Delaware motorists have the opportunity to receive a free E-ZPass transponder during a month-long promotion this August. The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles and E-ZPass Delaware are offering the free devices to anyone who opens a new individual E-ZPass Delaware account between Aug. 1 and Aug. 31, 2025.
The offer does not apply to commercial accounts.
Delaware E-ZPass account holders pay lower toll rates than out-of-state drivers or those using toll-by-plate. To help drivers estimate costs more accurately, the Delaware Department of Transportation will update its online toll calculator on Aug. 1. The update will reflect new rates for the state’s three toll roads and pricing for vehicles with additional axles.
Electronic tolling will be in place on the new U.S. 301 road that will keep motorists traveling the 15-mile toll road form having the option to pay with cash as All Electronic Tolling (AET) will be used for the first time in Delaware to collect tolls. EZPass will still be used for motorist equip with the system.
To open an account, customers can visit ezpassde.com, call 1-888-397-2773, or visit an E-ZPass location in person. These include the E-ZPass Service Center in Dover and toll plazas in Dover, Middletown (Biddles Corner) and Newark. Walk-in service at toll plazas is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Toll fee increases set for August
This free transponder event comes as tolls on several of Delaware’s major roads are set to rise. Beginning Aug. 1, new rates will apply to I-95 in Newark, the US 301 Mainline and State Route 1 at Biddles Corner and Dover.
On I-95 in Newark, the toll for two-axle vehicles will rise from $4.00 to $5.00 for both cash and E-ZPass users.
Vehicles use E-ZPass lanes on I-95 at the Newark toll plaza.
At US 301 Mainline, the toll for two-axle E-ZPass users will increase from $4.00 to $5.00, while toll-by-plate customers will pay $7.00, up from $5.60. Toll amounts for interchanges along US 301 will vary.
Drivers on SR 1 at Biddles Corner and Dover will see the following changes:
Delaware E-ZPass holders:
Weekday toll: $1.50 (two-axle vehicles)
Cash and non-Delaware E-ZPass users:
Can I use my Delaware E-ZPass outside of the state?
Yes, the transponder works in the E-ZPass network, which includes Delaware and 18 other states. The 18 other states are:
DMV fee increases to begin in October
The Delaware Department of Transportation has also announced increases to DMV fees beginning on Oct. 1, 2025. Changes include a 1% increase to the document fee applied to vehicle transactions. Additionally, a new annual registration fee for alternative fuel vehicles will go into effect, affecting more than 48,000 registered vehicles in the state, according to DelDOT.
MORE FEE INCREASES: Toll increases announced for Delaware Memorial Bridge. What drivers need to know
State officials estimate that these increases will generate an additional $107 million annually to support infrastructure improvements across Delaware.
For more information on toll rates or DMV fees, contact DelDOT Community Relations at 302-760-2080 or email dotpr@delaware.gov.
You can contact staff reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: How to get a free Delaware E-ZPass. Are tolls and DMV fees increasing?