Pay your Illinois tolls through I-PASS, Tollway.com, or by mail

Illinois toll roads accept payment through three main routes: the I-PASS electronic transponder system (the fastest option), the Illinois Tollway's online payment portal at Tollway.com, or by mailing a check. Most drivers use I-PASS because it charges a lower rate than paying at a toll booth and deducts automatically from a prepaid account. If you do not have I-PASS, you can pay a one-time toll charge online within 30 days of driving, or you will receive a violation notice in the mail.

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads in the Chicago area and northern Illinois. This includes the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80), and the Chicago Skyway. Each toll varies by location and vehicle type, and rates change annually.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is an electronic transponder that charges lower rates and deducts automatically from your account each time you use a toll road.
  • You can pay a single toll online at Tollway.com within 30 days of driving without having I-PASS, but you will pay a higher rate than I-PASS users.
  • If you miss the 30-day window to pay online, the Illinois Tollway will mail you a violation notice with a higher fee.
  • I-PASS accounts require a prepaid balance and can be set up online or by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4727).

Set up I-PASS for automatic toll payments

I-PASS is the official electronic toll collection system for Illinois toll roads. When you have an I-PASS transponder mounted on your windshield, sensors read it as you pass through toll plazas and charge your prepaid account automatically. I-PASS users pay a discounted rate compared to drivers who pay cash or pay online after the fact.

To set up I-PASS, visit the Illinois Tollway website at illinoistollway.com or call 1-800-UC-IPASS. You will need to provide a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method for your prepaid account. The transponder costs $20 to $40 depending on the type (standard, motorcycle, or temporary), and you can add money to your account online, by phone, or by mail. Most accounts are set up within one business day.

Once your I-PASS is active, you can manage your account online to check your balance, add funds, update your vehicle information, or suspend service if you sell your car. The system will alert you by email or text when your balance drops below a threshold you set, so you do not run out of funds mid-trip.

Pay a single toll online at Tollway.com

If you drove a toll road without I-PASS, you can pay the toll charge online within 30 days at Tollway.com. Click "Pay a Toll" on the homepage, then enter your license plate number and the date you used the toll road. The system will show you the toll amount owed.

You will need a credit card, debit card, or bank account to complete the payment. The fee for paying online is higher than the I-PASS rate but lower than paying at a toll booth would have been. Payment is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. This one-time payment does not create an I-PASS account — it straightforward settles that single trip.

The 30-day window starts the day you used the toll road. If you pay after 30 days, you will not be able to pay online; instead, the Illinois Tollway will mail you a violation notice with a higher fee and instructions for payment.

Understand violation notices and late payment fees

If you do not pay a toll within 30 days, the Illinois Tollway will mail you a violation notice to the address on your vehicle registration. The notice includes the original toll amount plus a violation fee, which is significantly higher than the toll itself. The total amount due will be listed on the notice, along with a important date for payment.

You can pay a violation notice online at Tollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, by mail, or in person at a tollway customer service center. If you believe the notice was issued in error — for example, if you already paid online or if the vehicle listed is not yours — you can dispute it by following the instructions on the notice or by calling the Tollway customer service line.

Unpaid violation notices can result in additional penalties, license plate suspension, or collection action. If you plan to drive toll roads regularly, setting up I-PASS before your first trip avoids these fees entirely.

Compare I-PASS rates to other payment methods

Illinois Tollway rates depend on your payment method and vehicle type. I-PASS users pay the lowest rate because the system is automated and reduces toll plaza congestion. Drivers who pay online within 30 days pay a higher rate than I-PASS but avoid violation fees. Drivers who pay at a toll booth (if available) or who receive a violation notice pay the highest rate.

Rates also vary by toll location and change annually, usually in January. The Illinois Tollway publishes current rates on its website. For example, a passenger vehicle using I-PASS might pay $1.50 at one location, while a driver paying online for the same toll might pay $2.00 or more. Over many trips, the I-PASS discount adds up significantly.

Motorcycles, trucks, and vehicles with trailers have different rates. If you drive a vehicle that does not fit the standard passenger car category, check the Tollway website or call customer service to confirm your rate before setting up your account.

Manage your I-PASS account online

Once you have I-PASS, you can log into your account at illinoistollway.com to view your transaction history, check your current balance, and add funds. The online portal shows each toll you paid, the date, time, and location, which is useful if you need to track your driving for business or personal records.

You can set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a certain amount. This prevents your account from running empty during a trip. You can also update your payment method, change your email or phone number, or add additional vehicles to your account if you drive more than one car.

If you sell your vehicle or no longer need I-PASS, you can suspend or close your account online. Any remaining balance in your account can be refunded by check or transferred to a new account if you purchase another transponder.

Pay by mail if you prefer not to use online payment

You can pay tolls or violation notices by mailing a check to the Illinois Tollway. The mailing address is included on violation notices. If you are paying a single toll (not a violation), call 1-800-UC-IPASS to request a payment coupon, which you can then mail with your check.

Payment by mail takes longer to process than online or I-PASS payment, typically 7 to 10 business days. If you are paying a violation notice, make sure your payment arrives before the important date listed on the notice to avoid additional penalties. Include your license plate number and the date of the toll on your check so the Tollway can match your payment to the correct account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do not pay a toll within 30 days?

The Illinois Tollway will mail a violation notice to your vehicle registration address with a fee added to the original toll amount. You can pay the violation online, by phone, by mail, or in person. If you do not pay the violation, additional penalties and collection action may follow.

Can I use I-PASS on toll roads outside Illinois?

I-PASS works on toll roads in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio through an interoperability agreement. If you travel to other states with toll roads, check whether they accept I-PASS or require a separate transponder. Some states have their own systems that do not communicate with I-PASS.

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

Most I-PASS accounts are active within one business day of explore online or by phone. You can begin using your transponder as soon as you receive it in the mail, which typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. Temporary transponders are available for when ready use if you need to drive a toll road before your permanent one arrives.

Can I dispute a toll charge or violation notice?

Yes. If you believe a charge is incorrect or a violation was issued in error, follow the dispute instructions on the violation notice or call 1-800-UC-IPASS. Provide details such as the date, time, and location of the toll, or explain why you believe the notice was sent to the wrong vehicle. The Tollway will review your dispute and respond within a set timeframe.

What if my I-PASS transponder stops working?

If your transponder is not being read at toll plazas, contact I-PASS customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS. They can troubleshoot the issue, replace a faulty transponder, or help you understand why tolls are not being deducted. In the meantime, you may receive violation notices for tolls that were not charged to your account; contact the Tollway to explain the situation and request a resolution.