E-ZPass Minnesota Complete Guide: Setup, Rates & Savings 2025
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E-ZPass Minnesota Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection for Minnesota express lanes
Coverage: I-35W, I-394, I-35E express lanes in Twin Cities metro
Minimum Balance: $25 initial deposit
Technology: Switchable E-ZPass Flex transponders, Dynamic pricing
Operator: Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Should I Get E-ZPass Minnesota? 2025 Update
Yes, if you're a regular commuter in the Twin Cities metro area during peak hours. E-ZPass Minnesota provides guaranteed faster travel times and works on express lanes nationwide, making it valuable for both local and interstate travel.
Key Benefits: Express lanes maintain 50+ mph speeds during peak hours, switchable HOV/solo modes, and nationwide E-ZPass compatibility for travel to 19 other states.
2025 Update: Electric vehicle incentives extended through October 31, 2025 ($250 for battery electric, $125 for plug-in hybrid). Construction on I-35W and I-394 temporarily eliminates express lanes in affected areas.
E-ZPass Minnesota Account Setup
Setting up your E-ZPass Minnesota account is straightforward with multiple options to suit different needs.
Account Requirements (2025)
| Component | Cost | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Deposit | $25 | Minimum prepaid balance | Goes directly to toll credit |
| Switchable Tag | FREE | E-ZPass Flex transponder | Works in Minnesota + 19 other states |
| License Plate Tag | $15 | For tinted windshields | One-time fee, same functions |
| Monthly Fees | $0 | No maintenance fees | Email statements included |
| Paper Statements | Small fee | Mailed statements | Email statements are free |
Tag Options and Compatibility
1. Switchable E-ZPass Tag (Recommended):
- FREE with new accounts
- Switch between HOV (free) and solo (paid) modes
- Works in Minnesota + 19 other E-ZPass states
- Transferable between vehicles
- Required for out-of-state travel
2. Legacy MnPASS Tags (Still Valid):
- MnPASS sticker tags: Work in Minnesota only
- MnPASS switchable tags: Work in Minnesota only
- Free tag swaps to E-ZPass available
- 24-48 hour activation time for new E-ZPass tags
3. Out-of-State E-ZPass Tags:
- I-Pass, other E-ZPass tags work in Minnesota
- Always charge fees (no HOV mode)
- Remove when carpooling to avoid charges
- Risk of duplicate tolls if multiple tags present
Current Rates and Pricing
E-ZPass Minnesota uses dynamic pricing that adjusts every 3 minutes based on traffic conditions to maintain optimal speeds.
Dynamic Pricing Structure (2025)
| Traffic Level | Typical Rate | Lane Speed | Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Traffic | $0.25-$1.00 | 55+ mph | Early peak hours |
| Moderate Traffic | $1.25-$4.00 | 50-55 mph | Standard commute |
| Heavy Traffic | $4.25-$8.00 | 50+ mph | Peak congestion |
| Off-Peak Hours | FREE | Variable | 90% of the time |
Operating Hours by Route
I-35W Express Lanes:
- Northbound: 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM (weekdays)
- Southbound: 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM (weekdays)
- Construction note: Cliff Road to I-35 split closed April-November 2025
I-394 Express Lanes:
- Concurrent lanes: 6-10 AM eastbound, 2-7 PM westbound
- Reversible lanes: 6 AM-1 PM eastbound, 2 PM-5 AM westbound
- Construction note: Reversible lanes closed July-November 2025
I-35E Express Lanes:
- Northbound: 3-7 PM (weekdays)
- Southbound: 6-10 AM (weekdays)
- St. Paul area - fully operational
How to Open Your E-ZPass Minnesota Account
You can open your E-ZPass Minnesota account through multiple convenient methods:
1. Online Setup (Recommended):
- Visit dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn
- Complete account registration form
- Provide vehicle information and license plate
- Set up automatic replenishment (optional)
- Receive tag by mail within 5-7 business days
2. Phone Setup:
- Call 1-866-397-4334 (customer service)
- Hours: Monday-Friday business hours
- English and Spanish support available
- Tag mailed to address provided
3. Retail Locations:
- Select retail stores throughout Minnesota
- Immediate tag availability
- Account activation required within 24 hours
- Check website for current retail locations
To calculate your potential toll savings with E-ZPass Minnesota across all express lanes, use TollGuru Minnesota toll calculator
Account Management and Features
E-ZPass Minnesota offers comprehensive account management tools and features to optimize your experience.
