How to Pay Illinois Tollway Tolls and Manage Your Account

How Illinois Tollway Payment Works

The Illinois Tollway operates the toll roads around Chicago and northern Illinois. You can pay tolls three ways: with an I-PASS account (a prepaid electronic tag), by mail after receiving a toll notice, or through a one-time payment if you do not have an account. Most drivers use I-PASS because it costs less per toll and moves faster through lanes. If you do not pay within a set time, the Tollway sends a notice to the address on your vehicle registration, and unpaid tolls accumulate fees.

The Tollway reads your license plate at toll plazas. If you have an I-PASS, the toll is deducted from your account balance. If you do not, the Tollway photographs your plate and mails you an invoice. You then have a window of time to pay before late fees apply. Understanding which payment method fits your situation—whether you drive the Tollway regularly or only occasionally—helps you avoid surprise bills and extra charges.

Key Takeaways

• I-PASS is a prepaid account that charges lower toll rates and can be set to replenish automatically, so you do not run out of balance mid-trip.
• If you do not have I-PASS, the Tollway mails a toll notice to your vehicle's registered address, and you must pay within the deadline shown on the notice.
• Unpaid tolls trigger late fees and can eventually result in vehicle registration holds or collection action.
• You can check your I-PASS balance and payment history online through your account or by calling the Tollway customer service line.
• One-time payments for tolls you already owe can be made online, by phone, or by mail using the invoice number from your toll notice.

Setting Up and Using I-PASS

I-PASS is an electronic toll collection system. You purchase a transponder (a small device that mounts on your windshield) and link it to a prepaid account. When you drive through a toll plaza, the transponder communicates with the reader, and the toll is automatically deducted. The cost per toll is lower with I-PASS than without it—typically 30 to 50 percent less, depending on the road and time of day.

You can open an I-PASS account online at illinoistollway.com or at a customer service center. You will need your vehicle's license plate number, a valid driver's license or ID, and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account). The transponder is mailed to you, usually within five to seven business days. Once it arrives, you mount it on your windshield behind the rearview mirror, and your account is active.

Set up automatic replenishment so your account refills when the balance drops below a threshold you choose. This prevents your account from running empty and triggering toll-by-plate charges. You can also manually add money to your account at any time through the website or by phone. Keep your account information current—if you move, update your address so notices reach you.

Paying Tolls Without I-PASS

If you do not have I-PASS, the Tollway photographs your license plate as you pass through a toll plaza. Within two to three weeks, a toll notice arrives at the address registered with your vehicle's title. The notice shows the toll amount, the date and location where you were photographed, and a deadline to pay.

You can pay the toll notice online using the invoice number, by phone, by mail, or in person at a customer service center. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, check, or money order. Pay by the deadline shown on the notice. If you miss the deadline, a late fee is added to your bill, and you will receive a second notice. Continued non-payment can result in registration holds, collection action, or suspension of your vehicle registration renewal.

If you drive the Tollway regularly without I-PASS, you will receive multiple notices over time. Switching to I-PASS saves money on each toll and eliminates the hassle of paying individual notices. If you believe a toll notice is incorrect—for example, if you did not drive that road on that date—contact the Tollway to dispute it before the deadline.

Making One-Time Payments and Checking Your Balance

To pay a single toll notice, visit illinoistollway.com and select "Pay a Toll Notice." Enter your invoice number (found on the notice) and the amount due. You can also call the Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) to pay by phone. Payments are usually processed immediately for online and phone transactions.

If you have an I-PASS account, log in to your account online to view your current balance, recent toll charges, and payment history. You can also see which transponders are linked to your account and update your contact information. The website shows tolls charged within the last 30 days, so you can track your spending. If your balance is low, you can add funds right away to avoid running out mid-trip.

By phone, call 1-800-UC-IPASS to check your I-PASS balance, review recent charges, or make a payment. Customer service representatives can also help you troubleshoot if tolls are not being deducted correctly or if you have questions about a toll notice. Wait times vary, but calling during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) is often faster.

Late Fees, Registration Holds, and What Happens to Unpaid Tolls

If you do not pay a toll notice by the deadline, a late fee is added. The amount varies but typically ranges from $10 to $25 per unpaid toll, depending on how long the toll has been outstanding. A second notice is mailed to you with the new total. If you still do not pay, the Tollway can place a hold on your vehicle registration, which prevents you from renewing your registration with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Unpaid tolls can also be referred to a collection agency. Collection accounts appear on your credit report and can lower your credit score. The Tollway may pursue legal action to recover the debt, which can result in court judgments and wage garnishment in some cases. The longer a toll remains unpaid, the more expensive it becomes.

If you are struggling to pay, contact the Tollway before the deadline to discuss your options. Some payment plans or hardship programs may be available. Paying even a partial amount before the deadline can stop additional late fees from accruing and shows good faith effort to settle the debt.

Transponder Issues and Account Changes

If your I-PASS transponder stops working, tolls will not be deducted from your account, and you will receive toll notices instead. Common reasons include a dead battery (transponders last about 5 to 7 years), damage from heat or sun exposure, or a loose mount. If you suspect your transponder is not working, log into your account and check for toll-by-plate charges. If you see them, request a replacement transponder through your account or by calling customer service.

If you sell your vehicle, remove the transponder and contact the Tollway to update your account. If you buy a used vehicle with a transponder already mounted, do not use it—remove it and either get your own new transponder or pay tolls by plate. Using someone else's transponder can result in charges to their account and disputes that are difficult to resolve.

If you move to a different state or no longer drive the Illinois Tollway, you can close your I-PASS account. Any remaining balance will be refunded to the payment method on file, though refunds can take several weeks to process. Return your transponder to a customer service center or follow the return instructions provided when you close your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I drive through a toll plaza without paying?

The Tollway photographs your license plate and mails a toll notice to your vehicle's registered address within two to three weeks. You then have a deadline to pay the toll plus any applicable fees. If you do not pay by that deadline, late fees are added and a second notice is sent. Continued non-payment can result in registration holds or collection action.

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

Yes. If your account has a credit balance when you close it, the remaining balance is refunded to your original payment method. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to appear. If you want to keep your account open but have a small credit, you can use it toward future tolls or request a refund by contacting customer service.

How do I dispute a toll charge I think is wrong?

Contact the Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS with your invoice number and the details of the charge you dispute. Explain why you believe the charge is incorrect—for example, if you did not drive that road on that date. The Tollway will investigate and may reverse the charge if they find an error. Do this before the payment deadline to avoid late fees while your dispute is being reviewed.

Can I use the same I-PASS transponder in multiple vehicles?

No. Each transponder is linked to one vehicle's license plate. If you own multiple vehicles and drive the Tollway in all of them, you need a separate transponder and account for each vehicle. You can manage multiple accounts through the same login on the Tollway website.

What if my toll notice was mailed to an old address?

Update your address with the Illinois Secretary of State so your vehicle registration is current. The Tollway uses the address on file with the Secretary of State to mail notices. If you have already moved and missed a deadline, contact the Tollway immediately to explain the situation. They may be able to adjust late fees or work out a payment arrangement, especially if you can show proof of your address change.