Illinois tolls are collected by the Illinois Tollway, and you can pay a missed toll through their website, by phone, or by mail — but the method depends on whether you have a toll tag or paid with a license plate.
If you drove through a toll plaza without paying, the Illinois Tollway will send you a bill in the mail within 30 days. The bill includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. You can pay online at illinoistollway.com, by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4277), or by mailing a check to the address on the bill. If you have an I-PASS account, you can also add funds to it to cover the missed toll.
The key difference is speed: paying online or by phone takes effect when ready, while a mailed check takes 7 to 10 business days to process. If you receive a second notice before your payment clears, contact the Tollway directly to confirm your payment was received.
Key Takeaways
- The Illinois Tollway mails a bill within 30 days of a missed toll, and you can pay it online, by phone, or by mail.
- Online payment at illinoistollway.com is the fastest method and takes effect when ready.
- A processing fee is added to the toll amount, so the total bill will be higher than the toll itself.
- If you have an I-PASS account, you can add funds to cover the missed toll without waiting for a bill.
Paying Online Through the Illinois Tollway Website
Go to illinoistollway.com and look for the "Pay a Toll" or "Pay Your Bill" option on the homepage. You will need the bill number from your notice, or you can search by your license plate number if you do not have the bill yet. Enter your payment information and submit.
Online payment is processed the same day, and you will receive a confirmation email. Keep this confirmation in case you receive a follow-up notice — it proves you paid. If you do not receive a confirmation within a few hours, log back in to check the payment status or call the Tollway to verify.
Paying by Phone or I-PASS Account
Call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4277) to pay by credit card or debit card over the phone. Have your bill number ready. The payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number to write down.
If you already have an I-PASS account, you can log in online or through the I-PASS mobile app and add funds to your account balance. The missed toll will be deducted from your account automatically. This method is useful if you drive Illinois tolls regularly and want to avoid future missed toll bills.
Paying by Mail
Write a check for the amount shown on your bill and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Include your bill number on the check. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and process, so the Tollway may send you a reminder notice before your payment clears.
If you receive a second notice after mailing your check, do not panic — this is normal. Call 1-800-UC-IPASS to confirm your payment was received, or wait for the Tollway to update your account. Do not send a second payment unless the Tollway confirms the first one was lost.
Understanding the Processing Fee
The Illinois Tollway adds a processing fee to every missed toll bill. This fee covers the cost of sending you the notice and processing your payment. The total amount due is the toll itself plus the fee, not just the toll amount.
The processing fee is the same whether you pay online, by phone, or by mail — paying faster does not reduce the fee. However, paying promptly prevents additional late fees or collection action if you ignore the bill.
What Happens If You Do Not Pay
If you do not pay within a certain time frame, the Illinois Tollway may send a second notice with a higher fee. Repeated non-payment can result in vehicle registration suspension or a referral to a collection agency. The Tollway can also place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal.
If you believe the bill is wrong — for example, you paid at the toll plaza but were still billed — contact the Tollway to dispute it. Have proof of payment ready, such as a credit card statement or receipt. Disputes are usually resolved within 30 days.
Using I-PASS to Avoid Future Missed Tolls
An I-PASS is a small electronic device that mounts on your windshield and automatically deducts tolls from your account as you drive through toll plazas. If you drive Illinois tolls regularly, an I-PASS saves money because tolls are discounted for I-PASS users compared to paying at the plaza or by bill.
You can order an I-PASS online at illinoistollway.com or pick one up at a customer service center. Set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount. This way you will never receive a missed toll bill again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to pay a missed toll bill?
The Illinois Tollway typically gives you 30 days from the date on the notice to pay before sending a second notice with additional fees. Pay as soon as you receive the bill to avoid escalating charges and potential registration holds.
Can I dispute a missed toll bill if I think I paid?
Yes. Contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-UC-IPASS with your proof of payment, such as a credit card or bank statement showing a charge at the toll plaza. The Tollway will investigate and remove the bill if they confirm you paid.
What if I lost my bill notice?
You can still pay online at illinoistollway.com by searching with your license plate number instead of a bill number. You can also call 1-800-UC-IPASS and provide your license plate to look up the bill.
Does paying online cost more than paying by mail?
No. The processing fee is the same regardless of payment method. Online and phone payments are faster, but they do not add extra charges. Pay online if you want the bill resolved when ready.
Will a missed toll bill affect my credit?
A single missed toll bill will not appear on your credit report. However, if the bill goes unpaid for a long time and is sent to a collection agency, it may then appear on your credit report and affect your credit score.