You can pay Illinois tolls in person at toll plazas, by mail, or through an online account with the Illinois Tollway

Illinois has two toll systems: the Illinois Tollway, which runs the major highways around Chicago and downstate, and the Chicago Skyway, which is a separate 7.8-mile toll road on the city's southeast side. Each has its own payment methods. Most drivers either pay cash at a toll booth as they pass through, set up an automatic account that charges a credit card or bank account, or receive a bill in the mail if they don't pay at the time they cross.

The method you choose depends on how often you use tolls and whether you want to avoid stopping at booths. Paying through an account usually costs less per toll than paying cash, because the Illinois Tollway charges a lower rate for account holders.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois Tollway and Chicago Skyway are separate systems, each with their own payment methods and accounts.
  • You can pay tolls with cash at a booth, set up an online account that charges automatically, or pay a bill by mail after crossing.
  • Account holders pay a lower per-toll rate than drivers who pay cash, so an account saves money if you use tolls regularly.
  • I-PASS is the electronic toll tag used on the Illinois Tollway; Skyway uses E-PASS, a different system.

Illinois Tollway payment methods and rates

The Illinois Tollway operates I-90, I-88, I-94, I-294, I-355, and I-80/90 in the Chicago area, plus the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-39) downstate. You have three ways to pay when you cross a toll plaza on these roads.

Cash payment means stopping at a toll booth and handing money to an attendant or using a coin machine. Cash rates vary by road and vehicle type but typically range from $0.70 to $5.00 per crossing for a passenger car. You pay the full amount at that moment and move on.

I-PASS is an electronic toll tag you mount on your windshield. It links to an account you set up online or by phone. When you cross a toll plaza, the tag is read automatically and the toll is charged to your account. I-PASS rates are lower than cash rates — often 30 to 50 percent less — because the system is faster and requires no attendant. You can set up an I-PASS account at illinoistollway.com or by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277).

Pay-by-plate means you don't have a tag. A camera reads your license plate as you cross, and the Illinois Tollway mails you a bill. The rate falls between cash and I-PASS rates. This method is useful if you cross tolls infrequently or rent a car, but it takes longer to process and you may receive a bill weeks later.

Chicago Skyway payment methods

The Chicago Skyway is a separate toll road operated by a private company under a long-term lease from the city. It runs from the Dan Ryan Expressway on the west to the Indiana border on the east. Payment methods differ from the Illinois Tollway.

E-PASS is the electronic tag system for the Skyway. It is not the same as I-PASS and cannot be used interchangeably. You set up an E-PASS account at chicagoskyway.org or by calling 1-888-SKYWAY-1 (1-888-759-2921). E-PASS rates are lower than cash rates.

Cash payment is available at toll booths on the Skyway. Pay-by-plate is also an option if you cross without a tag; a bill will be mailed to you.

Setting up an online account step by step

An online account is the most flexible option because you can check your balance, add money, and see your crossing history anytime. Here is how to set one up for the Illinois Tollway.

Go to illinoistollway.com and click "Create Account" or "Sign Up." You will need your email address, a password, and a valid payment method — a credit card or bank account. Enter your vehicle information: license plate number, state, vehicle type (passenger car, motorcycle, truck, etc.), and the vehicle's color and make. This information helps the system match your vehicle to tolls if you use pay-by-plate instead of a tag.

Choose whether you want an I-PASS tag mailed to you or whether you will use pay-by-plate. If you order a tag, it typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Add money to your account — you can set a minimum balance and choose to have the account refill automatically when it drops below that amount. Once your account is active, tolls will be charged to your payment method as you cross.

For the Chicago Skyway, the process is similar: visit chicagoskyway.org, create an account with your email and payment method, enter your vehicle details, and choose E-PASS or pay-by-plate.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you cross a toll plaza without paying and do not have an account set up, the Illinois Tollway or Chicago Skyway will attempt to bill you by mail. The bill includes the toll amount plus a processing fee. If you ignore the bill, the toll authority can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or report the debt to a collection agency.

If you have an account but your balance runs out, your account will go negative. You will receive a notice asking you to add funds. Continuing to cross with a negative balance can result in late fees and collection action. Most account holders set up automatic refills to avoid this.

If you believe you were charged incorrectly, you can dispute the charge through your account or by contacting the toll authority directly. Keep any receipts or documentation of your crossing.

I-PASS tag maintenance and replacement

An I-PASS tag is a small electronic device that needs occasional care. Keep it clean and free of dirt or damage. If your tag stops working, you can request a replacement through your online account or by phone. Replacement tags are usually mailed free of charge within 7 to 10 business days.

If you move to a different state or sell your vehicle, you should update your account or close it to avoid confusion. If you move within Illinois, update your address in your account so bills and correspondence reach you.

Tolls for rental cars and commercial vehicles

If you rent a car in Illinois, the rental company typically handles toll payments. Some rental agencies charge a daily toll fee or bill you directly for tolls you cross. Ask the rental company about their toll policy before you drive. You can also set up a temporary I-PASS account if you will be renting for an extended period.

Commercial vehicles and trucks have different toll rates than passenger cars. If you operate a truck or commercial vehicle regularly, you can set up a commercial I-PASS account. Rates and account requirements vary by vehicle weight and axle count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same tag on the Illinois Tollway and Chicago Skyway?

No. I-PASS is only for the Illinois Tollway system, and E-PASS is only for the Chicago Skyway. If you use both roads regularly, you will need both tags. Each has its own account and payment method.

How long does it take to receive an I-PASS tag in the mail?

Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you order it. Expedited shipping is available for an additional fee if you need a tag sooner. You can use pay-by-plate in the meantime.

What if my I-PASS tag is damaged or stops working?

Contact the Illinois Tollway through your online account or call 1-800-UC-IPASS. Request a replacement tag. A new tag is usually mailed free of charge within 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you can cross using pay-by-plate and the toll will be billed to your account.

Do I have to set up an account, or can I always pay cash?

You can always pay cash at a toll booth. However, cash rates are higher than I-PASS rates. If you cross tolls frequently, an account saves money over time. If you cross rarely, cash or pay-by-plate may be more convenient.

What should I do if I receive a bill I don't think I owe?

Contact the Illinois Tollway or Chicago Skyway customer service with your bill number and crossing details. Explain why you believe the charge is incorrect. Keep any receipts or proof of payment. The toll authority will review your dispute and adjust your account if warranted.