Chicago tolls can be paid online through I-PASS, the state's electronic toll collection system, or through a one-time payment portal if you don't have an account

If you drive Chicago's tollways—the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-90), the Chicago Skyway, or the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355)—you have three ways to settle what you owe: set up an I-PASS account for automatic payments, pay a single toll invoice online without an account, or pay in person at a toll plaza. Most drivers find the online route faster than waiting in a cash lane, and it avoids the higher per-toll rate you pay if you don't use I-PASS.

The Illinois Tollway Authority runs all three systems. They send toll notices to your vehicle's registered address when they photograph your license plate, usually within two weeks of you driving through a toll point. You can also check your balance and unpaid tolls anytime through their website before a bill arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS is an electronic tag you mount on your windshield that charges your account automatically each time you pass through a toll point, and you can set it up online at illinoistollway.com.
  • If you don't have I-PASS, the Illinois Tollway will photograph your license plate and mail you an invoice, which you can pay online through their toll payment portal without creating an account.
  • Tolls cost more per crossing if you pay by invoice or cash than if you use I-PASS, so the online account saves money over time if you drive the tollways regularly.
  • You can check unpaid tolls and your vehicle's toll history on the Illinois Tollway website by entering your license plate number.

Setting up I-PASS for automatic toll payments

I-PASS is a prepaid account linked to an electronic tag mounted on your windshield. When you drive through a toll point, the tag communicates with the reader and deducts the toll from your account balance. You can set up an I-PASS account online at illinoistollway.com in about 10 minutes. You'll need a valid credit or debit card, your vehicle's license plate number, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) from your registration.

Once your account is created, the Illinois Tollway mails the physical tag to your address. Installation takes seconds—it's a sticker that adheres to the inside of your windshield. You can add money to your account anytime through the website, or set up automatic replenishment so the system charges your card when your balance drops below a threshold you choose. Most drivers set replenishment at $25 or $50.

I-PASS rates are lower than pay-per-toll rates. As of 2024, an I-PASS toll on the Tri-State Tollway costs less than half what you'd pay if your license plate is photographed and you receive an invoice. If you drive Chicago's tollways more than a few times per year, the savings add up quickly.

Paying a single toll invoice online without an account

If you drove through a toll point without I-PASS, the Illinois Tollway photographed your license plate and will mail you an invoice. You don't need to create an I-PASS account to pay it. Visit the Illinois Tollway's toll payment portal at illinoistollway.com/tolls/pay-tolls, enter your license plate number and the invoice number from the bill, and pay with a credit or debit card. The payment processes when ready.

If you've lost the invoice or don't remember the invoice number, you can still look up what you owe. Go to the Illinois Tollway website, select "Check Your Tolls," and enter your license plate number. The system will show all unpaid tolls associated with that plate, along with the toll dates and amounts. You can then pay directly from that screen.

One-time toll payments are more expensive per crossing than I-PASS rates. The Illinois Tollway charges a higher per-toll fee when you pay by invoice to encourage drivers to switch to I-PASS. If you plan to use the tollways regularly, setting up I-PASS saves money even after accounting for the tag and account setup.

What happens if you don't pay a toll

Unpaid tolls accumulate. The Illinois Tollway sends reminder notices, and if you ignore them, the debt can be referred to a collection agency. Unpaid tolls can also prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration in Illinois—the Secretary of State's office checks for outstanding toll debt before issuing a renewal. This means you could lose your registration even if your insurance and emissions are current.

If you've moved and didn't receive a toll notice, the Illinois Tollway may still have your old address on file. Check your tolls regularly by license plate on their website so you catch invoices before they become collection accounts. If you believe a toll was charged in error—for example, if your vehicle was stolen or you have a duplicate plate—you can dispute it through the website or by calling the Illinois Tollway customer service line.

Checking your toll history and account balance

You can see your toll activity anytime without logging into an account. On the Illinois Tollway website, use the "Check Your Tolls" tool and enter your license plate number. The system displays all tolls charged to that plate in the past year, whether they've been paid, and which ones are still outstanding. This is useful if you want to verify charges before paying or if you're tracking business mileage for tax purposes.

If you have an I-PASS account, log in to see your account balance, transaction history, and replenishment settings. You can also read a statement of all tolls charged to your account, which some employers or accountants ask for when reimbursing toll expenses. The account dashboard also shows when your tag will expire—I-PASS tags are valid for five years and must be replaced after that.

Paying tolls if you're visiting Chicago

If you're renting a car or visiting from out of state, you have two options. You can set up a temporary I-PASS account online using the rental car's license plate, add funds, and the tag will be mailed to you—but this only works if you're staying long enough to receive it. Most visitors instead drive through tolls, let their license plate be photographed, and pay the resulting invoice online after they leave.

Rental car companies sometimes charge customers for toll violations or unpaid tolls, so check your rental agreement. Some rental agencies have agreements with the Illinois Tollway to handle tolls automatically; others pass the bill and any collection fees to the renter. If you're unsure, ask the rental company whether tolls are included in your contract or if you need to pay them separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Chicago tolls with cash?

Yes, most toll plazas still have cash lanes, but they're slower than electronic payment and the per-toll rate is higher than I-PASS. If you're driving through tolls regularly, paying online through I-PASS or by invoice is faster and cheaper.

What if I get a toll notice for a vehicle I no longer own?

Contact the Illinois Tollway customer service to report the vehicle sale. You'll need to provide the date you sold it and the buyer's information if you have it. The Tollway can transfer the toll debt to the new owner's registration if they have the vehicle's title.

Do I need an I-PASS account if I only drive Chicago tolls once or twice a year?

You don't need one, but the per-toll cost is higher without it. If you drive tolls infrequently, paying invoices online is simpler. If you find yourself using them more often, setting up I-PASS later will save money on future trips.

How long does it take to set up I-PASS online?

Account creation takes about 10 minutes. The physical tag arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can't use I-PASS until the tag is installed, so plan ahead if you have a trip coming up.

Can I use the same I-PASS account for multiple vehicles?

No, each vehicle needs its own I-PASS account and tag. However, you can manage multiple accounts from one login on the Illinois Tollway website if you register them under the same email address.