Chicago tolls work through I-PASS, a prepaid account system, or pay-per-trip cash and credit options
Chicago's toll roads—the Illinois Tollway system, which includes I-90, I-88, I-294, and I-355—require payment either through I-PASS, a reloadable transponder account, or by paying at toll plazas with cash or a credit card. I-PASS is the faster and cheaper option: transponder holders pay a discounted rate and pass through dedicated lanes without stopping. If you don't have I-PASS, you can pay the full toll rate at a plaza or through video toll collection, which photographs your license plate and bills you later.
The choice between I-PASS and pay-per-trip depends on how often you use the tollway. Frequent drivers save money with I-PASS because the per-mile rate is lower. Occasional users may find pay-per-trip simpler, though the cost per crossing is higher.
Key Takeaways
- I-PASS is a prepaid account with a transponder that costs $25 to $40 upfront and offers discounted toll rates; you reload it online, by phone, or at retail locations.
- Pay-per-trip options include cash at toll plazas, credit cards at some plazas, or video toll collection, which sends a bill to your vehicle's registered address.
- I-PASS rates are roughly 30 to 50 percent lower than pay-per-trip rates on the same routes.
- You can set up I-PASS online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or at retail locations including some gas stations and grocery stores.
Setting up I-PASS: account creation and transponder delivery
To open an I-PASS account, visit illinoistollway.com, call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4727), or visit a retail location. Online is the fastest route: you provide your vehicle information, a valid payment method, and a mailing address. The transponder ships to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can also pick up a transponder when ready at certain retail partners, including some Jewel-Osco and Mariano's locations, if you need to use the tollway before mail delivery arrives.
The transponder itself costs $25 to $40 depending on the type (standard or flex), and that fee is credited toward your account balance. You then load money into the account—a minimum opening balance is typically $25 to $40—which is deducted each time you pass through a toll plaza. The account is tied to your vehicle's license plate, so the transponder must be mounted on the windshield of the registered vehicle.
If you have multiple vehicles, you can add additional transponders to the same account or open separate accounts. Each transponder is tied to one vehicle registration.
Reloading your I-PASS account and setting automatic payments
Once your account is active, you reload it online, by phone, or at retail locations. Most drivers set up automatic replenishment, which adds money to the account when the balance drops below a threshold you choose. This is the easiest method because you don't have to remember to reload manually.
To reload online, log into your account at illinoistollway.com, select your vehicle, and add funds using a credit card, debit card, or bank account. By phone, call 1-800-UC-IPASS and provide your account number and payment method. Retail reloads are available at Jewel-Osco, Mariano's, and some other locations, though you'll need to know your account number and bring cash or a card.
Automatic replenishment typically adds $25 to $100 at a time, depending on what you set. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.
Pay-per-trip options: cash, credit, and video toll collection
If you don't have I-PASS, you can pay tolls at the plaza itself. Most Illinois Tollway plazas accept both cash and credit cards at staffed booths. The toll amount varies by location and vehicle type (cars, motorcycles, trucks, and RVs have different rates), but a typical car toll ranges from $0.70 to $5.00 depending on the distance traveled.
Video toll collection is an alternative if you pass through a toll plaza without paying. Cameras photograph your license plate, and the Illinois Tollway mails an invoice to the vehicle's registered owner. The video toll rate is higher than the cash rate—typically 50 to 100 percent more—and includes an administrative fee. Payment is due within 14 days of receiving the invoice, or you can pay online at illinoistollway.com using your invoice number.
Video toll collection is not a preferred method because of the higher cost, but it exists as a safety net if you accidentally pass through a toll plaza without paying.
Comparing I-PASS and pay-per-trip costs
The cost difference between I-PASS and pay-per-trip is significant for regular users. I-PASS rates are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than cash rates on the same route. For example, a car crossing a 10-mile section might pay $1.50 with I-PASS but $3.00 with cash. Over a month of commuting, that difference adds up quickly.
For occasional users—someone who crosses the tollway a few times a year—pay-per-trip may be simpler and cheaper overall because you avoid the upfront transponder cost and account management. But if you cross the tollway more than once or twice a week, I-PASS pays for itself within a few months.
| Method | Upfront Cost | Per-Crossing Cost (Example) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-PASS | $25–$40 (credited to account) | $1.50–$2.50 (discounted rate) | Regular commuters and frequent users |
| Cash at plaza | None | $3.00–$5.00 (full rate) | Occasional users |
| Video toll collection | None | $4.50–$7.50 (full rate + fee) | Accidental passes only |
Managing your I-PASS account online and by phone
Your I-PASS account dashboard at illinoistollway.com shows your current balance, recent transactions, and vehicle information. You can update your payment method, change your automatic replenishment settings, add or remove vehicles, and read statements. The online portal is available 24/7.
If you need to speak with someone, I-PASS customer service is available by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central Time. Common reasons to call include adding a vehicle, replacing a lost or damaged transponder, disputing a charge, or troubleshooting account issues.
If your transponder is damaged or lost, you can order a replacement online or by phone. Replacement transponders typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days, and the replacement fee is usually $5 to $10.
What happens if your I-PASS account runs out of money
If your account balance reaches zero and you pass through a toll plaza, the Illinois Tollway will attempt to bill you using the payment method on file. If that fails, video toll collection takes over: your license plate is photographed, and an invoice is mailed to your registered address. You'll be charged the video toll rate (higher than I-PASS) plus an administrative fee.
To avoid this, set up automatic replenishment so your account never drops below a balance you choose. Most drivers set it to reload when the balance falls below $10 or $25. You can also check your balance anytime online or by phone before a trip.
If you receive a video toll invoice and believe it's incorrect, you can dispute it online or by phone within 30 days of the invoice date. Bring documentation such as a receipt from a toll plaza or proof that you paid through I-PASS on that date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use I-PASS from another state on Chicago tollways?
Yes. I-PASS is part of a reciprocal network that includes tollways in Indiana, Ohio, and other states. Transponders from those states work on Illinois tollways at the same discounted rate. However, if you live in Illinois and use the tollway regularly, opening an Illinois I-PASS account is simpler because you manage it through the Illinois Tollway website and customer service.
What if I sell my car or change my license plate?
Log into your I-PASS account online and update your vehicle information with the new license plate number or remove the vehicle entirely. If you're transferring the transponder to a different vehicle, update the registration. If you're selling the car, you can keep the transponder and account active by reassigning it to another vehicle or removing it from your account.
Do I need I-PASS to drive on Chicago tollways?
No. You can pay tolls with cash or credit at toll plazas, or you can let video toll collection bill you later. I-PASS is optional but cheaper and faster if you use the tollway regularly. Occasional drivers may find pay-per-trip more convenient.
How long does it take to receive an I-PASS transponder?
Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need a transponder when ready, visit a retail partner location such as Jewel-Osco or Mariano's to pick one up the same day. You can also use video toll collection temporarily until your transponder arrives.
Can I get a refund if I close my I-PASS account?
Yes. If your account has a positive balance when you close it, the Illinois Tollway will refund the remaining funds to your original payment method within 30 days. Contact customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS to close your account and confirm the refund process.