residency*:

• Driver’s license
• Utility / telephone / cable bill
• Checking / savings account statement
• Property tax bill
• Mortgage – proof of ownership
• Rental contract
• Military documentation confirming city of residence

Proof of residency and income are required at the time of application. 

*Participants must provide a street address for their residence in Chesapeake, Gloucester County, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, York County, Franklin, Surry County or Southampton.

One of the following is required for proof of income:

• W-2
• 1099-Misc
• One month of pay stubs
• IRS 1040
• Notarized employer’s statement
• Self-declaration of no income

How can I apply? When is the application period?
There is no deadline, but applying early allows you to take advantage of Toll Relief the entire 2024 year. To apply, visit one of our service centers:

Norfolk E-ZPass Customer Service Center
1701 Church Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23504
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Center
4010 Victory Boulevard
Portsmouth, Virginia 23701
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

DriveERT Customer Care Center
309 County Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The application process is designed to be quick and simple. Up-to-date proof of residency and income expedite the process. Contact 877-762-7824 or one of the Customer Service Centers with questions about what is needed to apply.

By connecting your program application to your registered Virginia E-ZPass, VDOT can quickly and efficiently ensure that your trips are counted towards the program and that you are receiving your rebates and discounts accurately.

This also means that your E-ZPass must be properly mounted in your vehicle. Tolls invoiced to your license plate will not be eligible for the Toll Relief Program.

E-ZPass Facts

1. Open an account with an initial deposit of $20, all of which is available for the payment of tolls.
2. There are no additional costs or processing fees to start or maintain your E-ZPass account.
3. You can add funds to your E-ZPass by purchasing an E-ZPass Reload Card, online or at any E-ZPass Customer Service Center.
4. If an E-ZPass runs out of funds and an invoice is mailed, you’re responsible for paying the invoice separately. Adding more funds to your E-ZPass will not pay the invoice.
5. Using E-ZPass saves you up to 66 percent at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels – helping your Toll Relief discount go further!

E-ZPass Reload Card
You’ve always been able to replenish your Virginia E-ZPass account with cash at our E-ZPass Walk-in Centers. Now you can cash replenish at participating Virginia retailers, too, with the E-ZPass Reload Card. The Reload Card is a wallet-size re-useable card that can be linked to your Virginia E-ZPass account. You can use it to manually replenish your account with cash at any participating retailer.

To learn more, visit EZPassVa.com or call toll-free 877-762-7824.

Toll Relief Development FAQ

Who developed the program?
The Toll Relief Steering Committee is a volunteer advisory group gathered by the Deputy Secretary of Transportation to provide technical guidance and assist with the overall development of the Toll Relief Program. The committee, which includes representatives from state and local agencies and non-profits, has met regularly since December 2015. The Steering Committee has helped to shape the program’s vision and goals, as well as the general program guidelines. The committee also assisted with the program’s implementation and public roll-out phases.

Why is the program only available for Hampton Roads residents and not everyone?
VDOT conducted this program during the first year as a “pilot” to measure participation levels and monitor the effectiveness of the relief effort. In order to provide meaningful relief, the pilot program was focused on helping those that need relief the most. Initial research conducted by the Commonwealth of Virginia showed that Hampton Roads residents were the most heavily impacted by frequent ERT tolls. VDOT is researching ways to implement similar programs in other regions throughout the Commonwealth.

Toll Relief Application/Enrollment FAQ

Why do I have to enroll in person?
The in-person enrollment process allows the Customer Service team to assist with proper documentation and ensures that residency and income information is secure. It also allows for on-site approval so the specialists can assist with final set up of E-ZPass account items.

Why do I need to sign up? Why can’t the tolls just be reduced?
The Toll Relief application / enrollment process ensures the program can provide meaningful relief to those most impacted by the tolls. ERT sets the toll rates as part of the Comprehensive Agreement signed by VDOT and ERC. While VDOT is not able to reduce or remove the tolls, it has partnered with ERC, who funds the Toll Relief Program, in order to offer some financial relief to those most impacted by frequent toll use.

Can I use a PO Box for my residence?
 No, participants must provide a street address for their residence in Hampton Roads and provide proof of residency.

Where do I apply?
There is no deadline, but applying early allows you to take advantage of Toll Relief the entire 2024 year. Apply at any of the three E-ZPass Customer Service locations:

Norfolk E-ZPass Customer Service Center
1701 Church Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23504
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Portsmouth E-ZPass Customer Service Center
4010 Victory Boulevard
Portsmouth, Virginia 23701
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

DriveERT Customer Care Center
309 County Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The application process is designed to be quick and simple, requiring up-to-date proof of residency and income to expedite the process. Contact 877-762-7824 or one of the Customer Service Centers with questions about what is needed to apply.

What do I need to bring with me to apply?
When you apply / enroll, be sure to bring proof of income and residency.

Accepted proof of residency:

• Driver’s license
• Utility / telephone / cable bill
• Checking / savings account statement
• Property tax bill
• Mortgage – proof of ownership
• Rental contract
• Military documentation confirming city of residence

Accepted proof of income:

• W-2
• 1099-Misc
• One month of pay stubs
• IRS 1040
• Employer’s statement
• Self-declaration of no income

How long will I have to wait for approval?
Applicants receive approval immediately if all appropriate income and residency documentation is available. Upon approval, participants will receive a discount code for their E-ZPass account. Toll relief benefits will be active within 24 to 48 hours after the code is applied.

Toll Relief Benefit Information

Are the trips counted one-way or by round trip?
Each one-way trip through the Elizabeth River Tunnels counts as one trip towards your Toll Relief.

Does the Toll Relief Program apply to use of the Jordan Bridge or other tolled facilities in Virginia?
The Toll Relief Program is funded by ERC for use at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels only. VDOT is researching ways to implement similar programs that would provide tolling relief at other tolled facilities across Virginia.

What happens if the funds aren’t depleted in a calendar year? Or if they are depleted before the end of the year?
The Commonwealth of Virginia reached an agreement with ERT operators, Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC), who will contribute $500,000 a year for 20 years to help offset the cost of tolls to those who are the most financially stressed. Unused funds will roll over and be available for use the following year. If funds are depleted before the end of the calendar year, participants will be encouraged to re-apply for the following year when funds are renewed.

Why not remove or reduce the tolls altogether on ERT instead of creating this program?
The ERT Comprehensive Agreement between VDOT and ERC was for a value of $2.1 billion. This includes total project costs such as financing, designing, building, maintaining and operating the tunnels and the MLK extension. Tolls at the Downtown and Midtown tunnels go toward the maintenance and upkeep of the existing tunnels. They also paid for the construction of the new Midtown Tunnel, which created an additional two lanes of roadway connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth. ERT sets the toll rates as part of their agreement. While VDOT is not able to reduce or remove the tolls, it has partnered with ERC, who funds the Toll Relief Program, to offer some financial relief to those most impacted by frequent toll use.

E-ZPass FAQ

Why do I need an E-ZPass to participate in the program?
By connecting your program application to your registered E-ZPass, VDOT can quickly and efficiently ensure that your trips are counted towards the program and you are receiving your rebates and discounts accurately. Using E-ZPass also means you will pay the lowest toll rate while going through the tunnels – this can save you up to 66 percent and make the toll relief go further. Visit www.ezpassva.com for more information on E-ZPass.

I have an out-of-state E-ZPass, will that work?
No, in order for the Toll Relief to connect to your account you’ll need a Virginia E-ZPass transponder. Visit www.ezpassva.com or one of the Customer Service Centers to find out how to obtain an E-ZPass.