Illinois Tollway tolls can be paid three ways: through I-PASS (the electronic account system), at toll plazas with cash or card, or through a one-time payment if you received a toll violation notice

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads around Chicago and northern Illinois. When you drive on these roads, you either pay electronically through an account or at a toll booth. Most drivers use I-PASS, which is an electronic tag mounted on your windshield that charges your account as you pass through toll points. If you don't have I-PASS, you can pay cash at certain plazas or pay online after receiving a notice.

The method you choose affects how much you pay — I-PASS users get a discount compared to cash payers. Understanding which option works for your situation helps you avoid unexpected charges and late fees.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is an electronic account system that charges your credit card or bank account each time you pass through a toll point, and users pay less per toll than cash payers.
  • You can set up I-PASS online, by mail, or at a customer service center, and the tag arrives in about five to seven business days.
  • If you don't have I-PASS and drive a toll road, you will receive a toll violation notice in the mail with a payment option.
  • Cash payment is available at some toll plazas, but costs more per toll than I-PASS and is becoming less common on newer toll roads.
  • Your I-PASS account can run low or negative; the Tollway will send notices when your balance drops, and you can add funds online anytime.

Setting up an I-PASS account

I-PASS is the primary payment method on Illinois Tollway roads. To set one up, you need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method — either a credit card or bank account for automatic charging.

You can open an account three ways. Online at ipass.illinois.gov, you fill out the process, provide your vehicle information, and choose your payment method. By mail, you request an process form from the Tollway and mail it back with copies of your license and registration. At a customer service center, staff can open your account when ready, though you still wait for the physical tag to arrive. The tag itself takes about five to seven business days to reach you by mail. Until it arrives, you cannot use I-PASS on toll roads.

When your tag arrives, you mount it on your windshield behind the rearview mirror. The tag is reusable and lasts several years. If it stops working or you lose it, you can request a replacement through your online account or by calling customer service.

How I-PASS charges work

Once your tag is active, every time you pass through a toll point, the tag communicates with the reader and charges your account. The amount varies by toll location and vehicle type — passenger cars pay one rate, and trucks pay higher rates based on axles. The Tollway publishes toll rates for each plaza on its website.

Your account is charged when ready or within a few hours of passing through. You can see all charges in your online account dashboard, which updates throughout the day. I-PASS users pay a lower per-toll rate than drivers who pay cash or receive violation notices — the discount is typically 30 to 50 percent depending on the toll location.

Your account balance decreases with each toll. When your balance drops below a certain threshold (usually around $10), the Tollway sends you an email or text notification. You can add funds anytime through your online account using a credit card or bank account. Most people set up automatic replenishment, which adds a set amount (like $50) whenever the balance falls below a trigger point.

What happens if you drive without I-PASS

If you drive a toll road without an I-PASS tag and your license plate is not registered with an active account, the Tollway's cameras photograph your plate. Within two to four weeks, you receive a toll violation notice in the mail. This notice includes the toll amount, a processing fee (typically $5 to $10), and instructions for payment.

You can pay the violation notice online through the Tollway's website, by mail, or by phone. The total cost is higher than what an I-PASS user would have paid for the same toll. If you receive multiple notices and do not pay them, the Tollway can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal or refer the debt to a collection agency.

If you plan to drive toll roads regularly, setting up I-PASS before your first trip saves money and avoids the violation notice process entirely. If you only drive toll roads occasionally, paying the violation notice when it arrives is your only option unless you open an I-PASS account afterward.

Paying with cash at toll plazas

Some older toll plazas still have cash lanes, though the Tollway has been converting most plazas to cashless operation. At plazas with cash lanes, you pull up to a booth, hand cash to an attendant or use a coin machine, and receive a receipt. Cash payment costs more per toll than I-PASS.

Cashless plazas — which are becoming the standard — do not accept cash at all. At these locations, you must have I-PASS or you will receive a violation notice. Before driving an unfamiliar toll road, check the Tollway's website to confirm whether that plaza accepts cash.

Managing your I-PASS account online

Your I-PASS account dashboard at ipass.illinois.gov shows your current balance, recent toll charges, and payment history. You can log in anytime to check your balance or add funds. The dashboard also lets you update your payment method, change your automatic replenishment settings, or add additional vehicles to your account.

If your account balance goes negative (meaning you owe money), the Tollway will attempt to charge your payment method on file. If that charge fails, you receive a notice with instructions to pay the negative balance. Negative balances accrue late fees if not paid within a set timeframe, so it is important to monitor your account and add funds before it runs empty.

You can also call I-PASS customer service by phone for account help, though online management is faster for routine tasks like adding funds or checking your balance.

Transferring I-PASS to a new vehicle

If you buy a new car or truck, you can transfer your I-PASS tag to the new vehicle. Log into your account, update your vehicle registration information, and confirm the transfer. Your tag remains the same and continues to work once the system updates, which usually takes a few hours.

If you sell your vehicle, remove the tag from the windshield and either keep it for a future vehicle or contact customer service to deactivate it. Leaving an active tag on a vehicle you no longer own can cause confusion if the new owner drives toll roads, since tolls will still charge to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

I-PASS works on some toll roads in Indiana, Ohio, and other states that participate in the interagency system, but not all. Before driving out of state, check whether your destination toll road accepts I-PASS. If it does not, you will need to pay by another method or receive a violation notice.

What if my I-PASS tag stops working?

If your tag stops reading tolls and you keep receiving violation notices, log into your account and request a replacement tag. The Tollway will mail you a new one at no charge. Until it arrives, you can pay violation notices online or call customer service to temporarily flag your account while waiting for the replacement.

Do I need a separate I-PASS account for each vehicle?

No. One I-PASS account can have multiple vehicles linked to it. Each vehicle gets its own tag, and all tolls charge to the same account balance. This is useful if you drive different cars on different days or if your household has multiple drivers.

What happens if I move out of Illinois?

You can keep your I-PASS account active even if you move away, as long as you maintain a valid payment method. If you no longer plan to drive Illinois toll roads, you can close your account online and request a refund of any remaining balance.

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

Yes. If your account has a positive balance and you no longer need it, you can request a refund through your online account or by contacting customer service. Refunds are typically processed within two to four weeks and sent to your original payment method.