How to pay tolls on Illinois roads

Illinois tolls are collected on specific highways and bridges by the Illinois Tollway, a state agency. You can pay tolls three ways: with cash at toll plazas, with a prepaid account called I-PASS, or with a video toll system that photographs your license plate and bills you later. Most drivers use I-PASS because it costs less per toll and moves faster through dedicated lanes. If you do not have I-PASS and pay cash, you will pay a higher per-toll rate.

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads, not the Secretary of State's office that handles vehicle registration. This means your toll account is separate from your registration renewal. You set up and manage tolls independently, though many drivers link the two because they own the vehicle that uses the tolls.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is a prepaid account that costs less per toll than cash and lets you use express lanes; you can open one online or by mail in about 10 minutes.
  • If you do not have I-PASS, you can pay cash at toll plazas, but the per-toll rate is higher and you must have exact change or bills at some locations.
  • Video tolling photographs your plate and sends a bill to the vehicle owner's address; this is the most expensive option and used only if you have no other way to pay.
  • I-PASS accounts are tied to your vehicle's license plate, so you must update your account if you change vehicles or plates.
  • You can check your I-PASS balance and history online through the Illinois Tollway website or by phone.

I-PASS: The most common way to pay tolls

I-PASS is a prepaid account linked to your vehicle's license plate. You load money into the account, and each time you pass through a toll plaza, the toll is deducted automatically. The per-toll rate is lower than cash — typically 30 to 40 percent less depending on the road — and you use dedicated I-PASS lanes that move faster than cash lanes.

To open an I-PASS account, visit the Illinois Tollway website (illinoistollway.com) or call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4727). You can also mail in an process. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, a valid driver's license, and a mailing address. The account opens in about 10 minutes online. You then choose how much money to load into the account — the minimum varies but is typically $25 to $40 — and pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. The money stays in your account until you use it.

I-PASS accounts are linked to one vehicle at a time. If you buy a new car or change your license plate, you must update your account with the new plate number. You can do this online or by phone. If you do not update it, tolls will be charged to the old plate, and the vehicle owner of that plate will receive a bill.

Cash payment at toll plazas

You can pay tolls with cash at any toll plaza on the Illinois Tollway system. The per-toll cost is higher than I-PASS — typically 50 to 70 percent more — and you use regular toll lanes that move more slowly. Some toll plazas accept exact change only; others accept bills. A few plazas have attendants who can make change, but do not count on this.

Cash payment is useful if you rarely use the tolls or are driving a rental car or borrowed vehicle. If you use tolls regularly, the cost difference between cash and I-PASS adds up quickly. For example, if you cross a toll plaza twice a day on a commute, switching from cash to I-PASS could save you $50 to $100 per month.

Video tolling and plate-based billing

If you pass through a toll plaza without I-PASS and without paying cash, the Illinois Tollway's video system photographs your license plate. The toll authority then looks up the vehicle owner's address and mails an invoice. This is the most expensive option — the per-toll rate is the highest of all three methods — and it is meant as a fallback for occasional users or out-of-state drivers who do not have I-PASS.

Video tolls are billed to the registered owner of the vehicle, not the driver. If you are driving someone else's car, that person will receive the bill. If you receive a video toll bill and believe it is incorrect, you can dispute it through the Illinois Tollway's website or by phone, but the process takes time. To avoid video tolls, open an I-PASS account or have cash ready before you enter a toll plaza.

Updating your I-PASS when your vehicle or plate changes

Your I-PASS account is tied to your vehicle's license plate number. If you buy a new vehicle, sell your current one, or get a new plate for any reason, you must update your I-PASS account. If you do not, tolls will be charged to the old plate, and the registered owner of that plate will receive a bill.

To update your plate, log into your I-PASS account online, call 1-800-UC-IPASS, or visit an I-PASS customer service center. You will need your new license plate number and your account number. The change takes effect within one to two business days. If you are selling your vehicle, close the I-PASS account or transfer it to your new vehicle before you hand over the keys.

Checking your I-PASS balance and transaction history

You can check your I-PASS balance, recent tolls, and account details online through the Illinois Tollway website. Log in with your account number and password. You can also call 1-800-UC-IPASS to speak with a representative. Most accounts allow you to set up automatic replenishment, which adds money to your account when the balance drops below a certain level. This prevents your account from running empty while you are driving.

If you notice a toll charge you do not recognize, you can dispute it online or by phone. The Illinois Tollway will investigate and refund the charge if it was made in error. Keep your transaction history for your records, especially if you use tolls for work or business and need to track expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if my I-PASS account runs out of money while I am driving?

If your balance reaches zero, the video tolling system will photograph your plate and bill you at the video toll rate, which is higher than the I-PASS rate. To avoid this, set up automatic replenishment so money is added to your account when the balance drops below a threshold you choose.

Can I use I-PASS in other states?

I-PASS works only on the Illinois Tollway system. Other states have their own toll systems with different names and accounts. If you travel to other states with tolls, you may need to set up separate accounts or pay cash.

Do I need I-PASS to renew my vehicle registration?

No. I-PASS and vehicle registration are separate. You can renew your registration without having I-PASS, and you can have I-PASS without renewing your registration. However, if you own a vehicle in Illinois and use the toll roads, having I-PASS saves money.

What if I receive a video toll bill for a vehicle I no longer own?

Contact the Illinois Tollway with proof that you sold the vehicle and the date of sale. You may be able to dispute the charge. If you sold the vehicle, make sure to close or transfer your I-PASS account before the sale to prevent future tolls from being charged to you.

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

Yes. If your account has a balance remaining when you no longer need it, you can request a refund through the Illinois Tollway website or by phone. Refunds are typically processed within two to four weeks.