You can pay Illinois Tollway tolls online through the Illinois Tollway website, by phone, or through an automatic payment plan
The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads around Chicago and northern Illinois. If you drive on these roads without a toll tag, you will receive a bill in the mail. You can pay that bill online at illinoistollway.com, by calling the customer service line, or by setting up automatic payments so you do not have to remember to pay each time.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to pay a single bill right away, set up a payment plan, or avoid bills altogether by getting a toll tag. Each option takes a different amount of time and requires different information.
Key Takeaways
- Visit illinoistollway.com and select "Pay a Toll Bill" to pay a single invoice online using a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
- You will need your toll bill number or license plate number to look up your account and make a payment.
- Automatic payment plans let you set up recurring payments so you do not have to pay each bill separately.
- Getting an I-PASS toll tag lets you drive through toll plazas without stopping and avoids receiving bills in the mail.
- Phone payments through the customer service line take about 10 minutes and require the same information as online payments.
Paying a single bill online at the Illinois Tollway website
Go to illinoistollway.com and look for the "Pay a Toll Bill" option on the homepage. Click on it and you will be taken to a payment page. Enter either your toll bill number (which appears on the bill you received in the mail) or your license plate number. The system will pull up your account and show you what you owe.
Once your account appears, review the amount due and select your payment method. The Illinois Tollway accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit cards. You can also pay directly from a checking or savings account using your routing number and account number. Enter your payment information and confirm the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.
Payments made online typically post to your account within one to two business days. If you are paying a bill that is already overdue, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) to ask whether a payment plan is available before the bill goes to a collection agency.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid future bills
If you drive on Illinois Tollway roads regularly, automatic payments mean you will not have to remember to pay each bill. Log into your account at illinoistollway.com using your email address and password. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one by entering your license plate number or toll bill number.
Once you are logged in, look for "Manage Payment Methods" or "Set Up Auto Pay" in your account settings. Choose the amount you want to pay automatically each month and the date the payment should come out of your account. You can use a credit card, debit card, or bank account. The system will charge you on that date each month until you cancel the automatic payment.
Automatic payments do not require you to have a toll tag. Even if you do not have an I-PASS, the tollway will bill you for the tolls you used, and your automatic payment will cover those charges. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your online account.
Paying by phone with a customer service representative
Call the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). A representative will ask for your toll bill number or license plate number to pull up your account. Have your bill in front of you or be ready to provide your license plate so they can find your account quickly.
Tell the representative you want to make a payment and have your credit card, debit card, or bank account information ready. The call usually takes about 10 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Write it down or ask the representative to email it to you.
Customer service hours vary by season. During peak times, wait times can be longer, so consider paying online if you are not in a hurry. The phone line is useful if you have questions about your bill or need help setting up a payment plan.
Getting an I-PASS toll tag to avoid bills entirely
An I-PASS is a small electronic device that you mount on your windshield. When you drive through a toll plaza, the device communicates with the toll reader and deducts the toll from your prepaid account. You do not have to stop, and you will not receive bills in the mail.
You can order an I-PASS online at illinoistollway.com or pick one up at a customer service center. The device itself costs money upfront (the price varies), and you load money into the account before you use it. As you drive, tolls are deducted automatically. When your balance gets low, you can add money online or set up automatic replenishment so the account refills itself.
I-PASS holders also receive a discount on tolls compared to drivers who do not have a tag. If you drive on Illinois Tollway roads more than a few times a month, an I-PASS usually saves money over time and eliminates the need to manage bills.
What to do if you cannot pay your bill right away
If you received a toll bill and cannot pay it when ready, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) as soon as possible. Explain your situation and ask whether a payment plan is available. Some accounts may be set up to pay in installments rather than a lump sum.
Do not ignore the bill. If a toll bill goes unpaid for too long, the tollway can refer the debt to a collection agency, which will damage your credit and may result in additional fees. Calling early gives you the best chance of working out a solution before that happens. The customer service representatives are trained to discuss options with drivers who are having difficulty paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an online payment to show up on my account?
Online payments typically post within one to two business days. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not show until Tuesday. If your bill is about to go to collections, call customer service to confirm the payment was received before the important date.
Can I pay someone else's toll bill if I have their bill number?
Yes. You can pay any toll bill online as long as you have the bill number or license plate number. You do not need to be the registered owner of the vehicle. This is useful if you borrowed a car or if a family member asks you to cover their toll.
What happens if I pay online but my payment fails?
If your payment is declined, you will see an error message on the screen. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct. If the problem continues, try a different payment method or call customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) to pay by phone.
Do I have to create an account to pay a toll bill online?
No. You can pay a single bill without creating an account by entering your bill number or license plate number. Creating an account is only necessary if you want to set up automatic payments or check your payment history.
Can I get a refund if I overpaid my toll bill?
Yes. If your account has a credit balance, you can request a refund through your online account or by calling customer service. Refunds are typically issued within two to three weeks to the original payment method.