How to Pay Chicago Tolls and Understand Your Options
How Chicago toll payment works
Chicago tolls are collected on the Illinois Tollway system, which includes I-90, I-94, I-88, and I-355. You can pay tolls three ways: with a I-PASS account (a prepaid transponder), by mail after receiving a toll notice, or through a one-time payment if you do not have an I-PASS. Most drivers use I-PASS because it costs less per toll and moves faster through toll plazas.
If you drive through a toll plaza without I-PASS and without paying at the booth, the Illinois Tollway photographs your license plate. You will receive a toll notice in the mail within two to three weeks. The notice includes the toll amount, a processing fee, and instructions to pay online, by phone, or by mail. If you ignore the notice, additional penalties and collection actions can follow.
The Illinois Tollway is a separate agency from the City of Chicago. It operates the toll roads themselves and handles all payment collection. You cannot pay Chicago city tolls through the same system—Chicago does not currently operate a toll road system.
Key Takeaways
- I-PASS is a prepaid account with a transponder that costs less per toll than paying at a booth or by mail, and it moves you through toll plazas faster.
- If you drive through without I-PASS, the tollway photographs your plate and mails you a notice with the toll amount plus a processing fee within two to three weeks.
- You can pay a toll notice online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or by mail using the payment coupon included with the notice.
- Ignoring a toll notice results in additional penalties, collection referrals, and potential suspension of vehicle registration or driver's license.
- I-PASS accounts require a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and a credit or debit card to set up, and you can manage your account online anytime.
Setting up an I-PASS account
To open an I-PASS account, you need a valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, and a credit or debit card. You can set up an account online at illinoistollway.com, by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS, or in person at an I-PASS customer service center. Online setup takes about 10 minutes. The transponder itself costs $25 to $40 depending on the type, and you load money onto the account to pay tolls as you drive.
Once your account is active, you can add money through automatic replenishment (the account charges your card when the balance drops below a set amount) or manual payments whenever you choose. You can link multiple vehicles to one account and manage all of them from a single login. If you sell your vehicle or no longer need I-PASS, you can close the account and request a refund of any remaining balance.
I-PASS rates vary by vehicle type and time of day. Passenger cars pay one rate; trucks, RVs, and vehicles with trailers pay higher rates. Some tolls are lower during off-peak hours. You can see the exact toll for any route on the Illinois Tollway website before you drive.
Paying a toll notice by mail
When you receive a toll notice in the mail, it includes a payment coupon with a barcode, the toll amount, a processing fee (usually $5 to $10), and the total due. You have 30 days from the notice date to pay. The fastest way to pay is online using the notice number at illinoistollway.com. You can also pay by phone at 1-800-UC-IPASS with a credit or debit card.
If you prefer to mail a check or money order, include the payment coupon with your payment and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Payment by mail takes longer to process—allow at least two weeks for the payment to reach the tollway and be recorded. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation or receipt in case you need to dispute the charge later.
If you believe the toll notice is incorrect—for example, if you paid at the booth or if the plate photograph is not your vehicle—you can dispute it. Contact the Illinois Tollway customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS with your notice number and explanation. They will review your claim and respond within 30 days.
What happens if you do not pay a toll notice
If you do not pay within 30 days of the notice date, the Illinois Tollway sends a second notice with an additional penalty. If payment is still not made, the account goes to a collection agency. At that point, the debt can appear on your credit report and affect your ability to borrow money or rent housing.
The Illinois Tollway can also refer unpaid tolls to the Secretary of State's office, which may suspend your vehicle registration or driver's license. You will not be able to renew your registration until the toll debt is paid. Some states also share toll debt information, so unpaid Illinois tolls can affect your driving privileges in other states.
If you are facing financial hardship and cannot pay a toll notice, contact the Illinois Tollway directly at 1-800-UC-IPASS to discuss payment options. They sometimes offer payment plans for large amounts owed, though this is not may provide and depends on your situation.
I-PASS versus paying at the booth or by mail
I-PASS is the cheapest option per toll. A passenger car with I-PASS pays roughly 30 to 40 percent less per toll than a vehicle without I-PASS. Paying at a toll booth costs more than I-PASS but less than paying by mail. Paying by mail is the most expensive because it includes a processing fee on top of the toll itself.
Speed is another difference. I-PASS lanes move faster than cash or credit card lanes at toll plazas. If you drive the tollway regularly, I-PASS saves both money and time. If you only drive the tollway once or twice a year, paying at the booth or by mail may be simpler than setting up an account.
| Payment Method | Cost per Toll | Setup Required | Speed at Booth |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-PASS | Lowest (prepaid rate) | Account + transponder | Fastest (no stop) |
| Toll booth (cash or card) | Higher than I-PASS | None | Slower (manual payment) |
| Toll notice by mail | Highest (toll + processing fee) | None upfront | Not applicable |
I-PASS customer service and account management
You can manage your I-PASS account online at illinoistollway.com 24 hours a day. Log in to check your balance, view recent toll charges, add money, change your payment method, or update your vehicle information. The website also shows you toll rates for any route on the Illinois Tollway system.
If you need help, call I-PASS customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-4727). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also visit an I-PASS customer service center in person. Locations are listed on the Illinois Tollway website.
If your transponder is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact customer service to report it and request a replacement. There is usually a replacement fee, though the exact amount depends on the type of transponder. A replacement transponder typically arrives within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my I-PASS in other states?
I-PASS works on the Illinois Tollway system only. Other states have their own toll systems and transponders. However, some toll roads in other states accept I-PASS through interoperability agreements. Check the website of the toll road you plan to use before you drive to confirm whether I-PASS is accepted.
What if I receive a toll notice for a vehicle I no longer own?
Contact the Illinois Tollway at 1-800-UC-IPASS with your notice number and proof that you no longer own the vehicle (such as a bill of sale or title transfer). Provide the name and contact information of the new owner if you have it. The tollway will investigate and may transfer the debt to the new owner or dismiss the notice if you can prove the vehicle was sold before the toll date.
Do I need I-PASS if I only drive the tollway once a year?
No. You can pay at a toll booth with cash or a credit card, or you can pay by mail after receiving a toll notice. I-PASS makes sense if you drive the tollway regularly because it costs less per toll and saves time. For occasional use, paying at the booth or by mail is simpler and does not require an account.
Can I get a refund if I overpay my I-PASS account?
Yes. If your account balance is positive when you close it, the Illinois Tollway will refund the remaining balance to the credit card or bank account you used to fund the account. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to process. Contact customer service to close your account and request a refund.
What if my I-PASS transponder stops working?
If tolls are not being deducted from your account when you drive through a toll plaza, your transponder may be damaged or out of range. Contact I-PASS customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS to report the issue. They can check your account and send you a replacement transponder if needed. In the meantime, drive through a toll booth and pay cash or use a credit card to avoid receiving a toll notice by mail.