How to Pay Illinois Tollway Tolls: Methods and Account Setup

How to pay tolls on Illinois tollways

You can pay Illinois tollway tolls in four ways: through an I-PASS account (the state's electronic toll collection system), a Tollway toll plaza cash lane, a credit or debit card at a toll plaza, or through the Tollway's online payment portal if you received a toll bill. I-PASS is the fastest and cheapest option—it charges lower rates than paying at the booth and lets you drive through lanes without stopping. If you do not have I-PASS, you can still use any toll plaza, but you will pay a higher per-toll rate and wait in line.

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads in the Chicago area, including the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-90), the Reagan Tollway (I-88), the Stevenson Expressway (I-55), and the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355). Each time you use one of these roads, you either pay electronically through I-PASS or at a toll plaza. Understanding which method works for your situation will save you money and time.

Key Takeaways

I-PASS is the Illinois Tollway's electronic toll collection system and charges lower rates than paying cash or card at a toll plaza.
You can open an I-PASS account online, by phone at 1-800-824-7277, or in person at a customer service center, and it takes a few business days to set up.
If you do not have I-PASS, you can pay with cash or a credit or debit card at any toll plaza, but the per-toll charge is higher.
If you receive a toll bill in the mail, you can pay online through the Tollway's website, by phone, or by mail without opening an I-PASS account.
I-PASS transponders must be mounted on your windshield and kept in good condition; a damaged or missing transponder will cause tolls to be charged at the higher cash rate.

Opening and funding an I-PASS account

To open an I-PASS account, you need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account). You can start the process online at ipassillinois.com, by calling 1-800-824-7277, or by visiting a customer service center in person. The online process takes about 10 minutes and requires you to enter your vehicle information and choose a prepaid balance amount.

After you complete the account setup, the Tollway mails you a transponder (the small electronic device that communicates with toll readers). This usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days. You mount the transponder on your windshield, and it becomes active once it is installed and your account balance is funded. Your account begins charging tolls as soon as you drive through a toll lane with an active transponder.

You can fund your I-PASS account with a starting balance of at least $25. The Tollway recommends keeping a balance of $100 or more so that you do not run out of funds mid-trip. When your balance drops below $10, the system automatically replenishes it using your stored payment method. You can also manually add funds at any time through the website or by phone.

I-PASS rates versus cash and card rates

I-PASS users pay a lower per-toll rate than drivers who pay with cash or a card at a toll plaza. The exact difference depends on the toll location and vehicle type, but I-PASS rates are typically 20 to 40 percent lower. For example, a passenger vehicle might pay $1.50 through I-PASS on a particular toll but $2.50 if paying cash at the same location. Over time, frequent tollway users save significantly by using I-PASS.

If you do not have I-PASS and pay at a toll plaza, you can use cash, a credit card, or a debit card. All toll plazas have staffed lanes where you can hand cash or a card to an attendant. Some plazas also have automated payment lanes where you can insert cash or tap a card yourself. The payment method does not change the rate you pay—only whether you have I-PASS determines your toll cost.

Paying tolls without an I-PASS account

If you do not have I-PASS, you must stop at a toll plaza and pay the attendant or use an automated payment machine. Toll plazas are staffed during peak hours and have automated lanes available 24 hours a day. You can pay with cash, a credit card, or a debit card. The attendant will tell you the toll amount based on your vehicle type and destination, or the automated machine will display the amount on a screen.

Paying at the toll plaza takes longer than using I-PASS because you must stop and wait in line. During rush hours, toll plazas can have significant backups. If you use the tollway regularly, opening an I-PASS account will reduce both your per-toll cost and the time you spend at toll plazas.

Paying a toll bill received in the mail

If you do not have I-PASS and do not pay at a toll plaza (for example, if you drove through a toll lane without stopping), the Tollway will mail you a bill. The bill includes the toll amount, a late fee if payment is overdue, and instructions for paying. You have several options: pay online through the Tollway's website, pay by phone at 1-800-824-7277, or mail a check to the address on the bill.

Online payment requires you to enter your bill number and the amount due. Payment by phone takes a few minutes and connects you to a Tollway representative who can process your card or bank account information. Payment by mail takes longer—allow at least two weeks for the Tollway to receive and process your check. If you do not pay within a certain time frame (usually 30 days), the Tollway may add additional fees or report the debt to a collection agency.

Maintaining your I-PASS transponder

Your I-PASS transponder must be mounted on your windshield in a specific location to work properly. The Tollway provides instructions with your transponder showing exactly where to place it. The device communicates with toll readers as you drive through a toll lane, and if it is not positioned correctly or is damaged, the toll readers may not detect it. When a transponder is not detected, the toll is charged at the higher cash rate instead of the I-PASS rate.

If your transponder is damaged, lost, or not working, contact the Tollway customer service at 1-800-824-7277 to request a replacement. Replacements are usually mailed within a few business days. If you sell your vehicle or transfer your transponder to a different car, you must update your account information with the Tollway so that tolls are charged to the correct vehicle.

Keep your transponder clean and avoid placing stickers or objects over it. Extreme heat or cold can damage the device, so do not leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods or expose it to freezing temperatures. If you notice that tolls are being charged at the cash rate even though your transponder is mounted, contact customer service to troubleshoot the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an I-PASS transponder after I open an account?

The Tollway mails transponders within 5 to 7 business days of account setup. Your account is active as soon as you open it, but you cannot use the I-PASS rate until the physical transponder arrives and is mounted on your windshield. If you need a transponder faster, some customer service centers may have them available for when ready pickup.

What happens if I drive through a toll lane without paying?

If you do not have I-PASS and do not stop at a toll plaza, the Tollway's cameras will photograph your license plate. You will receive a bill in the mail within a few weeks. The bill includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. If you do not pay within 30 days, late fees and collection action may follow.

Can I use my I-PASS account in other states?

I-PASS works only on Illinois tollways. Other states have their own toll collection systems—for example, Indiana uses the I-Zoom system and Ohio uses E-ZPass. If you travel to other states, you may need to set up a separate account or pay cash at those toll plazas.

What if my I-PASS balance runs out while I am driving?

If your balance drops below zero, your transponder will stop working and tolls will be charged at the cash rate. The Tollway will send you a bill for the unpaid tolls. To avoid this, keep your balance above $10 so that automatic replenishment triggers before you run out of funds.

Can I get a refund if I overpay my I-PASS account?

Yes. If your account has a credit balance when you close it or request a refund, the Tollway will return the remaining funds to your original payment method. Contact customer service at 1-800-824-7277 to request a refund.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.