Automatic Replenishment System
How It Works:
- Set your low balance threshold (customizable)
- Choose replenishment amount (minimum or custom)
- System automatically charges credit/debit card
- Receive email notification of replenishment
- Adjust settings online or by phone
Travel Considerations:
- Increase thresholds before out-of-state travel
- Higher usage in other states may trigger frequent replenishments
- Monitor account balance during extended trips
- Make one-time payments for large trips
Vehicle and Tag Management
Multiple Vehicles:
- Register multiple vehicles on one account
- Transfer switchable tags between vehicles
- Update vehicle information online
- License plate matching prevents violations
Rental Vehicle Usage:
- Add rental vehicle to account before use
- Use your own E-ZPass tag in rental car
- Remove rental vehicle when returning car
- Avoid rental company toll charges
Special Programs and Incentives
Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (Extended through 2025)
| Vehicle Type | Credit Amount | Eligibility Period | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Electric Vehicle | $250 | Nov 1, 2019 - Oct 31, 2025 | New/used purchase or lease |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric | $125 | Nov 1, 2019 - Oct 31, 2025 | New/used purchase or lease |
| Electric Motorcycles | Not eligible | N/A | Motorcycles always free |
Application Process:
- Must have active E-ZPass Minnesota account
- Submit proof of purchase/lease to customerservice@ezpassmn.net
- One-time credit per person (not per vehicle)
- Credits do not expire unless account is closed
- Valid only for Minnesota E-ZPass lanes
Commercial Vehicle Eligibility
Eligible Commercial Vehicles:
- Small trucks: 2 axles, under 26,000 lbs
- Commercial vans and delivery vehicles
- Same rates as passenger vehicles
- Must register for E-ZPass account
Prohibited Commercial Vehicles:
- Trucks over 26,000 lbs
- Vehicles with more than 2 axles
- Cannot obtain E-ZPass tags
- Can use express lanes when free and open
Nationwide E-ZPass Compatibility
Your E-ZPass Minnesota account works on toll facilities in 19 states, but operating rules vary by location.
Minnesota vs. Other States
| Feature | Minnesota | Other States | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Peak hours only | 24/7 tolling | Higher usage costs |
| HOV Requirements | 2+ occupants | Varies (2+ or 3+) | Check local rules |
| Switchable Tags | Required for HOV | Available in some states | Always check tag position |
| Free Lanes | 90% of time | Rare | Always pay elsewhere |
Travel Preparation Tips
Before Traveling:
- Increase account balance and replenishment thresholds
- Ensure you have Minnesota E-ZPass tag (not MnPASS)
- Research destination state toll rules
- Check HOV occupancy requirements
During Travel:
- Remove other E-ZPass tags from vehicle
- Switch to solo mode unless qualified for HOV
- Monitor account balance online
- Keep receipts for business travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my E-ZPass Minnesota account immediately?
Yes for Minnesota lanes once you receive your tag. For out-of-state travel, new E-ZPass tags require 24-48 hours to activate on the nationwide network.
What happens if I forget to switch my tag to HOV mode?
You'll be charged the solo driver rate. You can contact customer service to request a credit if you can verify you were carpooling, but it's not guaranteed.
Can I get a refund if I close my account?
Yes, remaining account balance will be refunded after returning all tags and resolving any outstanding tolls or violations.
Do I need different accounts for different vehicles?
No, you can register multiple vehicles on one account. With switchable tags, you can transfer the tag between vehicles as needed.
No monthly fees, no annual fees, no account closure fees. You only pay for tolls used and optional services like paper statements or license plate tags.
Security and Fraud Prevention
Common Scam Prevention (2025 Alert)
MnDOT Never Sends:
- Text messages requesting toll payments
- Emails with payment links
- Urgent payment demands
- Requests for personal information via text/email
Legitimate Communication:
- Official letterhead with agency information
- Multiple contact methods provided
- Detailed account information included
- Option to verify through official website
If You Receive Suspicious Messages:
- Delete immediately without clicking links
- Report to Federal Trade Commission
- Verify account status through official website
- Never provide personal information
E-ZPass Minnesota vs. Other States
| State | Initial Cost | Monthly Fees | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $25 | $0 | Switchable HOV/solo, EV credits |
| Illinois (I-Pass) | $4-30 | $0 | 50% toll discounts |
| Ohio | $25 + $3 | $0.75 | Turnpike discounts |
| Pennsylvania | $35 | $0.25 | Turnpike discounts |
| Wisconsin | N/A | N/A | No toll roads |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Minnesota Toll Roads - Complete Minnesota toll information
- Minnesota Express Lanes - Detailed lane information
- MnPASS Express Lanes - Historical system overview
- I-35W Express Lanes - Specific route details
- I-394 Express Lanes - Reversible and concurrent lanes
- I-35E Express Lanes - St. Paul area lanes
E-ZPass Network:
- US Toll Roads - Complete United States toll information
- E-ZPass Network - Multi-state system overview
- Canada Toll Roads - Northern neighbor toll information
Customer Service:
- E-ZPass Minnesota Customer Service: 1-866-397-4334
- Online Account Management: dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn
- Electric Vehicle Credits: customerservice@ezpassmn.net
- MnDOT 511: Travel information and express lane status
Account Management:
- View account balance and transaction history
- Add or remove vehicles from account
- Update replenishment settings
- Request tag replacements or exchanges
- Report lost or stolen tags
