You can pay Illinois tolls online through the I-PASS system or by mail, depending on which toll road you use

Illinois has two main toll systems: I-PASS, which covers the Illinois Tollway (the major toll roads around Chicago and across the state), and TOLL-NOW, which handles tolls on the Chicago Skyway and the Indiana Toll Road. Both let you set up an account and pay online. If you drive a toll road without an account, the Illinois Tollway photographs your license plate and sends you an invoice by mail—you can pay that invoice online too, though it costs more per transaction.

The fastest way to avoid plate-based invoices is to open an I-PASS account before you drive. You can do this on the Illinois Tollway website (illinoistollway.com) or through the I-PASS mobile app. The account takes about 10 minutes to set up, and you link a payment method—debit card, credit card, or bank account. Once active, tolls are deducted automatically as you drive, and you can check your balance and transaction history anytime online.

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS accounts let you pay tolls automatically as you drive on Illinois Tollway roads, with no per-transaction fees beyond the toll itself.
  • If you drive without an I-PASS account, the tollway photographs your plate and mails you an invoice; you can pay this online, but it includes a processing fee.
  • You set up an I-PASS account on illinoistollway.com or through the mobile app by providing your vehicle information, driver's license, and a payment method.
  • Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road tolls are handled separately through TOLL-NOW; check which system applies to your route before setting up an account.

Setting up an I-PASS account online

Go to illinoistollway.com and select "Open an Account" or use the I-PASS mobile app (available on iOS and Android). You will need your driver's license number, vehicle registration information (license plate, VIN, vehicle make and model), and a payment method. The system asks for your name, address, phone number, and email.

Choose whether you want a standard I-PASS account (tolls charged to your payment method as you drive) or a prepaid account (you load money in advance). Most drivers use the standard account because it requires no upfront deposit and you never run out of balance. Once you submit the form, your account is usually active within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours to process.

If you own multiple vehicles, you can add them to the same account. Each vehicle gets its own license plate linked to your payment method, so tolls from any of your cars charge to the same account.

Paying tolls as you drive with I-PASS

Once your account is active, tolls are deducted automatically when you pass through a toll plaza. The system reads your license plate or, if you have a physical I-PASS transponder (a small device you mount on your windshield), it reads that instead. Most drivers do not need a physical transponder anymore—plate-based reading is standard—but you can request one if you prefer.

Tolls vary by road and distance. The Illinois Tollway publishes a toll calculator on its website where you can enter your starting point and destination to see the exact charge. Rates are lower for I-PASS account holders than for drivers who pay by mail after receiving an invoice.

You can check your account balance and recent transactions anytime by logging into your I-PASS account online or through the app. Set up email or text alerts so you know when your balance drops below a certain amount, and the system will remind you to add funds if you use a prepaid account.

Paying a toll invoice by mail online

If you drive a toll road without an I-PASS account, the tollway takes a photo of your license plate and mails you an invoice within two to three weeks. The invoice includes the toll amount plus a processing fee (the fee varies but is typically $2 to $5 per transaction). You can pay this invoice online, by phone, or by mail.

To pay online, go to illinoistollway.com, select "Pay a Toll Invoice," and enter your invoice number and license plate number. You can pay with a debit card or credit card. Payment is usually processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email.

If you receive multiple invoices, you can pay them all at once through the same online portal. However, each invoice includes its own processing fee, so opening an I-PASS account before you drive saves money if you use toll roads regularly.

Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road tolls

The Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road are not part of the Illinois Tollway system. Instead, they use TOLL-NOW, a separate payment system. You can set up a TOLL-NOW account on the Skyway Tolls website (skyway.org) or the Indiana Toll Road website (indianatollroad.org).

Like I-PASS, TOLL-NOW lets you pay tolls automatically as you drive. If you do not have an account, you will receive a mail invoice with a processing fee. The setup process is similar: provide your vehicle information, driver's license, and a payment method.

If you drive both Illinois Tollway roads and the Chicago Skyway or Indiana Toll Road, you will need separate accounts for each system. There is no combined account that covers all three.

What happens if you do not pay a toll

If you drive through a toll plaza without paying and do not respond to the mailed invoice, the tollway can place a hold on your vehicle registration renewal. In Illinois, you cannot renew your registration until toll violations are resolved. The unpaid toll amount grows as penalties and collection fees accumulate.

If the debt becomes large enough, the tollway may refer the account to a collection agency, which can affect your credit. The best approach is to pay any invoice you receive promptly, or to open an I-PASS account before you drive so you avoid invoices altogether.

Using the I-PASS mobile app

The I-PASS mobile app (available free on iOS and Android) lets you manage your account from your phone. You can view your balance, check recent tolls, add funds to a prepaid account, update your payment method, and set balance alerts. The app also shows you toll rates for different routes so you can plan your trip and know what to expect.

If you lose your physical I-PASS transponder (if you have one), you can report it through the app and request a replacement. The app is the fastest way to handle account changes without calling customer service or visiting a website on a computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay Illinois tolls with a credit card?

Yes. When you set up an I-PASS account or pay a toll invoice online, you can use a credit card, debit card, or bank account. The Illinois Tollway accepts all major credit cards.

Do I need a physical I-PASS transponder?

No. Modern toll plazas read your license plate automatically, so you do not need a physical device. However, you can request a transponder if you prefer, and some drivers find it useful if they cross state lines frequently.

What if I move to a different address?

Log into your I-PASS account online or through the app and update your address in the account settings. This ensures invoices and statements reach you at the correct location. You can also call I-PASS customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4727) to update your address by phone.

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

Yes. If your prepaid account has a balance remaining, you can request a refund through your online account or by calling customer service. Refunds are typically processed within two to four weeks.

What if my license plate changes?

Update your I-PASS account with your new license plate number as soon as you receive it. Go to your account settings online or through the app and change the plate number. This prevents the tollway from sending you invoices under your old plate.