Pay tolls on the Illinois Tollway through I-PASS, a prepaid account that charges your vehicle automatically, or by mail if you receive a toll notice

The Illinois Tollway operates toll roads in the Chicago area and northern Illinois. When you drive on these roads, you owe a toll. The fastest and cheapest way to pay is through I-PASS, an electronic account linked to your vehicle. If you don't have I-PASS, the tollway will photograph your license plate and send you a bill in the mail. You can also pay that bill online or by phone.

Your choice affects how much you pay and how often you have to think about it. I-PASS customers pay a lower rate per toll than drivers who pay by mail. Once your account is set up, tolls are deducted automatically as you drive.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is a prepaid account that charges tolls automatically when you drive; it costs less per toll than paying by mail.
  • You can open an I-PASS account online, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277), or at a customer service center.
  • If you don't have I-PASS, the tollway photographs your plate and mails you an invoice, which you can pay online, by phone, or by mail.
  • I-PASS accounts require a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account).
  • You can add multiple vehicles to one I-PASS account and manage all of them from a single online portal.

Opening an I-PASS account online or by phone

To open an I-PASS account, you need a valid driver's license, your vehicle's registration number, and a payment method. Go to ipass.illinois.gov and click "Open an Account." You'll enter your personal information, vehicle details, and choose how much money to load onto your account. Most accounts start with a minimum balance; check the current minimum on the website.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). Customer service representatives can walk you through the process and answer questions about rates and coverage. The phone line is open Monday through Friday during business hours.

Once your account is open, you'll receive an I-PASS transponder in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. This small device mounts inside your windshield and communicates with toll readers as you drive. Don't use the account until the transponder arrives and is activated.

Installing and activating your I-PASS transponder

When your transponder arrives, follow the instructions in the package to mount it on your windshield. Most transponders attach with adhesive tape on the inside of the glass, usually in the upper center or upper right corner. Position it so it faces the road and isn't blocked by tinting, stickers, or reflective film.

set up happens automatically once the transponder is mounted and you drive through a toll plaza. Your account will begin charging tolls at that point. If you want to set up it manually before driving, log into your I-PASS account online and follow the set up link, or call customer service.

If you have multiple vehicles, you can add more transponders to your account. Each vehicle gets its own transponder, but all charges go to the same account and payment method.

Paying tolls if you don't have I-PASS

If you drive through a toll plaza without an I-PASS transponder, a camera photographs your license plate. The tollway matches the plate to your vehicle registration and mails you an invoice within two to three weeks. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee, which makes the total cost higher than the I-PASS rate for the same trip.

When you receive the invoice, you have several options to pay. You can pay online at illinoistollway.com by entering your invoice number and the amount due. You can also call 1-800-UC-IPASS and pay by phone with a credit card or debit card. If you prefer to mail a check, the invoice includes a return envelope and instructions.

Payment is usually due within 30 days of the invoice date. If you don't pay by the important date, the tollway may send a second notice with a late fee added. Repeated non-payment can result in registration holds or other penalties.

Adding money to your I-PASS account

Your I-PASS account has a balance that decreases each time you drive through a toll plaza. When the balance gets low, you can add money online, by phone, or at a customer service center. Log into your account at ipass.illinois.gov, click "Add Funds," and choose how much to deposit. The money is added when ready, and you can use it right away.

You can also set up automatic replenishment, which adds money to your account when the balance drops below a certain amount. This prevents your account from running empty and keeps you from receiving toll-by-plate invoices. To set this up, go to your account settings and select "Auto Replenishment."

If you call 1-800-UC-IPASS to add funds, have your account number ready. Customer service can process the payment over the phone using a credit card, debit card, or bank account.

Understanding I-PASS rates versus toll-by-plate rates

I-PASS customers pay a lower rate per toll than drivers who receive toll-by-plate invoices. The exact difference depends on the specific toll plaza and road, but I-PASS rates are typically 30 to 50 percent lower. A toll that costs $3.50 with I-PASS might cost $5.00 or more when paid by mail.

The tollway charges the higher rate for toll-by-plate because of the cost of photographing, processing, and mailing invoices. I-PASS is automated and cheaper to operate, so those savings are passed to customers who use it.

If you drive the Illinois Tollway regularly, I-PASS saves money over time. Even if you only drive it occasionally, the lower rate per trip usually makes up for the small cost of opening an account.

What to do if your transponder stops working

If your I-PASS transponder stops working, you'll start receiving toll-by-plate invoices again. This can happen if the transponder is damaged, blocked, or mounted incorrectly. If you notice you're getting invoices even though you have a transponder, log into your account and check the status, or call 1-800-UC-IPASS.

If the transponder is damaged or defective, customer service can send you a replacement at no charge. If it's mounted incorrectly or blocked, you may need to remount it or remove any obstructions. If you've moved the transponder to a different vehicle, you need to update your account to link it to the correct vehicle.

While you wait for a replacement, you can pay any toll-by-plate invoices you receive using the methods described above. Once the new transponder arrives and is activated, you'll return to I-PASS rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Illinois I-PASS works on most toll roads in the Midwest, including roads in Indiana, Ohio, and other states that participate in the interoperability program. However, coverage varies by road and state. Check the I-PASS website or call customer service to confirm whether your route is covered before you travel.

What happens if I don't pay a toll-by-plate invoice?

If you don't pay within 30 days, the tollway sends a second notice with a late fee. If you continue not to pay, the tollway can place a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing it. You may also face collection action or other penalties.

Can I transfer my I-PASS account if I sell my vehicle?

Yes. Log into your account online and remove the vehicle from your profile. You can then add a new vehicle and request a new transponder for it, or transfer an existing transponder if you have one. The account itself stays open and active.

How do I check my I-PASS balance and transaction history?

Log into your account at ipass.illinois.gov to see your current balance, recent tolls, and account details. You can also call 1-800-UC-IPASS to speak with customer service. Transaction history is available online for the past 12 months.

Is there a customer service center where I can go in person?

Yes. The Illinois Tollway operates customer service centers in the Chicago area where you can open an account, add funds, or get help with your transponder. Locations and hours are listed on ipass.illinois.gov. You can also mail a check to the address on any toll invoice.