E-PASS lets you pay tolls electronically without stopping at a booth, but the account must be set up and funded before you use it

E-PASS is an electronic toll collection system used primarily in Illinois. You mount a small transponder on your windshield, and tolls are deducted automatically from a prepaid account as you drive through toll plazas. The system reads your transponder and charges your account — no stopping, no cash, no toll booth interaction needed.

Before you can use E-PASS, you must open an account, receive and mount the transponder, and add money to your account. The transponder itself is free, but you need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account) to set up the account. Most people complete the process online or by phone in under 15 minutes.

E-PASS works on the Illinois Tollway system, which includes the Tri-State Tollway, the Reagan Tollway, the Veterans Memorial Tollway, and the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. If you drive tolls in other states, you may need a different system — Indiana uses I-PASS (a separate account), and other states have their own networks.

Key Takeaways

  • E-PASS requires a transponder mounted on your windshield and a prepaid account funded with your credit card, debit card, or bank account.
  • You can set up an E-PASS account online at the Illinois Tollway website or by calling their customer service line without visiting a physical location.
  • Tolls are charged automatically each time you pass through a toll plaza, and your account balance is deducted in real time.
  • If your account runs low, you can set up automatic replenishment so funds are added when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.
  • E-PASS users typically pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay cash at toll booths.

How to set up an E-PASS account

Visit the Illinois Tollway website (illinoistollway.com) and select the option to open a new E-PASS account. You will need your driver's license number, vehicle registration information, and the vehicle's license plate number. Have a credit card, debit card, or bank account details ready — this is how you will fund the account and set up automatic replenishment.

During setup, you choose how much money to add to your account initially. Most people start with $25 to $50. You also decide whether to turn on automatic replenishment, which adds funds to your account when the balance drops below a level you set (for example, $10). Automatic replenishment is optional but convenient if you use tolls regularly.

After you complete the online form and payment, the Illinois Tollway mails your transponder to the address on your account. Delivery typically takes 5 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on the inside of your windshield, usually on the upper driver's side or passenger's side, following the instructions included with the device. The transponder is now active and ready to use.

Mounting and activating your transponder

The transponder is a small rectangular device about the size of a matchbox. It comes with adhesive backing and mounting instructions. Clean the inside of your windshield with rubbing alcohol where you plan to mount it, let it dry, then press the transponder firmly in place. The Illinois Tollway recommends mounting it on the upper portion of the windshield, away from the rearview mirror and any tinting or reflective coatings.

The transponder activates automatically once it is mounted and your account is funded. You do not need to do anything else. The next time you drive through a toll plaza, the reader will detect your transponder and charge your account. You will not receive a receipt at the toll plaza, but your account will show the transaction online.

If you have multiple vehicles, you can add additional transponders to your account. Each transponder is linked to your account, so tolls from all your vehicles are charged to the same balance. You can manage all transponders and vehicles through your online account dashboard.

How tolls are charged and what rates you pay

When you pass through a toll plaza, the reader scans your transponder and deducts the toll amount from your account when ready. The toll amount depends on which road you are using, the time of day, and whether you are using a regular lane or an express lane. Illinois Tollway roads use variable pricing on some sections, meaning tolls are higher during peak traffic times and lower during off-peak times.

E-PASS users pay a lower rate than drivers who pay cash at toll booths. The discount varies by road and toll amount, but E-PASS users typically save 10 to 20 percent compared to cash payment. Some express lanes are only open to E-PASS users, so having an account also gives you access to faster routes during congestion.

Your account shows every toll charge, the date, time, location, and amount. You can view this history online anytime. If you notice a charge you believe is incorrect, you can dispute it through your online account or by calling customer service.

Setting up automatic replenishment and managing your balance

Automatic replenishment is optional but recommended if you use tolls more than a few times per month. When you turn it on, you choose a threshold balance — for example, $10. Whenever your account drops to that amount, the system automatically charges your payment method and adds funds to bring your balance back to a level you set, such as $50.

You can change your replenishment settings anytime through your online account. You can raise or lower the threshold, change the amount added, or turn automatic replenishment off entirely. If you turn it off, you will need to manually add funds when your balance runs low. If your balance reaches zero, your transponder will still work, but you will receive a bill in the mail for the tolls you owe.

Check your account balance regularly, especially if you do not use automatic replenishment. The Illinois Tollway website shows your current balance, recent transactions, and account status. You can also set up email or text notifications to alert you when your balance is low.

What to do if your transponder is lost, damaged, or not working

If your transponder is damaged, lost, or stops working, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line or visit your online account to request a replacement. Replacement transponders are free. The Illinois Tollway will mail a new one to you, and it typically arrives within 5 to 10 business days. Your account balance transfers to the new transponder automatically.

If your transponder is not being read at toll plazas, first check that it is mounted correctly and that the windshield is clean around it. Tinted windows, reflective coatings, or metal objects near the transponder can interfere with the signal. If repositioning or cleaning does not fix the problem, request a replacement.

If you are charged a toll but your transponder was not read, you may receive a toll bill in the mail. This bill includes a photo of your vehicle and the toll amount. You can dispute it through your online account or by calling customer service if you believe the charge is incorrect or if your transponder should have been read.

E-PASS versus other toll payment methods

Illinois Tollway roads accept three payment methods: E-PASS, cash at toll booths, and toll-by-plate (also called video tolling). Each has different costs and convenience levels.

E-PASS requires advance setup and a transponder but offers the lowest toll rates and the fastest passage through toll plazas. You do not stop or interact with anyone. Cash payment at toll booths requires you to stop and hand money to a toll collector. Cash rates are higher than E-PASS rates, and toll booths are slower, especially during peak times. Toll-by-plate uses a camera to photograph your license plate and bills you by mail. Toll-by-plate rates are higher than E-PASS but lower than cash, and there is no transponder to mount or account to manage.

If you drive tolls regularly, E-PASS is the most cost-effective and convenient option. If you rarely use tolls, toll-by-plate may be simpler because you do not need to set up an account in advance. Cash payment is the slowest and most expensive option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use E-PASS in other states?

E-PASS works only on Illinois Tollway roads. If you drive tolls in Indiana, you need a separate I-PASS account. Other states have their own electronic toll systems. Some systems are interoperable, but you will need to check with each state's tollway authority to confirm.

What happens if my account balance runs out while I am driving?

Your transponder will still work even if your balance is zero. The Illinois Tollway will send you a bill in the mail for the tolls you owe. You should add funds to your account as soon as possible to avoid accumulating bills. Setting up automatic replenishment prevents this situation.

Can I transfer my E-PASS to a different vehicle?

Yes. You can add multiple vehicles to your account, and each can have its own transponder. You can also remove a vehicle from your account and add a new one. All transponders are linked to the same account balance, so tolls from all your vehicles are charged together.

How do I close my E-PASS account?

Contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line or log into your online account to request account closure. Any remaining balance in your account will be refunded to your original payment method within 7 to 10 business days. Return or destroy your transponder once your account is closed.

Do I need an E-PASS if I only drive tolls occasionally?

No. If you use tolls only a few times per year, toll-by-plate or cash payment may be simpler because you do not need to maintain an account or prepaid balance. However, E-PASS rates are significantly lower, so if you drive tolls more than a few times per month, the savings usually outweigh the setup effort.