What ePass Is and Who Needs It

ePass is an electronic toll payment system used on toll roads and bridges in Illinois. Instead of stopping at a toll booth to pay cash, you mount a small transponder on your vehicle's windshield. The transponder communicates with readers at toll plazas, and the toll is charged to an account you set up. You can use ePass on the Illinois Tollway system, which includes the Chicago area's major expressways.

You need ePass if you drive regularly on toll roads in Illinois and want to avoid stopping at cash lanes or paying higher per-trip rates. The system charges lower rates to ePass holders than to drivers who pay cash at the booth. If you only occasionally use toll roads, you can pay cash instead, but you will pay more per crossing.

ePass accounts are personal — they belong to you, not to your vehicle. You can use the same account on multiple vehicles by requesting additional transponders, or you can move a transponder between cars.

Key Takeaways

  • You set up an ePass account online through the Illinois Tollway website or by phone, and you need a valid driver's license or state ID and a payment method.
  • The transponder itself is free, but you must prepay a minimum opening balance that varies by account type — typically $25 to $40 for a standard account.
  • After you open the account and receive your transponder in the mail, you mount it on your windshield and set up it through your online account before using toll roads.
  • ePass charges lower per-toll rates than cash payment, and you can monitor your balance and set up automatic replenishment online.

Opening an ePass Account Online

The fastest way to open an account is through the Illinois Tollway website at illinoistollway.com. Click the ePass link and select "Open a New Account." You will be asked for your name, address, phone number, email address, and driver's license or state ID number. Have your ID in front of you — the system will verify the information against state records.

Next, you choose your payment method. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. The system will ask you to enter the card or account number and billing address. This is the method ePass will use to charge tolls and to replenish your account balance when it runs low.

You then choose your opening balance. For a standard personal account, the minimum is typically $25 to $40, depending on current rates. This money sits in your account and is drawn down as you use the toll roads. You do not lose this money if you close the account later — you can request a refund of any remaining balance.

After you submit the form and your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number. Your transponder will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening an Account by Phone or Mail

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). A representative will walk you through the account setup process over the phone. You will still need your driver's license or state ID and a payment method ready.

You can also request an process form by mail, though this is slower. Call the customer service number and ask for a paper process. You will fill it out, include a copy of your ID, and mail it back with a check or money order for your opening balance. Processing takes longer this way — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Tollway receives your form.

Receiving and Mounting Your Transponder

Your transponder arrives in a small box with instructions. The device is a small rectangular unit about the size of a thick credit card. Inside the box you will also find a mounting bracket and adhesive strips.

Mount the transponder on the inside of your windshield, centered and as high as possible, following the instructions in the box. The placement matters — if the transponder is too low or at an angle, toll readers may not detect it, and you will be charged as if you did not have one. Do not place it on a side window or rear window. If you have a tinted windshield or reflective coating, tell the Tollway when you open your account, because some vehicles have trouble with detection.

Once the transponder is mounted, do not set up it yet. Wait until you have logged into your online account and confirmed that the transponder is registered to you.

Activating Your Transponder and Using Your Account

Log into your ePass account at illinoistollway.com using your account number and password. Go to "Manage Transponders" and select the transponder you just received. The system will ask you to confirm the serial number printed on the device — this matches it to your account. Once you confirm, the transponder is active and ready to use.

You can now drive on any Illinois Tollway road. The transponder will be read automatically at each toll plaza, and the toll will be deducted from your account balance. You will receive an email receipt for each trip, or you can log in anytime to see your transaction history.

Your account will show your current balance at the top of the page. When your balance drops below a threshold you set (usually $10 to $15), the system can automatically charge your payment method to bring the balance back up. You can change this setting anytime in your account preferences.

Managing Your Account and Troubleshooting

You can update your payment method, address, phone number, and email through your online account. If you want to add another transponder for a second vehicle, log in and select "Request Additional Transponder." The new device will arrive within a week and will be linked to the same account.

If your transponder stops working or is damaged, you can request a replacement through your account. There is usually no charge for a replacement if the device is defective, but if you lost it or damaged it yourself, the Tollway may charge a fee.

If you see a toll charge you do not recognize, or if you were charged at a cash rate instead of an ePass rate, contact customer service. Keep your transaction history and any photos of your mounted transponder. The Tollway can review the toll reader data and may issue a credit if there was an error.

If you no longer need ePass, you can close your account online. Any remaining balance will be refunded to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days. Remove the transponder from your windshield and dispose of it — do not try to reuse it on another account.

ePass Rates and Cost Comparison

ePass rates are lower than cash rates on every Illinois Tollway road. The exact difference varies by road and by distance traveled, but ePass users typically pay 20 to 40 percent less per toll than cash payers. For example, a toll that costs $2.50 in cash might cost $1.50 with ePass.

There is no monthly fee for ePass, and there is no fee to open an account. The only cost is the opening balance you prepay, which is not a fee — it is money you spend on tolls. If you use toll roads regularly, ePass pays for itself within a few trips.

Some vehicles may be may be able to access for discounted ePass rates. Motorcycles, for example, pay lower rates than cars. If you ride a motorcycle, you can request a motorcycle transponder when you open your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same ePass account on multiple vehicles?

Yes. You can request additional transponders for the same account, and each one will work on a different vehicle. All tolls will be charged to the same account and payment method. You can have up to six transponders on one account.

What happens if my transponder is not detected at a toll plaza?

If the reader does not detect your transponder, you will be charged the cash rate instead of the ePass rate. This can happen if the transponder is mounted incorrectly, if it is damaged, or if there is a temporary reader malfunction. Check your transaction history online — if you see a cash charge, contact customer service with the date and location, and they can review the toll reader data and issue a credit if appropriate.

Can I transfer my ePass account to someone else?

No. ePass accounts are personal and tied to your driver's license. If you want to give someone else access to your account, they would need to open their own account. You can request additional transponders for your account and give them to family members or employees, but the account itself remains in your name.

What if I move out of Illinois?

You can keep your ePass account and use it whenever you drive on Illinois toll roads. You do not have to close it just because you moved. If you no longer plan to use Illinois toll roads, you can close your account online and request a refund of your remaining balance.

Is there a fee to add a second transponder?

No. Additional transponders are free. You only pay the opening balance once, when you first open your account. Any transponders you add later are sent to you at no charge.