Illinois Tollway bills arrive by mail or email, and you can pay by phone, online, or mail — but the method depends on whether you have an I-PASS account or received a toll violation notice

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads around Chicago and northern Illinois. If you drove through a toll plaza without paying, you will receive a bill in the mail. If you have an I-PASS transponder account, you pay tolls automatically as you drive. The way you pay depends on which situation you are in and whether you want to set up automatic payments or pay one bill at a time.

The Illinois Tollway does not accept payment at toll plazas — all payment happens after the fact, either through your I-PASS account or through a bill you receive. Understanding which payment method applies to you will save you time and help you avoid late fees.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS account holders pay tolls automatically; you can check your balance and add funds online at ipass.illinois.gov or by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277).
  • If you received a toll violation notice in the mail, you can pay online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or by mailing a check to the address on the notice.
  • I-PASS accounts require a prepaid balance; tolls are deducted as you drive, and your account alerts you when the balance is low.
  • Toll violation bills include a due date; paying after that date adds a late fee, so check the notice for the important date.
  • You can link your I-PASS account to a credit card or bank account for automatic replenishment when the balance drops below a set amount.

Paying an I-PASS Account Balance

If you own an I-PASS transponder, you maintain a prepaid account. Tolls are deducted from your balance each time you pass through a toll plaza. You can add money to your account online, by phone, or by mail.

To pay online, go to ipass.illinois.gov, log in with your account number and PIN, and select "Add Funds." You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or bank account. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Funds are usually available within one business day.

To pay by phone, call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). A representative can process a payment over the phone using a credit card or bank account. The call center is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central Time.

To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address on your I-PASS statement. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments take five to seven business days to post to your account.

Setting Up Automatic Replenishment for I-PASS

Rather than manually adding funds each time your balance runs low, you can set up automatic replenishment. This feature links your I-PASS account to a credit card or bank account and adds a set amount of money whenever your balance falls below a threshold you choose.

To set up automatic replenishment online, log in to ipass.illinois.gov, go to "Account Settings," and select "Automatic Replenishment." You will choose the minimum balance that triggers a payment and the amount to add each time. For example, you might set it to add $50 whenever your balance drops below $10.

Automatic replenishment is free and reduces the risk of running out of funds and receiving a toll violation notice. You can change or cancel the feature at any time through your account settings.

Paying a Toll Violation Notice

If you drove through a toll plaza without an I-PASS transponder or without sufficient funds in your account, the Illinois Tollway will send you a toll violation notice by mail. This notice includes the toll amount owed, a processing fee, and a due date for payment.

You can pay the violation notice online at illinoistollway.com by entering your violation notice number and the amount due. The website accepts credit cards and debit cards. You can also pay by phone by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS and providing your violation notice number.

To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address printed on the violation notice. Write your violation notice number on the check. Mail payments should arrive before the due date on the notice to avoid a late fee.

If you pay after the due date, the Illinois Tollway adds a late fee to your bill. The amount of the late fee varies depending on how long the payment is overdue. Paying on time is the fastest way to resolve the violation.

Disputing a Toll Violation Notice

If you believe a toll violation notice is incorrect — for example, if you had a valid I-PASS transponder at the time or if the toll amount is wrong — you can dispute the notice. The Illinois Tollway provides a process to challenge violations, though you must act within a set timeframe.

To dispute a violation, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS. Have your violation notice number ready. A representative can review your account and the circumstances of the violation. If you had an active I-PASS account at the time, the representative may be able to confirm that and cancel the violation.

If you prefer to dispute in writing, you can mail a letter to the address on your violation notice explaining why you believe the notice is incorrect. Include a copy of the notice and any supporting documents, such as a photo of your I-PASS transponder or proof of account activity. The Illinois Tollway typically responds to written disputes within 30 days.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay

Ignoring a toll violation notice does not make it go away. If you do not pay by the due date, the Illinois Tollway will add a late fee and may send the account to a collection agency. A collections account can damage your credit score and may result in wage garnishment or a lien on your property.

Additionally, if you accumulate unpaid toll violations, the Illinois Tollway may suspend your vehicle registration or place a hold on your driver's license renewal. These enforcement actions make it difficult to legally drive or register a vehicle in Illinois.

If you are unable to pay a violation notice in full, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line to discuss payment options. Representatives may be able to work out a payment plan or provide information about hardship programs, though these are not may provide.

Getting an I-PASS Transponder

If you drive Illinois toll roads regularly, getting an I-PASS transponder reduces the cost of tolls and eliminates the risk of receiving violation notices. I-PASS transponders are small electronic devices that mount on your windshield and communicate with toll plazas as you drive.

You can order an I-PASS transponder online at ipass.illinois.gov or by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS. The transponder costs a one-time fee, and you must open an account with a prepaid balance. The process takes about 10 minutes online, and the transponder is mailed to you within five to seven business days.

I-PASS holders pay a discounted toll rate compared to drivers without transponders. For example, a car toll might be $1.50 with I-PASS versus $2.50 without. If you use toll roads frequently, the savings add up quickly and offset the cost of the transponder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a toll violation notice in installments?

The Illinois Tollway does not offer a standard installment plan for violation notices, but you can contact customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS to discuss your situation. Representatives may be able to arrange a payment plan if you explain your circumstances, though approval is not may provide.

What if I lose my I-PASS transponder?

Contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-UC-IPASS to report the lost transponder. Your account will be flagged, and you can order a replacement transponder online or by phone. Your account balance transfers to the new transponder, so you do not lose any prepaid funds.

Do I need an I-PASS to drive on Illinois toll roads?

No. You can drive without an I-PASS, but you will be charged a higher toll rate and will receive a violation notice by mail if you do not pay at the toll plaza. Having an I-PASS is optional but saves money and hassle if you use toll roads regularly.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up in my I-PASS account?

Online payments to I-PASS accounts usually post within one business day. If you pay after 10 p.m. Central Time, the payment may not process until the next business day. Phone and mail payments take longer — phone payments post within one business day, and mail payments take five to seven business days.

What payment methods does the Illinois Tollway accept?

The Illinois Tollway accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and bank account transfers for online and phone payments. For mail payments, send a check or money order. The tollway does not accept cash payments by mail or at customer service locations.