Illinois tolls can be paid through I-PASS, a prepaid account system, or by mail after you receive an invoice

Most drivers on Illinois toll roads use I-PASS, an electronic toll collection system that charges your account as you drive through toll plazas. You can also pay tolls by mail if you don't have I-PASS — the Illinois Tollway photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice weeks later. A third option, Toll-by-Plate, lets you set up an account without a physical transponder, though it costs more per transaction than I-PASS.

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads in the Chicago area and northern Illinois. It's the only organization that collects these tolls, so there's no choice of provider — only a choice of payment method. Your method affects how much you pay per crossing and how quickly you're charged.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is the cheapest way to pay tolls in Illinois and requires a transponder mounted on your windshield and a prepaid account you load with money.
  • Toll-by-Plate charges your credit card or bank account after you drive through, costs more per toll than I-PASS, and requires no physical device.
  • If you don't use I-PASS or Toll-by-Plate, the Tollway will photograph your plate and mail you an invoice, which carries the highest per-toll cost.
  • You can set up I-PASS or Toll-by-Plate online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or at a customer service center.
  • I-PASS accounts can be used in other states on toll roads that accept it, including Indiana, Ohio, and parts of the Northeast.

Setting up an I-PASS account

To use I-PASS, you first create an account on the Illinois Tollway website or by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4727). You'll need a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method — either a credit card or bank account for automatic replenishment. The Tollway will mail you a transponder (the small electronic device that communicates with toll plazas) within 7 to 10 business days.

Once you receive the transponder, mount it on your windshield as instructed — usually on the passenger side, centered and facing outward. Load your account with money before you drive through a toll plaza. You can add funds online, by phone, or at a customer service center. Most accounts are set to auto-replenish, meaning the Tollway automatically charges your payment method when your balance drops below a threshold you choose.

I-PASS discounts vary by road and time of day. During off-peak hours, you'll pay less than the standard toll rate. The exact discount depends on which toll road you use and when you cross it. Check the Tollway website for current rates on the specific roads you drive.

Using Toll-by-Plate if you don't want a transponder

Toll-by-Plate is a camera-based system that reads your license plate as you pass through a toll plaza. You don't need to install anything on your vehicle. To set up Toll-by-Plate, go to illinoistollway.com, select "Toll-by-Plate," and enter your vehicle's license plate and payment information. You can also call 1-800-UC-IPASS to register by phone.

The Tollway charges your credit card or bank account within a few days of each crossing. Toll-by-Plate costs more per transaction than I-PASS — you pay the full posted toll rate with no discount. This method is useful if you drive Illinois toll roads infrequently or if you're renting a vehicle and don't want to carry a transponder.

If you register a vehicle for Toll-by-Plate and later decide to switch to I-PASS, you can do so at any time. Your Toll-by-Plate account will close, and you'll start using the transponder instead.

Paying tolls by mail after receiving an invoice

If you drive through a toll plaza without I-PASS or Toll-by-Plate, the Tollway photographs your license plate. You'll receive an invoice in the mail 2 to 4 weeks later. The invoice shows the toll amount, which is higher than the I-PASS rate, plus a $1.00 administrative fee per transaction. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card using the payment instructions on the invoice.

This method is the most expensive option and the slowest — you won't know what you owe until the invoice arrives. It's practical only if you rarely use toll roads or if you're passing through Illinois once and don't plan to return soon.

If you receive multiple invoices and want to avoid future mail payments, you can set up Toll-by-Plate or I-PASS at any time. The Tollway will not retroactively refund the difference between what you paid by mail and what you would have paid with I-PASS.

Loading money and managing your I-PASS account

You can add funds to your I-PASS account online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or at a customer service center. Most drivers set up auto-replenishment, which means the Tollway charges your payment method automatically when your balance falls below a level you choose — typically $10 or $20. This prevents your account from running empty while you're driving.

If you prefer to load money manually, you can do that instead. Check your balance anytime online or by phone. The Tollway does not charge a fee to add funds to your account. If your account balance reaches zero while you're driving, you'll be charged the mail-in toll rate plus the administrative fee for that crossing, and you'll receive an invoice.

You can update your payment method, change your auto-replenishment threshold, or add multiple vehicles to one account online. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need I-PASS, you can close your account and request a refund of any remaining balance.

Using I-PASS in other states

Your Illinois I-PASS transponder works on toll roads in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and several northeastern states that are part of the E-ZPass network. When you use I-PASS outside Illinois, the toll is charged to your Illinois account at the same rate as if you were in Illinois — you don't pay a premium for out-of-state use.

Not all toll roads accept I-PASS. Before driving on toll roads in another state, check whether that road accepts I-PASS or E-ZPass. The Illinois Tollway website lists which states and roads accept your transponder. If a toll road doesn't accept I-PASS, you'll be charged the mail-in rate and receive an invoice.

Disputing a toll charge or invoice

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, you can dispute the charge through your I-PASS account online or by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS. Have your account number and the date of the crossing ready. The Tollway will review your dispute and respond within 10 business days. If the charge was an error, they will refund the difference.

If you received a mail invoice and believe it's incorrect — for example, if you had I-PASS active on that date — contact the Tollway with your account number and the invoice number. Provide proof that you had I-PASS at the time of the crossing, such as a screenshot of your account statement. The Tollway may reverse the charge if they confirm you were enrolled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's I-PASS transponder in my car?

No. I-PASS transponders are registered to a specific vehicle and account. If you use someone else's transponder, the toll will be charged to their account, not yours. Each vehicle needs its own transponder registered to its license plate.

What happens if my I-PASS transponder breaks or stops working?

Contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-UC-IPASS and report the problem. They will mail you a replacement transponder at no charge. Until you receive it, you can drive through toll plazas and pay by mail, or temporarily switch to Toll-by-Plate using your license plate.

Do I have to use I-PASS, or can I always pay by mail?

You can always choose to pay by mail. However, mail-in tolls cost significantly more per crossing than I-PASS rates. If you use toll roads regularly, I-PASS or Toll-by-Plate will save you money.

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

Yes. Your I-PASS account remains active even if you move. You can continue to use it on toll roads in Illinois and other states that accept E-ZPass. You can manage your account online or by phone from anywhere.

How long does it take to set up I-PASS?

You can create an account online or by phone in minutes. The physical transponder takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. Toll-by-Plate is faster — you can start using it the same day you register online, since no device needs to be mailed to you.