Chicago tollway payments go through I-PASS or Tollway.com, depending on your account type

If you drive Chicago's tollways — the Tri-State Tollway (I-90), the Illinois Tollway (I-88), or the Reagan Expressway (I-290) — you'll pay tolls either through an I-PASS transponder account or as a toll-by-plate customer. The payment method depends on which one you have. I-PASS is a prepaid account linked to a small windshield device; toll-by-plate means the tollway photographs your license plate and bills you later. Both can be managed online, but they use different websites and have different payment important date.

I-PASS accounts are managed through the Illinois Tollway's official website at illinoistollway.com. Toll-by-plate bills arrive by mail and can also be paid through the same site. If you're unsure which account type you have, check your most recent toll bill or transponder documentation — it will say either "I-PASS" or "Toll-by-Plate."

Key Takeaways

  • I-PASS prepaid accounts are managed at illinoistollway.com, where you can add funds, view your balance, and set up automatic replenishment.
  • Toll-by-plate bills arrive by mail and must be paid within 14 days of the bill date to avoid late fees and vehicle registration holds.
  • You can pay I-PASS or toll-by-plate invoices online using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check through the official Illinois Tollway website.
  • Unpaid toll-by-plate bills can prevent vehicle registration renewal in Illinois, so paying on time is essential if you plan to renew your registration.

Setting up and paying an I-PASS account online

If you have an I-PASS transponder, you manage your account at illinoistollway.com. Log in with your username and password, or create an account if you're a new user. Once logged in, you can see your current balance, recent toll transactions, and the payment method on file.

To add funds to your I-PASS account, select "Add Funds" or "Replenish Account" from your dashboard. You can pay a one-time amount or set up automatic replenishment, which adds money to your account when the balance drops below a threshold you choose. Most drivers set the threshold between $10 and $25. Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. The funds are usually available within one business day.

If your I-PASS transponder is damaged, lost, or not reading properly, you can order a replacement through the same website. Replacement transponders cost money, but the Illinois Tollway will credit your account for any remaining balance on the old one.

Paying toll-by-plate bills before the important date

Toll-by-plate customers receive a bill in the mail for tolls charged during a billing period. The bill shows the toll amount, the due date, and instructions for payment. You must pay within 14 days of the bill date to avoid late fees. After 14 days, a penalty of $10 per violation is added to your bill.

To pay online, go to illinoistollway.com and select "Pay a Toll-by-Plate Bill" or "Pay an Invoice." You'll need the bill number from your mailed statement. Enter the bill number, the amount, and your payment method. Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks are all accepted. Payment is processed when ready, though it may take one to two business days to appear in your account.

If you lose your bill or don't receive one, you can still look up your account on the Illinois Tollway website using your license plate number and state. This will show any outstanding tolls or bills owed.

What happens if you don't pay a toll-by-plate bill

Unpaid toll-by-plate bills create a serious problem for vehicle registration renewal in Illinois. If you owe tolls, the Illinois Secretary of State will place a hold on your vehicle registration. You cannot renew your registration until the toll debt is paid in full.

The hold applies even if you're only a few days late. If you receive a registration renewal notice and see that your registration is blocked, check the Illinois Tollway website for any outstanding bills. Pay the full amount, including any late fees, and the hold will be lifted within one to two business days. You can then complete your registration renewal.

If you've moved and didn't receive a toll bill, you're still responsible for paying. The Illinois Tollway can track you through your license plate and vehicle registration address. If you believe a toll charge is incorrect, you can dispute it through the website or by calling the Illinois Tollway customer service line.

Linking your vehicle registration to your toll account

When you register a vehicle in Illinois, the Secretary of State shares your registration information with the Illinois Tollway. This allows the tollway to match your license plate to your vehicle registration and bill you for tolls. If you have an I-PASS transponder, make sure the transponder is properly mounted and reading correctly so tolls are deducted from your prepaid account instead of being billed separately.

If you recently bought a used car and it came with an I-PASS transponder, you should update the account to reflect your ownership. Log into your I-PASS account and update the vehicle information. If the transponder is registered to the previous owner, contact the Illinois Tollway to transfer it or request a new one.

Payment methods and processing times

The Illinois Tollway accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and electronic checks for online payments. There is no fee for paying by electronic check; credit and debit card payments may incur a processing fee depending on the payment processor, though the Illinois Tollway website will disclose any fee before you confirm payment.

Payments made online are processed when ready, but it may take one to two business days for the payment to post to your account and for any registration holds to be lifted. If you're paying close to a registration renewal important date, plan ahead and pay several days early to may support the hold is removed in time.

If you prefer to pay by mail, you can send a check to the address listed on your toll bill. Mail payments take longer to process — typically five to seven business days — so online payment is faster if you're trying to meet a important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay someone else's toll bill online?

Yes. You can pay a toll-by-plate bill using the bill number, even if the vehicle is registered to someone else. You'll need the bill number from the mailed statement. For I-PASS accounts, you can only manage the account if you're the registered account holder, unless you've been given login credentials by the account owner.

What if I don't have an I-PASS and want to set one up?

You can open an I-PASS account online at illinoistollway.com. You'll need a valid driver's license or state ID, a vehicle registration, and a payment method. The transponder is mailed to you within five to seven business days. Until it arrives, tolls will be billed as toll-by-plate.

Will unpaid tolls affect my credit score?

Unpaid toll-by-plate bills do not directly report to credit bureaus. However, they will block your vehicle registration renewal, which can lead to driving with an expired registration and fines. If the debt is sent to a collection agency, it may then appear on your credit report.

Can I set up automatic payments for toll-by-plate bills?

The Illinois Tollway does not offer automatic payment for toll-by-plate bills through their website. You must pay each bill manually when it arrives. However, if you switch to an I-PASS account, you can set up automatic replenishment so you don't have to think about it.

What if my online payment didn't go through?

Check your bank or credit card statement to confirm whether the charge posted. If the payment was processed but doesn't show on the Illinois Tollway website within two business days, contact the Illinois Tollway customer service line with your payment confirmation number. If the payment failed, you'll receive an error message during checkout — try again with a different payment method or contact customer service for help.