You can pay Chicago tolls online through the Illinois Tollway's I-PASS system or by setting up a prepaid account on their website

The Illinois Tollway operates all tolled roads in the Chicago area, including the Tri-State Tollway, the Chicago Skyway, and the Veterans Memorial Tollway. If you drive these roads regularly or occasionally, you have two main ways to pay: through an I-PASS transponder account (the electronic toll collection system) or by paying tolls after you've driven through a toll plaza. Both methods allow you to manage your account and add funds online at illinoistollway.com.

The fastest and cheapest way to pay is through I-PASS, which gives you a discount on every toll and lets you drive through toll plazas without stopping. If you don't have I-PASS, you can still pay online after receiving a toll bill in the mail, or you can set up a prepaid account before you drive.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is the Illinois Tollway's electronic toll collection system; you mount a transponder in your vehicle and tolls are deducted from your prepaid account automatically.
  • I-PASS customers pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay by mail or video, so regular users save money by opening an account.
  • You can open an I-PASS account, add funds, and manage your transponder online at illinoistollway.com without visiting a physical location.
  • If you don't have I-PASS, you can pay toll bills online after you receive them by mail, or set up a video toll account to pay for individual trips.
  • The Illinois Tollway accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank transfers for online payments.

Opening and funding an I-PASS account online

To open an I-PASS account on the Illinois Tollway website, go to illinoistollway.com and select "Open an I-PASS Account." You'll need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, and payment method. The site will ask you to choose how many transponders you need (one per vehicle) and select your account type—personal, commercial, or fleet.

After you complete the online form, the Illinois Tollway will mail your transponder to your address. This usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Once you receive it, you mount it on your windshield, and tolls will be deducted from your prepaid balance automatically as you drive.

To add funds to your I-PASS account at any time, log in to your account on the website, select "Add Funds," and enter the amount you want to prepay. You can use a credit card, debit card, or bank account. The Illinois Tollway also offers automatic replenishment, which adds funds to your account when your balance drops below a threshold you set.

Paying tolls without I-PASS

If you drive a tolled road without an I-PASS transponder, the Illinois Tollway's cameras photograph your license plate. You'll receive a toll bill in the mail within 30 days. The bill includes the toll amount plus a video toll processing fee (the cost varies depending on the toll plaza and the type of vehicle).

You can pay this bill online at illinoistollway.com by selecting "Pay a Toll Bill" and entering your invoice number and license plate number. The site accepts credit cards and debit cards. You can also pay by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) or by mail if you prefer.

If you drive tolled roads regularly without I-PASS, the video toll fees add up quickly. Opening an I-PASS account costs nothing, and the per-toll discount usually pays for the transponder within a few months of regular use.

Setting up a prepaid video toll account

If you want to avoid receiving bills in the mail but don't want to install a transponder, you can open a prepaid video toll account. This account lets you prepay for tolls before you drive, and the Illinois Tollway will charge your account each time your license plate is photographed at a toll plaza.

To set up a prepaid video toll account, go to illinoistollway.com, select "Open a Video Toll Account," and enter your vehicle information and payment method. You'll choose a prepaid balance amount, and the site will charge your card when ready. As you drive and incur tolls, your balance decreases. When it drops below a certain amount, you can add more funds online.

A prepaid video toll account costs more per toll than I-PASS but less than paying individual bills by mail. It's useful if you drive tolled roads occasionally and want to avoid the hassle of paying bills after the fact.

Managing your account and checking your balance

Once your I-PASS or video toll account is open, you can log in to illinoistollway.com anytime to check your balance, view your transaction history, update your payment method, or change your address. The website shows you every toll you've paid, the date and time, and which toll plaza you used.

If you need to add a vehicle to your account, you can order additional transponders online and they'll be mailed to you. If you want to remove a vehicle or close an account, you can do that through the website as well. The Illinois Tollway also sends email notifications when your balance is low, so you won't be caught off guard.

What payment methods the Illinois Tollway accepts

The Illinois Tollway accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit and debit cards for all online payments. You can also pay using a bank account through the ACH (Automated Clearing House) system, which transfers funds directly from your checking or savings account.

If you're paying a toll bill by phone, you can use a credit or debit card. If you're paying by mail, you can send a check or money order, though this takes longer and you'll still owe the video toll processing fee.

Troubleshooting common online payment issues

If your online payment is declined, first check that your card information is entered correctly and that your card has not expired. If the problem persists, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). They can process your payment over the phone or help you update your payment method.

If you believe you were charged incorrectly or if you have a dispute about a toll, you can file a claim on the Illinois Tollway website. Go to the "Disputes and Claims" section, select your account type, and submit details about the transaction. The Illinois Tollway will review your claim and respond within 30 days.

If your I-PASS transponder stops working or is damaged, you can order a replacement online. The Illinois Tollway will mail a new one to you at no charge, and your account balance will transfer to the new transponder automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Chicago tolls with a mobile app?

The Illinois Tollway does not currently offer a dedicated mobile app for paying tolls. You can manage your account and pay bills through the website at illinoistollway.com using any web browser on your phone. Some third-party apps claim to help with toll payments, but the official Illinois Tollway website is the safest and most direct way to pay.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up in my account?

Credit and debit card payments usually post to your account within one business day. Bank account transfers through ACH may take two to three business days. If you're paying a toll bill that's already been sent to you, the payment will be applied to that bill once it posts.

What happens if my I-PASS balance runs out while I'm driving?

If your balance reaches zero, the Illinois Tollway will send you a bill for the tolls you've incurred. You can pay this bill online, or you can add funds to your account when ready to avoid the video toll processing fee. Setting up automatic replenishment prevents this from happening.

Do I have to use I-PASS, or can I just pay tolls as I go?

I-PASS is not required. You can pay tolls after you receive a bill in the mail, or you can set up a prepaid video toll account. However, I-PASS offers the lowest toll rates and is the most convenient option if you drive tolled roads regularly.

Can I transfer my I-PASS account if I move out of Illinois?

Yes. You can update your address on the Illinois Tollway website, and your account will remain active as long as you keep funds in it. If you move permanently and no longer drive Illinois tolled roads, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance.