iPass is Illinois's electronic toll payment system, and you can pay tolls through it by opening an account, adding a vehicle, and funding it with a credit card or bank account

iPass is run by the Illinois Tollway, a state agency that operates toll roads across northern Illinois. When you use a toll road with iPass, the system reads a small transponder mounted on your windshield and charges your account automatically. You do not stop at a booth or hand over cash — the charge happens as you drive through.

The system works on Illinois Tollway roads including the Tri-State Tollway (I-94, I-90), the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), and the Illinois Route 390 Tollway. If you drive these roads regularly, iPass typically costs less than paying cash tolls at a booth, because the per-trip charge is lower for account holders.

Key Takeaways

  • You set up an iPass account online at ipass.illinois.gov or by phone at 1-800-865-4727, and the transponder is mailed to you free of charge.
  • You must add at least one vehicle to your account and link a credit card or bank account to fund it before you can use the transponder.
  • The account charges you automatically each time you pass through a toll plaza, and you can check your balance and transaction history online anytime.
  • iPass charges are lower than cash toll rates, and you never have to stop or wait in line at a toll booth.
  • If your account runs low or empty, the Illinois Tollway will send you a notice and you can replenish it online, by phone, or by mail.

Opening an iPass account and receiving your transponder

To open an account, visit ipass.illinois.gov and click the link to create a new account, or call 1-800-865-4727 to set one up by phone. You will need to provide your name, address, phone number, and email. The Illinois Tollway will mail you a transponder (the small device that sticks to your windshield) at no cost within 7 to 10 business days.

When your transponder arrives, you will receive instructions on how to mount it on the inside of your windshield, usually behind the rearview mirror or on the upper corner of the glass. The placement matters because the toll plaza's reader must be able to detect it as you drive through. Do not place it on the dashboard or in a location where it will be blocked by sun shades or reflective film.

Adding a vehicle and funding your account

Before you can use your transponder, you must add at least one vehicle to your account. Log into your iPass account online and enter your vehicle's license plate number and state. You can add multiple vehicles if you own or regularly drive more than one car, and each vehicle can have its own transponder or share one account.

Next, you need to fund your account with money to pay tolls. Link a credit card or bank account through the iPass website. You can set up automatic replenishment, which means the account will charge your card or bank account when your balance drops below a certain amount you choose. Alternatively, you can manually add funds whenever you want.

How tolls are charged when you drive through

When you drive through a toll plaza on an Illinois Tollway road, the reader scans your transponder and when ready charges your account. You do not need to slow down, stop, or interact with anyone. The charge appears in your account within a few hours, and you can see it listed in your transaction history online.

The amount you are charged depends on which toll road you use and how far you travel. The Illinois Tollway publishes its toll rates on its website, and you can look up the cost of a specific trip before you drive. iPass rates are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than the cash toll rate for the same trip, which is why many regular drivers use it.

Checking your balance and managing your account online

Log into your iPass account at any time to see your current balance, recent charges, and payment history. The website shows you each toll you have paid, the date and time, the location, and the amount. You can also update your payment method, change your automatic replenishment settings, or add or remove vehicles.

If you want to receive alerts when your balance is low, you can set that up in your account settings. The Illinois Tollway will also send you a notice by mail if your account balance reaches zero and you have not set up automatic replenishment. At that point, you will need to add funds before you can use the transponder again.

What happens if your account runs out of money

If your account balance reaches zero and you drive through a toll plaza, the Illinois Tollway will flag your vehicle. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining that your account is empty and asking you to replenish it. You have a grace period to add funds before the Tollway takes further action, but the exact length of that period is not specified in advance.

If you do not replenish your account after receiving a notice, the Illinois Tollway may send your account to a collection agency or report it to the Secretary of State, which could affect your vehicle registration renewal. To avoid this, add funds to your account as soon as you receive a low-balance notice. You can do this online, by phone at 1-800-865-4727, or by mailing a check to the address on your notice.

Replacing a lost or damaged transponder

If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-865-4727 or log into your account online to request a replacement. The Tollway will mail you a new transponder at no cost, usually within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, your account remains active and you can still use the toll roads, but you will be charged the cash toll rate instead of the iPass rate until your new transponder arrives and is activated.

When your replacement transponder arrives, mount it on your windshield the same way as the original. It will be linked to your existing account automatically, so you do not need to set anything up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use iPass on toll roads outside Illinois?

iPass works only on Illinois Tollway roads in northern Illinois. If you travel to other states with toll roads, those systems have their own payment methods. Some states offer reciprocal agreements, but you will need to check each state's toll authority website for details on how to pay.

What if I drive through a toll plaza and my transponder is not working?

If your transponder fails to read, the toll plaza's camera will photograph your license plate and the Illinois Tollway will send you a bill by mail at the cash toll rate. Contact the Tollway at 1-800-865-4727 to report the problem and request a replacement transponder. Keep records of any bills you receive so you can dispute them if the transponder was faulty.

Can I transfer my iPass account to someone else?

No, iPass accounts are tied to the person who opened them and cannot be transferred. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need the account, you can close it and request a refund of any remaining balance. The refund is typically issued by check within 30 days.

Do I need a separate iPass account for each vehicle I own?

No, you can add multiple vehicles to a single iPass account. Each vehicle can have its own transponder, or you can move one transponder between vehicles. However, only one transponder can be active at a time, so if you switch vehicles frequently, you may want to order multiple transponders for the same account.

What if I dispute a toll charge on my account?

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-865-4727 with the date, time, and location of the toll. The Tollway will review the transaction and may issue a credit if an error is found. Keep your transaction history and any receipts as evidence.