Chicago tolls can be paid three ways: I-PASS (a prepaid account), Tollway.com (one-time payment), or cash at toll plazas
The Illinois Tollway operates I-90, I-94, I-88, and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway in the Chicago area. You can pay tolls as you drive using I-PASS, a reloadable account linked to your vehicle's license plate or a windshield transponder. You can also pay a single toll online at Tollway.com within 7 days of driving, or pay cash at certain toll plazas — though cash lanes are becoming less common and carry higher rates.
I-PASS is the cheapest option and the most convenient if you drive Chicago tolls regularly. A one-time toll payment online costs more than I-PASS but less than cash. Cash payment is the most expensive per toll and is now available at only a handful of plazas.
Key Takeaways
- I-PASS is a prepaid account that charges lower per-toll rates than one-time online payment or cash, and you can set it to reload automatically when the balance drops.
- You can open an I-PASS account online or by phone, link it to your vehicle's license plate or a physical transponder, and begin using it when ready.
- If you do not have I-PASS, you can pay a single toll online at Tollway.com within 7 days, though the per-toll cost is higher.
- Cash payment is available at only a few toll plazas and costs significantly more per toll than I-PASS or online payment.
- Unpaid tolls accrue violations and fines; the Tollway sends notices to the vehicle owner's address on file with the Secretary of State.
I-PASS: The prepaid account system
I-PASS is a prepaid account you load with money and use to pay tolls automatically as you drive. You can open an account online at ipass.illinois.gov or by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4277). The account is tied either to your vehicle's license plate (plate-based I-PASS) or to a physical transponder you mount on your windshield (transponder-based I-PASS).
Plate-based I-PASS is simpler: the Tollway reads your plate as you pass through a toll point and deducts the fare from your account. You do not need to install anything. Transponder-based I-PASS uses a small device mounted inside your windshield and is slightly faster at toll points, but requires you to keep the device in your vehicle. Most new accounts default to plate-based.
I-PASS rates are lower than one-time online payment or cash. The exact per-toll amount depends on the road and your vehicle class (passenger car, motorcycle, or commercial truck). You can set your account to reload automatically when the balance falls below a threshold you choose, or you can reload manually online or by phone. Most accounts reload in real time or within a few hours.
One-time toll payment online
If you do not have I-PASS and drove a Chicago toll road, you can pay the toll online at Tollway.com. Click "Pay a Toll" and enter your license plate number, the date you drove, and the toll plaza or road. The system will show you the amount owed and let you pay by credit card or debit card.
You have 7 days from the date you drove to pay online. If you do not pay within 7 days, the Tollway issues a violation notice to the vehicle owner's address on file with the Illinois Secretary of State. The per-toll cost of one-time online payment is higher than I-PASS but lower than cash.
One-time payment is useful if you rarely drive Chicago tolls or are visiting from out of state. If you drive tolls more than a few times per month, opening an I-PASS account will save you money.
Cash payment at toll plazas
Cash lanes exist at only a few toll plazas on the Illinois Tollway system and are being phased out. The Tollway has been converting cash lanes to all-electronic collection, so the number of plazas accepting cash continues to shrink. If you plan to pay cash, check the Tollway's website or call 1-800-UC-IPASS to confirm which plazas still accept it.
Cash payment costs significantly more per toll than I-PASS or online payment. For example, a toll that costs $1.50 with I-PASS might cost $5.00 or more if paid in cash. Cash payment is the least practical option for regular drivers and is becoming harder to use.
What happens if you do not pay a toll
If you drive a toll road without I-PASS and do not pay online within 7 days, the Tollway sends a violation notice to the registered owner of the vehicle. The notice includes the toll amount, a violation fee (which varies but is typically $20 to $50), and instructions for payment.
If you ignore the notice, additional penalties and collection efforts follow. The Tollway can place a hold on vehicle registration renewal, report the debt to a collection agency, or pursue other legal remedies. Unpaid tolls can also affect your ability to renew your driver's license in Illinois.
If you received a violation notice and believe it is incorrect — for example, because you paid online or have I-PASS — contact the Tollway's customer service to dispute it. Have your payment confirmation or I-PASS account details ready.
Setting up and managing your I-PASS account
To open an I-PASS account, go to ipass.illinois.gov, click "Open an Account," and provide your name, address, email, phone number, and vehicle information (license plate and vehicle type). You will also need a valid payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account. The account is active when ready, and you can begin using it right away.
You can manage your account online: check your balance, view transaction history, reload funds, update your payment method, or change your auto-reload settings. You can also call 1-800-UC-IPASS to make changes by phone or to request a physical transponder if you prefer transponder-based service.
If you move, change vehicles, or no longer need I-PASS, you can update your account or close it online. If you close your account, any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method within 30 days.
I-PASS discounts and special programs
The Tollway offers lower I-PASS rates for certain vehicle types and users. Motorcycles pay a reduced rate. Commercial trucks and vehicles with trailers pay a different rate based on axle count. Some residents of Illinois counties bordering Indiana or Wisconsin may be may be able to access for reciprocal discounts if they also use toll roads in those states.
The Tollway does not currently offer income-based discounts or hardship programs for I-PASS. If you have questions about whether your vehicle type qualifies for a lower rate, contact customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same I-PASS account for multiple vehicles?
Yes. You can add multiple vehicles to a single I-PASS account online. Each vehicle will use the same prepaid balance, and tolls will be deducted from that shared account. This is useful if you own more than one car or share a vehicle with family members.
What if I have a rental car or borrowed vehicle?
If you drive a rental or borrowed car on a Chicago toll road, you have two options: pay the toll online at Tollway.com within 7 days using the vehicle's license plate, or contact the rental company or vehicle owner to arrange payment. The toll notice will be sent to whoever is registered as the vehicle owner with the Secretary of State.
Do I need a physical transponder, or is plate-based I-PASS enough?
Plate-based I-PASS is sufficient and is the default for new accounts. A physical transponder is optional and offers no cost advantage — it is straightforward an alternative way to identify your vehicle at toll points. Most drivers use plate-based I-PASS without any equipment.
How long does it take for I-PASS to reload?
Reloads are usually processed in real time or within a few hours. If you reload during business hours on a weekday, the funds typically appear in your account the same day. Weekend and holiday reloads may take longer, so plan ahead if you know you will be driving tolls.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my I-PASS account?
Yes. If your account has a balance remaining when you close it, the Tollway refunds the balance to your original payment method within 30 days. You can also request a refund of excess funds while your account is active by contacting customer service.