Chicago-area Illinois Tollway (Tri-State, Jane Addams, Ronald Reagan, Veterans Memorial, I‑355, Skyway) is cashless—I-PASS saves 50% on tolls vs. Pay By Plate rates.
Official references:
- IllinoisTollway.com (I-PASS): https://www.illinoistollway.com
- Pay By Plate: https://agency.illinoistollway.com/paybyplate
Toll Rates Comparison (Example: Chicago to Rockford ~90 miles)
I-PASS halves costs; Pay By Plate = cash rate.
| Distance/Type | I-PASS Rate | Pay By Plate Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Full Tollway (Chicago-O’Hare) | ~$5–$7 | ~$10–$14 |
| O’Hare to Aurora | $3.80 | $7.60 |
| Chicago Skyway (7 miles) | $3.50 | $7.00 |
| Peak TEXpress Lanes | Varies (dynamic) | Varies + fees |
Rates 2026: No major hikes; dynamic on managed lanes.
I-PASS: Transponder for 50% Savings
I-PASS (Illinois/E-ZPass interoperable) auto-deducts from prepaid—works 19 states.
Online payment/setup
- illinoistollway.com → Create I-PASS account.
- Order transponder ($0–$28.95; sticker/portable).
- Preload $10+; auto-replenish card/bank.
- Manage: View tolls, add vehicles, pay via app/site.
E-ZPass accepted at full I-PASS rates.
Pay By Plate: Online Without Transponder
No tag? Pay proactively up to 14 days post-trip or invoice (2–4 weeks).
Pay online
- agency.illinoistollway.com/paybyplate → Enter plate, travel dates, card.
- Covers tolls up to 14 days back (backdate for past trips).
- Invoice pay: Same site or getipass.com/searchbyplate.
Avoid fines ($20+) by paying within 14 days—cash rate applies.
Unpaid Tolls and Invoices
Missed deadline? Invoice mails; pay online to stop escalation.
Steps for unpaid
- getipass.com/unpaid-tolls or agency.illinoistollway.com/unpaid-tolls.
- Plate lookup → Pay (card/bank).
- Late: $50 violation + fees; DMV hold possible.
Phone: 800-UC-IPASS (800-824-7277).
Chicago-Specific: Skyway and City Tolls
Chicago Skyway (I-90, city-owned): Separate system, I-PASS/E-ZPass accepted; Pay By Plate online.
- Skyway site: chicagoskyway.com/paytoll.
- Rates: $3.50 I-PASS/$7 cash (2-axle).
City express lanes (near O’Hare): I-PASS required for discounts.
2026 Updates and Tips
Rates stable; app enhancements.
- Pay By Plate: Up to 14 days post-travel (backdate).
- Auto-replenish prevents negatives.
- Rentals: Use your I-PASS; agencies bill owners.
Scams: Fake violation texts—verify on official sites.
FAQs About Chicago Toll Pay Online
1. How to pay Chicago tolls without I-PASS?
Pay By Plate: agency.illinoistollway.com/paybyplate → Plate/dates/card (14 days post-trip).
2. I-PASS vs. Pay By Plate cost?
I-PASS 50% less (e.g., $3.80 vs. $7.60 Chicago-Aurora).
3. E-ZPass for Illinois Tollway?
Yes—full interoperability, I-PASS rates.
4. Time limit for online toll payment?
14 days after travel via Pay By Plate to avoid fines; invoices follow.
5. Chicago Skyway toll pay?
chicagoskyway.com/paytoll (I-PASS/Pay By Plate); $3.50/$7.
6. Unpaid toll consequences?
$20+ fines, $50 violations, DMV suspension if ignored.
7. Where buy I-PASS online?
illinoistollway.com—shipped free; manage/pay at getipass.com.
