Disabled Veterans
E-ZPass Disabled Veterans Non-Revenue Program
The New York State Thruway Authority offers free, unlimited travel anywhere on the Thruway to certain, qualifying disabled veterans. A disabled veteran who obtains a fee-exempt vehicle registration from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may enroll in the Authority’s Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue E-ZPass Program. Here’s how to apply:
- Step 1: Complete Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Form 21-4502
(automobile and adaptive equipment) and send to your assigned VA Regional Office, either in NYC or Buffalo. The VA will rate your claim, and if approved, you will be notified. Please call the Toll-Free VA number for questions about filling out Form 21-4502 at 1-800-827-1000 (Hearing impaired TDD line 1-800-829-4833). - Step 2: When the VA approves your Form 21-4502, you may purchase an auto with approved adaptive equipment through an automobile dealer or a private individual.
If the specially-adapted vehicle is purchased through a NYS auto dealer, your Form 21-4502 should be submitted to the dealer. A portion of the form should be completed by the dealership and sent back to VA for processing and payment. Another portion of the form should be completed by the dealership along with DMV Form MV-1E and submitted as part of the original paperwork for approval of a fee-exempt vehicle registration.
If the specially-adapted vehicle is purchased through a private individual, the Form 21-4502 should be submitted to the DMV as part of the original registration paperwork for approval of a fee-exempt vehicle registration.
Other paperwork/forms may be required by the DMV for this status designation. See information on the Vehicle Registration and Certificate of Title page. If you have additional questions or need additional information, please call the DMV Call Center in your area.
- Step 3: Complete the E-ZPass Application for Disabled Veteran Non-Revenue Plan (TA-W5175)
and submit it along with a copy of your fee-exempt vehicle registration to the Authority’s E-ZPass office. Your application cannot be processed without a copy of your fee-exempt registration.
If you qualify for a fee-exempt registration, but are charged a fee for optional specialty plates, please include documentation noting the nature of the fee and confirming your fee-exempt status.
If you travel on roadways and tolling facilities offering E-ZPass other than the NYS Thruway or outside of New York State, you must establish a revenue account by completing the E-ZPass Application for Disabled Veteran Revenue Plan (TA-W5080) in order to use your Tag. (This revenue account form is only for disabled veterans who have been approved for the non-revenue program and would like to set up a revenue account in order to travel outside of the NYS Thruway system.)
If you have questions about this program, please contact E-ZPass Operations: (518) 471-5848.
Disabled Veterans Non-Revenue Program Frequently Asked Questions
I am a disabled veteran. Do I qualify for the E-ZPass Disabled Veterans Non-Revenue program?
The New York State Thruway Authority’s only qualifying criteria for the Disabled Veterans E-ZPass Non-Revenue program is a fee-exempt vehicle registration from DMV. You must find out whether you are eligible for a fee-exempt registration before applying for the program (see Step 1 for more details). Eligibility is not determined by percent disabled designations, specialty license plates or other similar criteria.
Do I need to send any additional documents with my application?
Yes. A copy of your fee exempt registration is required with your application in order for it to be processed. Your application will not be processed without this registration documentation.
What is a fee-exempt registration and how do I know if I qualify?
A fee-exempt registration is a designation you receive from DMV relating to vehicle accommodations for your disability. You should contact your area VA or DMV to see if your vehicle qualifies for a fee-exempt registration (see Step 2 for more details).
Does the vehicle have to be registered in my name?
Yes. The vehicle with the fee exempt registration must in the name of the disabled veteran applying for the program.
If I have a fee-exempt registration, but pay an additional fee for specialty license plates, am I disqualified from the program?
No. Send in a copy of your fee-exempt registration with an explanation of the additional charge on your registration.
Can I travel anywhere on the NYS Thruway?
Yes. This program allows free, unlimited travel anywhere on the Thruway system. The program does not provide non-revenue travel on other tolling facilities offering E-ZPass. If you wish to use your Tag on other tolling facilities offering E-ZPass, you must establish a revenue account (Form TA-W5080) in order to pay the toll due on the facility used.
Can I use my Tag in a vehicle other than the fee-exempt vehicle designated for the program?
Yes. Your Tag may be used if you need to travel in another vehicle, but you must be present in that vehicle, and the vehicle must be a passenger (2 axle, 4 tire) vehicle.
Is there a renewal process for the program?
Yes. Veterans who are approved for the program are asked to send in a renewal application and updated fee exempt registration every two years based on the expiration date of the fee exempt registration.
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