How to pay tolls on Illinois roads

Illinois tolls are collected on four highway systems: the Illinois Tollway (which includes I-90, I-94, I-88, and I-355), the Chicago Skyway, the Indiana Toll Road (which crosses into Illinois), and the Veterans Memorial Tollway. You can pay tolls three ways: with cash at toll plazas that still accept it, through an electronic toll collection account, or by invoice after the fact if you don't have an account.

Most drivers use I-PASS, the state's electronic toll collection system run by the Illinois Tollway. An I-PASS account links to a prepaid balance that deducts automatically as you drive through tolled sections. If you don't have I-PASS and drive through a toll plaza without paying, the tollway photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail.

The Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road use different systems. The Skyway accepts I-PASS but also has its own payment options. The Indiana Toll Road uses the Toll-A-Ride system, though I-PASS works there too. Understanding which system applies to the road you're using matters because payment methods and account rules differ.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is the main electronic toll payment system for Illinois tollways and costs $25 to set up, with a minimum balance requirement that varies by account type.
  • If you drive through a toll plaza without I-PASS and don't pay cash, the tollway will mail you an invoice based on your license plate, which costs more than the toll itself.
  • The Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road accept I-PASS but have separate payment systems and rules, so check which road you're using before setting up an account.
  • I-PASS accounts can be set up online, by phone, or in person at customer service centers, and you can reload your balance online or at retail locations.

Setting up an I-PASS account

To open an I-PASS account, you need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle license plate number, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). You can set up an account online at the Illinois Tollway website, by calling 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277), or in person at a customer service center.

The account setup fee is $25, which is separate from your prepaid toll balance. You'll choose a minimum balance amount—typically $25, $50, or $100—and the account will automatically replenish when your balance drops below that threshold. This means money is charged to your payment method on a schedule you set, not every time you use a toll road.

Once your account is active, you'll receive a transponder (the small device that communicates with toll readers) by mail or can pick one up at a customer service center. The transponder mounts on your windshield and is what the toll plazas read as you pass through. If you have multiple vehicles, you can add them to the same account or create separate accounts.

I-PASS discounts and rates

I-PASS users pay a lower toll rate than drivers who pay cash or receive an invoice. The exact discount varies by location and road type, but I-PASS rates are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than cash rates. For example, on some I-90 segments, an I-PASS toll might be $1.50 while the cash rate is $2.50.

The Illinois Tollway also offers a Residential Discount Plan for people who live near toll plazas and use them frequently. This plan provides additional discounts on top of the standard I-PASS rate. You must live within a certain distance of a toll plaza to may have access to, and you'll need to provide proof of residency when you set up the account.

Commercial vehicles and trucks have separate rate structures. If you operate a commercial vehicle, contact the Illinois Tollway directly to understand your rate category and whether a commercial I-PASS account makes sense for your situation.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

If you drive through a toll plaza without I-PASS and without paying cash, the tollway's camera system photographs your license plate. Within a few weeks, you'll receive a toll invoice by mail. This invoice includes the original toll amount plus a non-payment processing fee, which is typically $5 to $10 per toll transaction.

The invoice is due within 30 days. If you don't pay, the tollway can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal and report the debt to a collection agency. In Illinois, unpaid tolls can prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration until the debt is settled.

If you received an invoice and believe it was issued in error—for example, you paid cash but the camera didn't capture it—you can dispute it by contacting the Illinois Tollway customer service. Have your receipt or documentation ready if you paid cash at a toll plaza.

Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road payment

The Chicago Skyway, which connects downtown Chicago to the Indiana border, accepts I-PASS but also has its own payment options. You can pay with cash at toll plazas, set up a Skyway-specific account, or receive an invoice. The Skyway's electronic account system works similarly to I-PASS but is managed separately by the City of Chicago.

The Indiana Toll Road, which runs from the Illinois border near Gary to Ohio, uses the Toll-A-Ride system. I-PASS transponders work on the Indiana Toll Road, but if you don't have I-PASS, you'll need to set up a Toll-A-Ride account or pay cash. Toll-A-Ride rates and account rules differ from I-PASS, so check the Indiana Toll Road website before your first trip.

If you regularly use both Illinois tollways and the Chicago Skyway or Indiana Toll Road, having I-PASS is the simplest approach because it works on all three systems. However, if you only use one road occasionally, a road-specific account or paying by invoice may be more practical.

Reloading your I-PASS balance

You can reload your I-PASS balance online through the Illinois Tollway website, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or at retail locations including some gas stations and grocery stores. Online reloads typically process within 24 hours. If you set up automatic replenishment when you created your account, your balance will reload automatically without you taking any action.

The minimum reload amount is usually $25, though this can vary. If your balance gets too low, you may be charged a low-balance fee, so many drivers set their automatic replenishment threshold higher to avoid this. You can adjust your replenishment settings anytime through your online account.

If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact the Illinois Tollway to request a replacement. There is typically a replacement fee of $5 to $10, and a new transponder will be mailed to you. Your account balance transfers to the new transponder automatically.

Transponder issues and troubleshooting

If you have an I-PASS account but your transponder isn't being read at toll plazas, the most common causes are a dirty or misaligned transponder, a low battery in the device, or an account issue. Clean the transponder lens with a soft cloth and check that it's mounted securely on your windshield in the location specified in the installation instructions.

If cleaning and remounting don't solve the problem, log into your I-PASS account online to check whether your account is active and your balance is sufficient. If your account shows a problem, call customer service to troubleshoot. If the transponder itself is faulty, request a replacement.

Some drivers report that their transponder works inconsistently at certain toll plazas. This can happen if the plaza's readers are malfunctioning or if your transponder battery is failing. If this happens repeatedly at the same location, contact the Illinois Tollway to report it and request a replacement transponder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use I-PASS in other states?

I-PASS works in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio through reciprocal agreements between toll authorities. However, it does not work in other states like Florida, Texas, or New York, which have their own toll collection systems. If you travel to other toll roads, you'll need to set up separate accounts or pay cash.

What if I move to a different state but still drive through Illinois tolls?

You can keep your I-PASS account active as long as you have a valid driver's license and a payment method on file. Your out-of-state license plate will still work with I-PASS. However, if you move permanently, updating your address in your account is a good idea for billing purposes.

Do I need a separate I-PASS account for a rental car or borrowed vehicle?

No. If you're renting a car, ask the rental company whether the vehicle has a transponder. If it does, you can use it with your I-PASS account by providing your account number. If the rental car doesn't have a transponder, you'll either pay cash at toll plazas or receive an invoice. Some rental companies charge a toll processing fee on top of the actual tolls.

Can I get a refund if my I-PASS balance is too high?

Yes. You can request a refund of your remaining balance by contacting the Illinois Tollway customer service. Refunds are typically processed within 30 days and returned to your original payment method. Some accounts may have a small administrative fee for refunds, so check your account terms.

What happens to my I-PASS account if I sell my vehicle?

Your I-PASS account is tied to your driver's license, not to a specific vehicle. You can remove the old vehicle from your account and add a new one, or keep the account as is and add the new vehicle. The transponder can be transferred to your new vehicle by remounting it on the windshield. Contact customer service if you need help updating your vehicle information.