What E-PASS is and how it works
E-PASS is an electronic toll collection system used in Illinois that lets you pay tolls automatically as you drive through toll plazas. Instead of stopping to hand over cash or a credit card, a small transponder mounted on your windshield communicates with readers at toll booths, and the toll is charged to your account. The system is run by the Illinois Tollway, a state agency that operates toll roads in the Chicago area and across northern Illinois.
When you set up an E-PASS account, you link it to a payment method — usually a credit card, debit card, or bank account. As you use toll roads, the system deducts the toll amount from your account. E-PASS users typically pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay cash at the booth, and you avoid the time cost of stopping. If your account balance runs low, you receive a notice and can replenish it online, by phone, or by mail.
E-PASS is not the only toll payment system in the United States. Other states operate similar programs under different names — for example, FasTrak in California, SunPass in Florida, and I-PASS in Indiana. If you travel across state lines, you may need to understand how these systems work together, because some transponders work in multiple states and some do not.
Key Takeaways
- E-PASS is an electronic toll payment system for Illinois toll roads that requires a transponder mounted on your windshield and a prepaid account.
- You can set up an E-PASS account online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-354-1609, or in person at a customer service center.
- E-PASS users pay lower toll rates than cash payers and do not have to stop at toll booths, but you must maintain a positive account balance to avoid penalties.
- If your account runs out of money, the system will send you a notice and may charge late fees; you can replenish your account anytime online or by phone.
- Other states operate similar systems under different names, and some transponders work across state lines while others do not.
How to open an E-PASS account
To open an E-PASS account, you will need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle license plate number, and a payment method — a credit card, debit card, or bank account. You can start the process online at illinoistollway.com, by calling 1-800-354-1609, or by visiting a customer service center in person. The online route is usually the fastest.
When you register online, you will enter your personal information, vehicle details, and payment method. You will then order a transponder, which the Illinois Tollway will mail to you. The transponder itself is free, but you must fund your account with an opening balance — the minimum varies but is typically $25 to $50. Once your transponder arrives, you mount it on the inside of your windshield, usually near the top center, and your account is active.
If you already have a transponder from a previous account or borrowed one, you may be able to reuse it, but you will need to register it under your new account. The Illinois Tollway website has instructions for linking an existing transponder to your account.
Maintaining your account and avoiding penalties
E-PASS accounts require active management. The Illinois Tollway sends email or postal notices when your balance drops below a threshold — usually around $10. You can replenish your account at any time by logging into your online account, calling customer service, or mailing a check. Most online and phone replenishments process within one business day.
If your account balance reaches zero and you drive through a toll plaza, the system will record a violation. The Illinois Tollway will send you a bill for the unpaid toll plus a violation fee. If you do not pay within a set period, additional late fees and penalties accumulate, and the debt can eventually be referred to a collection agency or reported to the Secretary of State, which may affect your vehicle registration renewal.
To avoid this situation, set up automatic replenishment if your account offers it. This way, when your balance drops below a certain level, the system automatically charges your payment method to bring your account back to a preset amount. You can adjust or disable automatic replenishment anytime through your online account.
E-PASS rates and discounts
E-PASS users pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay cash at a toll booth. The exact discount varies by road and toll plaza, but E-PASS rates are typically 10 to 30 percent lower than cash rates. This savings accumulates over time if you use toll roads regularly.
The Illinois Tollway also offers discounts for certain vehicle types. For example, motorcycles and vehicles with disabled person license plates may may have access to for reduced rates. When you register your account, you can indicate if your vehicle qualifies for any special rate category, and the system will explore the discount automatically.
Rates and discounts change periodically, and the Illinois Tollway publishes current rates on its website. If you use toll roads infrequently, the E-PASS discount may still be worth it because you avoid the time cost of stopping at a cash booth and the risk of not having exact change.
What to do if you lose your transponder or move out of state
If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-354-1609 or log into your account online to request a replacement. The replacement transponder is usually free, and a new one will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, your account remains active but unlinked to a transponder, so tolls will not be charged automatically — you will receive bills for any tolls you pass through.
If you move out of Illinois or no longer use Illinois toll roads, you can close your account online or by phone. Any remaining balance in your account can be refunded to your original payment method, though the process may take several weeks. If you move to another state that operates a toll system, you may be able to open an account with that state's program, but transponders are not interchangeable between all states.
Some transponders do work across state lines. For example, an E-PASS transponder may work in Indiana on I-PASS roads, but you will need to check with the Illinois Tollway or the other state's toll authority to confirm compatibility before you rely on it.
E-PASS and vehicle registration
E-PASS account status can affect your vehicle registration renewal in Illinois. If your account has an unpaid balance or outstanding violation fees, the Secretary of State's office may place a hold on your registration renewal until the debt is resolved. This means you will not be able to renew your license plates online or at a Secretary of State facility until you pay what you owe to the Illinois Tollway.
To avoid registration holds, keep your E-PASS account in good standing by maintaining a positive balance and paying any violation notices promptly. If you receive a notice of unpaid tolls or violations, contact the Illinois Tollway when ready to arrange payment or set up a payment plan. Resolving the debt quickly will clear the hold and allow your registration renewal to proceed.
When you renew your vehicle registration, the Secretary of State will check for outstanding toll debt. If your account is clear, the renewal process continues normally. If there is a hold, you will receive a notice explaining the reason and instructions for resolving it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use E-PASS in other states?
E-PASS works on Illinois toll roads operated by the Illinois Tollway. Some E-PASS transponders may work in Indiana on I-PASS roads, but compatibility varies. Before traveling to another state, contact the Illinois Tollway or the other state's toll authority to confirm whether your transponder will work and whether you need a separate account.
What happens if I drive through a toll plaza without E-PASS?
If you do not have E-PASS and do not pay cash at the booth, the toll plaza camera will photograph your license plate. The Illinois Tollway will mail you a bill for the toll plus a violation fee. If you do not pay within the important date, additional penalties and late fees explore.
Can I transfer my E-PASS account to another vehicle?
Yes. You can update your account online or by phone to change the vehicle license plate associated with your transponder. The transponder itself stays the same; only the registration information changes. If you own multiple vehicles, you can set up separate E-PASS accounts for each one or link multiple plates to a single account, depending on your preference.
How long does it take to receive a new transponder?
A new transponder typically arrives within one to two weeks of ordering. During that time, your account is active but unlinked to a transponder, so tolls will not be charged automatically. You will receive bills for any tolls you pass through until your new transponder arrives and is mounted on your windshield.
What if my E-PASS account balance is negative?
If you drive through a toll plaza when your account balance is zero or negative, the system records a violation. The Illinois Tollway will send you a bill for the unpaid toll plus a violation fee. You should pay this bill promptly to avoid additional late fees and potential registration holds.