An Illinois E-ZPass purchase gives you access to the official electronic toll system called I-PASS, which lets drivers pay tolls on Illinois tollways at the lowest rate. The Illinois Tollway Authority runs the I-PASS program. It works on every toll road in Illinois. It also works in 17 other states that use the E-ZPass network. Every driver in Illinois needs a working I-PASS device to pay tolls without paying extra fees.
A vehicle without a valid I-PASS pays tolls by mail. The toll-by-mail rate costs two times the I-PASS rate. Tolls also add a $3.00 charge per billing notice. I-PASS users pay half the cash toll. They avoid all extra fees. They also pass through toll points without stopping.
What Is Illinois E-ZPass and How Does It Work?
Illinois EZ-Pass is the local name for the electronic toll system called I-PASS. The E-ZPass network covers toll roads in 17 states. Illinois joined the network in 1993. The Illinois Tollway Authority runs the program. It is part of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.
The system uses radio frequency identification (RFID). When a vehicle with a working I-PASS tag passes a toll point, a reader scans the tag. The system reads the tag number. It checks the account balance. It deducts the toll amount. It all happens in less than one second. The driver never has to stop. There are no cash lanes on Illinois toll roads. There are no toll booths where drivers hand over money.
Illinois toll roads include:
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)
- Tri-State Tollway (I-94, I-294, I-80)
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355)
- Illinois Route 390 Tollway
All these roads use the I-PASS system. Drivers must have a working tag to pay the lowest toll rate.
Who Can Buy an Illinois E-ZPass Tag?
Any driver can buy an Illinois EZ Pass tag. You do not need to live in Illinois. Out-of-state drivers buy I-PASS tags for travel through Illinois. They also use the tags in other E-ZPass states.
Basic requirements include:
- A valid vehicle registration for each vehicle
- A license plate number for each vehicle
- A working email address or phone number
- A payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account)
- A name and mailing address
Commercial drivers buy I-PASS tags for trucks, vans, and fleet vehicles. The process is the same. Commercial accounts let fleet owners manage many vehicles on one account. The Illinois Tollway Authority treats commercial accounts the same as personal accounts for setup. Commercial vehicles may need extra paperwork for tax reporting.
Types of Illinois E-ZPass Tags Available
The Illinois Tollway Authority offers two types of I-PASS tags. Both tags work on every Illinois toll road. Both tags work in 17 EZ Pass states.
Hard-Case Transponder
The hard-case transponder is a plastic device. It sits on the windshield with a suction cup or mount. It costs $10. The $10 is a refundable deposit. The tag returns the deposit when the driver returns the device in good condition.
The hard-case transponder has a battery. The battery lasts about 10 years. The Illinois Tollway Authority sends a free replacement tag before the battery dies. The old tag must be returned.
Sticker Tag
The sticker tag is a small adhesive tag. It sticks to the inside of the windshield. It costs nothing. There is no deposit. There is no refund to wait for.
The sticker tag uses passive RFID. It has no battery. It lasts as long as the vehicle stays registered. The Illinois Tollway Authority started the sticker tag program in 2026. They send free stickers to all account holders. The plan is to replace every hard-case transponder with a sticker tag by 2033.
The sticker tag is vehicle-specific. One sticker works for one license plate. If you sell your car, the sticker must come off. You must register a new sticker for your new car.
How Much Does an Illinois E-ZPass Cost?
The cost of an Illinois EZPass depends on the tag type. Payment method also affects the total cost.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hard-case transponder | $10 refundable deposit | Returned when the device is sent back |
| Sticker tag | Free | No deposit, no return needed |
| Account opening balance | $20 minimum | Pre-loaded toll credit |
| Retail service fee | $2.90 per tag | Charged at Jewel-Osco and RoadRanger locations |
| Sticker tag shipping | Free | Standard mail delivery |
| Transponder shipping | Free | Standard mail delivery |
The standard account opening balance is $20. The Tollway Authority recommends a $50 balance for vehicles that drive on toll roads every day. Commercial accounts with many vehicles often start with $100 or more.
There are no monthly fees for personal accounts. There are no annual fees. There are no inactivity fees. The Tollway Authority closes accounts with a zero balance after 12 months of no activity.
How to Buy an Illinois E-ZPass Online
The fastest way to buy an Illinois E-ZPass is online. The official website is getipass.com. The Illinois Tollway app also lets drivers set up accounts on iPhone and Android phones.
