Chicago tolls are paid through I-PASS, a prepaid account system, or by mail after a photo is taken of your license plate

If you drive on Chicago's toll roads — the Illinois Tollway system that includes Interstate 90, Interstate 94, and Illinois Route 390 — you have three ways to pay. The fastest and cheapest is I-PASS, an electronic tag you mount on your windshield that deducts tolls automatically as you drive through. If you don't have I-PASS, cameras photograph your license plate and the Illinois Tollway mails you an invoice. A third option exists for occasional drivers: you can pay cash at certain toll plazas, though these are becoming rarer.

Each method has different costs. I-PASS users pay a lower toll rate than drivers who are photographed and billed by mail. Cash payments, where available, cost more than both. Understanding which option fits your driving pattern — whether you cross tolls daily, weekly, or rarely — determines how much you'll spend over time.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is an electronic tag that charges the lowest toll rates and works automatically; you load money into the account and it deducts tolls as you pass through.
  • If you don't have I-PASS, cameras photograph your license plate and the Illinois Tollway mails you an invoice at a higher per-toll cost.
  • You can open an I-PASS account online, by phone at 1-800-824-7277, or at a customer service center; the tag itself costs nothing but requires a deposit.
  • Your I-PASS account balance can go negative temporarily, but the Tollway will bill you if it stays below zero for more than a few days.
  • If you receive a toll invoice by mail and disagree with it, you can dispute it through the Illinois Tollway's website or by calling their customer service line.

How I-PASS works and what it costs

I-PASS is a prepaid account linked to an electronic tag mounted on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza, the tag communicates with readers and automatically deducts the toll from your account balance. You never stop, never handle cash, and never receive an invoice — the system is entirely electronic.

To open an I-PASS account, you provide your name, address, vehicle information, and a payment method. The tag itself is free, but you must deposit money into the account to begin using it. The minimum opening deposit varies; check the Illinois Tollway website or call 1-800-824-7277 for the current amount. Once your account is active, tolls are deducted each time you pass through a toll plaza. I-PASS rates are roughly 30 to 50 percent lower than the rates charged to drivers who are billed by mail.

Your account balance can temporarily go negative — the system allows a small grace period — but if it stays below zero for more than a few days, the Illinois Tollway will send you a bill. You can add money to your account online, by phone, or at a customer service center. Many I-PASS users set up automatic replenishment, which adds a set amount whenever the balance drops below a threshold you choose.

Paying by mail after a photo is taken of your plate

If you drive through a toll plaza without I-PASS, a camera photographs your license plate. The Illinois Tollway uses that image to look up your vehicle registration and mails you an invoice. This method is called Pay-by-Plate. You don't have to do anything in the moment — the invoice arrives at the address on your vehicle registration, usually within two weeks.

Pay-by-Plate tolls cost significantly more than I-PASS rates. The difference is intentional: the Tollway charges higher rates to drivers who don't use I-PASS to encourage adoption of the electronic system. When you receive an invoice, you can pay by mail, online, or by phone. Payment options and important date are printed on the invoice itself.

If you cross the same toll plaza regularly without I-PASS, the invoices will keep arriving. Switching to I-PASS at any point stops the Pay-by-Plate charges for future trips, but it does not retroactively lower the rates you've already paid.

Cash payment at toll plazas

Some toll plazas still have cash lanes, though they are becoming less common as the Tollway transitions to all-electronic collection. If a cash lane is open, you can hand coins or bills to an attendant and drive through. Cash tolls cost more than I-PASS but are usually comparable to or slightly less than Pay-by-Plate rates, depending on the location.

Because cash lanes are being phased out, do not rely on them for regular commuting. If you occasionally drive a rental car or borrowed vehicle that doesn't have I-PASS, you can use a cash lane if one is available, but expect to pay a premium. For any regular driving on Chicago tolls, I-PASS is the most practical option.

Where to open an I-PASS account

You can open an I-PASS account in three ways: online at the Illinois Tollway website, by phone at 1-800-824-7277, or in person at a customer service center. Online is the fastest — you can complete the process and have your tag mailed to you within a few business days. Phone service is available during business hours and allows you to ask questions before committing.

Customer service centers are located at several locations around the Chicago area. The Tollway's website lists current addresses and hours. When you visit in person, bring your driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method for the opening deposit. You can receive your tag when ready at some locations, or have it mailed to you.

Once your account is open, your tag is tied to your vehicle's license plate. If you sell the vehicle or switch to a different car, you can transfer the tag to the new vehicle through your account or by contacting customer service. The tag itself lasts several years before needing replacement.

What to do if you receive a toll invoice you disagree with

If you receive a Pay-by-Plate invoice and believe the toll was charged in error — for example, if you think you had I-PASS active or if the amount seems wrong — you can dispute it. The Illinois Tollway allows disputes through their website or by calling customer service. You'll need the invoice number and details about the trip in question.

Common disputes include charges for a vehicle you no longer own, tolls charged after you opened an I-PASS account, or duplicate charges. The Tollway investigates disputes and can issue refunds or remove charges if they find an error. Keep copies of your invoices and any documentation of your I-PASS account opening date, as this helps resolve disputes faster.

If you ignore an invoice, the Tollway can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or refer the debt to a collection agency. Addressing disputes or unpaid tolls promptly prevents these complications.

I-PASS for rental cars and borrowed vehicles

If you rent a car in Chicago, the rental company may offer an I-PASS tag as part of the rental agreement. Some companies include it automatically; others charge an extra daily fee. Ask about this when you book or pick up the car. Using the rental company's I-PASS is usually simpler than paying by mail, because the charges go to the rental agreement rather than requiring you to handle an invoice.

If you borrow a friend's car or drive a vehicle without I-PASS, you'll be charged by Pay-by-Plate. The invoice will be mailed to the vehicle's registered owner, not to you. Make sure the owner knows you drove the car on tolls so they're not surprised by the invoice. If you regularly borrow the same vehicle, consider opening an I-PASS account in the owner's name and having them reimburse you for tolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use I-PASS from another state on Chicago tolls?

Yes. I-PASS is part of a regional network called the E-ZPass system, which operates in multiple states including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and others. If you have a tag from another state's program, it will work on Chicago tolls. However, you'll pay the out-of-state rate, which is higher than the Illinois I-PASS rate. If you live in Illinois and drive Chicago tolls regularly, opening an Illinois I-PASS account saves money.

What happens if my I-PASS tag is damaged or stops working?

Contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-824-7277 or log into your account online to report the problem. They can send you a replacement tag at no charge. Until the new tag arrives, your account will be charged by Pay-by-Plate at the higher rate. Request expedited shipping if you need the replacement quickly.

Can I use I-PASS on tolls outside Chicago?

Yes, I-PASS works on most toll roads in Illinois and neighboring states that are part of the E-ZPass network. This includes the Illinois Tollway system around Chicago, tolls in Indiana, and many roads in other states. Your account balance covers tolls anywhere the tag is accepted. Check the Illinois Tollway website for a map of participating toll roads.

What if I move out of Illinois but still have an I-PASS account?

You can keep your account open and use it if you return to Illinois tolls. If you no longer plan to use it, you can close the account online or by phone. The Tollway will refund any remaining balance to your original payment method, minus any outstanding tolls or fees.

Do I need a separate I-PASS account for each vehicle I own?

No. You can manage multiple vehicles under one I-PASS account. Each vehicle gets its own tag linked to that account, and tolls from all vehicles are deducted from the same balance. This is useful if you have a household with multiple drivers or if you switch between vehicles regularly.