Illinois tolls are collected by the Illinois Tollway, a separate agency from the Secretary of State, and you can pay them through several methods depending on which road you use and how often you drive it.

Illinois has two toll systems: the Illinois Tollway, which operates the major expressways around Chicago (I-90, I-94, I-88, and I-355), and local toll roads in other parts of the state. The Illinois Tollway is the larger system and handles most toll traffic. You do not need to register with any agency to drive on tolled roads, but you will need to pay the toll either at the time you cross or within a set window afterward.

How you pay depends on whether you have an I-PASS account (the electronic toll collection system), whether you pay by mail, or whether you use a payment kiosk. Each method has different costs and important date. Understanding which option fits your situation will save you money and prevent late fees.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is an electronic toll tag that charges your account automatically and costs less per toll than paying by mail or at a toll booth.
  • If you do not have I-PASS, you can pay tolls by mail within 14 days of crossing, but you will pay a higher per-toll rate plus a processing fee.
  • Toll rates vary by vehicle type (cars, motorcycles, trucks) and by location on the expressway.
  • You can order an I-PASS online, by phone, or in person at a customer service center, and it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Unpaid tolls accrue late fees and can result in vehicle registration holds or collection action.

I-PASS: The Electronic Toll Collection System

I-PASS is a small electronic tag that mounts on your windshield and automatically deducts toll charges from a prepaid account. When you drive through a toll plaza, the tag communicates with the reader, and the toll is charged when ready. I-PASS users pay a lower per-toll rate than drivers who pay by mail or at a toll booth.

To get an I-PASS, you can order online at illinoistollway.com, call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277), or visit a customer service center in person. You will need to provide a valid driver's license, vehicle information, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). The tag itself is free, but you must prepay a minimum balance into your account—typically $25 to $100 depending on your vehicle type. The account balance is then drawn down as you use the tolls.

I-PASS tags arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once installed, your account is active when ready and you can begin using tolled roads. You can manage your account online, set up automatic replenishment so your balance refills when it drops below a certain amount, and view your toll history anytime.

Paying Tolls Without I-PASS

If you do not have an I-PASS tag, you can still drive on Illinois tolled roads. The Illinois Tollway will photograph your license plate as you pass through, and you will receive an invoice by mail. You have 14 days from the toll date to pay the invoice. Payment can be made online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, by mail, or at a payment kiosk.

The per-toll cost for paying by mail is higher than the I-PASS rate. For example, a car crossing a toll plaza might pay $1.50 with I-PASS but $2.50 or more without it. Additionally, there is a processing fee added to each invoice, typically $1.00 to $2.00. If you drive tolled roads frequently, these extra charges add up quickly.

If you do not pay within 14 days, a late fee is added to your bill. Continued non-payment can result in a vehicle registration hold, meaning you will not be able to renew your registration with the Secretary of State until the toll debt is resolved. The Illinois Tollway can also refer unpaid tolls to a collection agency.

Toll Rates and Vehicle Types

Illinois Tollway rates are based on your vehicle type and the distance traveled. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks each have different rates. Rates also vary by location—tolls on I-90 near Chicago are different from tolls on I-355 further out. The Illinois Tollway publishes a rate schedule on its website, and you can also use their toll calculator to estimate the cost of a specific trip.

If you have an I-PASS tag, you will always pay the lowest available rate for your vehicle type. If you pay by mail, you will pay a higher rate. Some vehicles, such as certain commercial trucks or vehicles with special permits, may have different rates or exemptions.

Managing Your I-PASS Account

Once you have an I-PASS account, you can manage it entirely online or by phone. Log into your account at illinoistollway.com to check your balance, view recent tolls, update your payment method, and change your vehicle information if you buy a new car. You can also set up automatic replenishment, which adds funds to your account when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.

If your I-PASS tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement online or by phone. There is typically a small fee for a replacement tag. If you move or change your contact information, update your account so you continue to receive invoices and notices.

If you have multiple vehicles, you can add additional tags to the same account or create separate accounts. Some drivers prefer one account per vehicle so they can track usage separately.

What Happens If You Do Not Pay

Unpaid tolls are taken seriously by the Illinois Tollway and the state. If you do not pay within 14 days of receiving an invoice, a late fee is added. If you continue not to pay, the debt grows and can be referred to a collection agency. More importantly, the Illinois Secretary of State can place a hold on your vehicle registration, preventing you from renewing it.

If you have a registration hold due to unpaid tolls, you must resolve the toll debt before you can renew your registration. This means contacting the Illinois Tollway, arranging payment, and obtaining a clearance letter. Only then can you complete your registration renewal with the Secretary of State.

If you believe you received a toll invoice in error, or if you have a dispute about a charge, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service. You can request a review of the toll, and in some cases tolls are reversed if there was a system error or if your vehicle was misidentified.

Toll Roads Outside the Illinois Tollway System

Some Illinois toll roads are not part of the Illinois Tollway system. These include local toll roads in certain counties and some bridges. Payment methods for these roads vary—some accept I-PASS, some require cash or card payment at a toll booth, and some use license plate photography like the Tollway. Before driving an unfamiliar toll road, check the specific road's website or call ahead to understand how payment works.

Some toll roads in neighboring states (Indiana, Wisconsin) also connect to Illinois roads. If you cross state lines, you may encounter different toll systems. I-PASS works on some out-of-state toll roads but not all. Check the specific toll authority's website if you plan to use tolls in multiple states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use I-PASS in other states?

I-PASS works on some toll roads in Indiana and Wisconsin, but not all. Check the specific toll authority's website before traveling. Some states have their own electronic toll systems that do not accept I-PASS tags.

What if I get an invoice for a toll I did not drive?

Contact the Illinois Tollway customer service with your invoice number and the date of the toll. Provide details about your vehicle and where you actually were at that time. The Tollway can review the toll photo and may reverse the charge if your vehicle was misidentified.

How long does it take to get an I-PASS tag?

I-PASS tags arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days of ordering. Your account is active when ready after ordering, but you cannot use the tag until it arrives and is installed on your windshield. You can pay tolls by mail during this waiting period.

Can I transfer my I-PASS tag to a new vehicle?

Yes. Log into your account online or call customer service to update your vehicle information. The same tag can be used on different vehicles as long as you update your account. If you sell a vehicle, remove the tag and update your account to avoid tolls being charged to the wrong vehicle.

What if my I-PASS balance runs out while I am driving?

Your account will go negative, and you will receive an invoice for the negative balance plus a late fee. Set up automatic replenishment to avoid this. If your balance is low, add funds online or by phone before driving.