Step-by-Step Online Purchase
- Go to getipass.com
- Click “Create New Account” or open the app
- Enter your name, email, phone number, and mailing address
- Add each vehicle by license plate, make, model, and year
- Choose the tag type (sticker tag or hard-case transponder)
- Set your payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account)
- Set up automatic balance replenishment
- Pay the $20 opening balance
- Submit the order
- Wait 7 to 10 days for the tag to arrive by mail
The website accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Bank account payments need a routing number and account number. The Tollway Authority charges no transaction fees for any payment method.
Illinois Tollway App
The Illinois Tollway app works on iOS and Android phones. The app lets you:
- Create a new account
- Add vehicles
- Order tags
- Check your balance
- View toll history
- Update payment methods
- Get low-balance alerts
- Contact customer service
The app is free. It uses the same login as the website. Account changes update on both the app and the website at the same time.
Where to Buy an Illinois E-ZPass in Person
Drivers who want a tag the same day can buy at a retail location. The Illinois Tollway Authority has over 200 partner stores. The main partners are Jewel-Osco and RoadRanger truck stops.
Jewel-Osco Locations
Jewel-Osco grocery stores sell I-PASS tags at the customer service desk. Most stores in the Chicago area stock tags. The store charges a $2.90 service fee per tag. The $20 opening balance is also required.
To find a Jewel-Osco location:
- Go to getipass.com
- Click “Retail Locations”
- Enter your ZIP code
- See the nearest stores on a map
RoadRanger Truck Stops
RoadRanger locations sell I-PASS tags for commercial drivers. The service fee is $2.90 per tag. The $20 opening balance applies. RoadRanger stores work well for truck drivers who travel on I-90, I-94, and I-80.
Illinois Tollway Customer Service Centers
The Illinois Tollway Authority runs customer service centers in:
- Downers Grove
- Joliet
- Lake Forest
- Alsip
- Skokie
These centers sell tags with no service fee. They also help with account problems. They process replacement tags. They answer questions in person.
Buying an Illinois E-ZPass by Phone or Mail
Drivers without internet access can buy tags by phone. The Illinois Tollway customer service line is 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). The line is open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM. It is open Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
Phone orders work the same as online orders. A customer service agent takes your vehicle details. They set up your payment method. They mail the tag to you. Delivery takes 7 to 10 days.
Mail orders are also possible. Print the order form from getipass.com. Fill it out. Mail it to the Illinois Tollway Authority with a check for the opening balance. Mail orders take 14 to 21 days to process.
E-ZPass Flex and Switchable Tags in Illinois
EZPass Flex is a special transponder for toll lanes that allow carpooling. Some toll lanes in other states let vehicles with 3 or more people ride for free. The driver must have a Flex tag set to “carpool mode” to get the free ride.
Illinois does not have any toll lanes that use carpool mode. Drivers in Illinois do not need a Flex tag. The standard I-PASS sticker tag or hard-case transponder works for all Illinois toll roads.
Drivers who travel to states with carpool lanes (like Virginia’s I-495 Express Lanes) can buy an EZ Pass Flex tag from those states. The Flex tag works on Illinois toll roads in standard mode. The Flex tag costs more than a standard I-PASS tag.
I-PASS vs E-ZPass: Are They the Same?
I-PASS and EZPass are two names for the same electronic toll network. The E-ZPass network started in 1987. It covers toll roads in 17 states. Each state runs its own program. Each state sells tags under its own brand name.
Illinois uses the I-PASS brand. Other states use different names:
- New York: E-ZPass
- New Jersey: EZPass
- Massachusetts: EZPass
- Ohio: EZPass
- Indiana: EZ-Pass
- Delaware: E-ZPass
- Maryland: E-ZPass
- West Virginia: E-ZPass
- Virginia: EZPass
- New Hampshire: E-ZPass
- Maine: E-ZPass
- Pennsylvania: EZ Pass
- Rhode Island: E-ZPass
- Kentucky: E-ZPass
- North Carolina: EZ-Pass
- Florida: E-PASS or SunPass
- Illinois: I-PASS
All these tags work on all EZ-Pass toll roads. An I-PASS sticker tag from Illinois scans the same as a New York EZPass tag. The toll amount goes to the driver’s home account. The account balance is managed by the home state.
Illinois E-ZPass Account Setup Details
Setting up an I-PASS account is the first step. The account holds your vehicle information. It holds your payment method. It holds your balance. It tracks your toll history.
Personal Account
A personal account is for individual drivers and families. The account holder can add up to 10 vehicles. Each vehicle needs a separate tag. The account has one payment method. The account holder can change the payment method any time.
Commercial Account
A commercial account is for businesses with fleet vehicles. The account holder can add unlimited vehicles. The account has one payment method. The account holder gets monthly itemized statements for tax records. The Tollway Authority offers volume discounts for commercial accounts with 50 or more vehicles.
Account Login
Once you set up an account, you get a username and password. Use them to log in at getipass.com. The login also works on the Illinois Tollway app. The login lets you see your balance. It lets you add vehicles. It lets you update your payment method. It lets you view toll history.
Illinois E-ZPass Monthly Statements
The Illinois Tollway Authority sends monthly statements to all account holders. The statement shows:
- Each toll paid during the month
- The date and time of each toll
- The toll plaza location
- The toll amount
- The total balance at the end of the month
- Any fees or charges
Statements come by email for paperless accounts. They come by mail for accounts that prefer paper. Account holders can also view statements any time by logging in at getipass.com.
Account holders can dispute any toll on the statement. The dispute process takes 30 days. The Illinois Tollway Authority investigates each dispute. The toll amount is credited back if the dispute is valid.
Illinois E-ZPass Balance Replenishment
Every I-PASS account needs a positive balance. When the balance drops below a set amount, the system adds money automatically. This is called auto-replenishment.
How Auto-Replenishment Works
- You set a low balance threshold (usually $10)
- You set a replenishment amount (usually $20)
- When your balance drops below $10, the system adds $20
- The charge goes to your credit card or bank account
- You get an email or text alert about the charge
For commercial accounts, the threshold is $20. The replenishment amount is $50. Commercial accounts can set higher thresholds.
Manual Replenishment
Account holders can also add money by hand. Log in at getipass.com. Click “Add Funds.” Enter the dollar amount. Pay with a credit card or bank account. The money posts to the account right away.
You can also add money at retail locations. Jewel-Osco and RoadRanger stores add cash to I-PASS accounts. The store charges a $2.90 service fee for cash payments.
Illinois E-ZPass Installation Guide
Sticker tags and hard-case transponders install on the windshield. The placement must be exact. Wrong placement causes the tag to miss reads at toll points.
Sticker Tag Installation
- Clean the inside of the windshield with glass cleaner
- Let the glass dry completely
- Hold the sticker tag up to the windshield
- Place it 1 to 2 inches below the windshield’s top edge
- Center it behind the rearview mirror
- Peel the backing off the sticker
- Press the sticker firmly against the glass for 30 seconds
- Do not touch the sticker for 24 hours
- The tag is ready to use after 24 hours
Hard-Case Transponder Installation
- Clean the inside of the windshield with glass cleaner
- Let the glass dry completely
- Attach the suction cup mount to the windshield
- Place the mount 1 to 2 inches below the windshield’s top edge
- Center it behind the rearview mirror
- Slide the transponder onto the mount
- Make sure the transponder is level and secure
- The tag is ready to use right away
If you drive a vehicle with a metal oxide windshield, place the tag on the headlight or use a different spot. Some metal oxide windshields block the RFID signal. The Illinois Tollway Authority can help you find the right spot.
Where Illinois E-ZPass Works
Illinois I-PASS works on every toll road in Illinois. It also works in 17 other states with EZPass.
Illinois Toll Roads
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)
- Tri-State Tollway (I-94, I-294, I-80)
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355)
- Illinois Route 390 Tollway
E-ZPass Network States
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Rhode Island
- North Carolina
- Florida
- Minnesota
Some toll bridges and tunnels also accept I-PASS. The Illinois Tollway Authority website lists every accepted location. The list updates as new facilities join the network.
Illinois E-ZPass Toll Discounts
I-PASS users pay the lowest toll rate on Illinois toll roads. The discount is 50% off the toll-by-mail rate.
Sample Toll Comparison
| Toll Plaza | I-PASS Rate | Toll-by-Mail Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-90 at IL-53 | $1.50 | $3.00 | $1.50 |
| I-294 at I-90 | $0.75 | $1.50 | $0.75 |
| I-88 at IL-59 | $1.10 | $2.20 | $1.10 |
| I-355 at I-88 | $0.90 | $1.80 | $0.90 |
A driver who pays 4 tolls per day saves $3.00 per day with I-PASS. That equals $90 per month. That equals $1,095 per year. The $20 opening balance pays for itself in one week.
Commercial Discounts
Commercial accounts with 50 or more vehicles get extra discounts. The discount is 10% off the I-PASS rate. The discount applies to all tolls. The Illinois Tollway Authority negotiates special rates for very large fleets.
Illinois E-ZPass Replacement Tags
Drivers need a replacement tag if the old tag stops working. Reasons for replacement include:
- Battery failure (hard-case transponder only)
- Damaged tag
- Stolen tag
- Lost tag
- Vehicle sale or trade
- Windshield replacement
Replacement Process
- Log in to your account at getipass.com
- Click “Report Lost or Stolen Tag” or “Request Replacement”
- Report the tag’s serial number
- Request a new sticker tag or hard-case transponder
- Pay no fee for sticker tag replacement
- Pay $10 for hard-case transponder replacement
- Wait 7 to 10 days for the new tag to arrive
If you find a lost tag after reporting it, the tag is no longer valid. The Tollway Authority deactivates the tag. The tag will not scan at toll points. You must return the tag or throw it away.
For windshield replacement, the new tag is free. The old tag is destroyed when the windshield is removed. The Tollway Authority sends a free sticker tag to replace it.
Illinois E-ZPass and Vehicle Sales
When you sell your vehicle, you must update your I-PASS account. The process is:
- Log in to your account
- Click “Manage Vehicles”
- Select the vehicle you sold
- Click “Remove Vehicle”
- Confirm the removal
- Remove the tag from the windshield
The new owner must register a new tag for their account. If you buy a vehicle with an old I-PASS tag, the tag will not work. The Tollway Authority deactivates all tags when vehicles change hands.
If you buy a new vehicle, add it to your account right away. Order a new sticker tag for the new vehicle. The new tag arrives in 7 to 10 days. You can drive on the toll road with your old plate’s tag until the new tag arrives.
Illinois E-ZPass Customer Service
The Illinois Tollway Authority offers customer service by phone, email, and in person.
Phone Support
Phone: 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM
Saturday: 8 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: Closed
Phone support handles:
- Account setup
- Balance questions
- Lost or stolen tags
- Payment method updates
- Tag replacement
- Toll disputes
- Vehicle updates
Email Support
Email: customerservice@getipass.com
Email support responds in 1 to 2 business days. Email works for non-urgent questions.
In-Person Support
Customer service centers offer in-person help. No appointment is needed. Bring your ID and your vehicle registration. The staff can help with all account issues.
Illinois E-ZPass Account Closure
Account holders can close their I-PASS account any time. The process is:
- Pay any outstanding tolls
- Use up the account balance
- Log in to your account
- Click “Close Account”
- Return any hard-case transponders
- Get your $10 deposit back for each returned transponder
- Get any remaining balance by check or bank transfer
Account closure takes 4 to 6 weeks. The remaining balance is sent by check. The $10 deposit is sent after the transponder is received. Sticker tags do not need to be returned.
If you close your account, you can open a new account later. The new account will need a new opening balance. The Tollway Authority keeps old account records for 7 years.
Illinois E-ZPass and Rental Cars
Rental car companies in Illinois offer I-PASS service. The rental company adds a daily fee for the I-PASS tag. The fee covers all tolls during the rental period. The rental company charges the tolls to your credit card.
Major rental companies with I-PASS service:
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- National
- Dollar
- Thrifty
The daily fee is $3.00 to $5.00 per day. The tolls are charged at the I-PASS rate. The total cost is much lower than paying toll-by-mail fees. The total cost is also lower than violation notices.
You can also use your own I-PASS tag in a rental car. The tag must be registered to the rental car’s license plate. Call the Illinois Tollway Authority at 1-800-UC-IPASS to set up a temporary vehicle registration.
Illinois E-ZPass for Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks need I-PASS tags for toll roads. The Illinois Tollway Authority treats trucks based on the number of axles. More axles mean higher tolls.
Truck toll rates:
| Axles | I-PASS Rate per Mile |
|---|---|
| 2 axles | $0.06 |
| 3 axles | $0.13 |
| 4 axles | $0.20 |
| 5 axles | $0.26 |
| 6 axles | $0.33 |
| 7+ axles | $0.40 |
Commercial accounts get a discount on the per-mile rate. The discount depends on the number of vehicles. The minimum discount is 10%. The maximum discount is 30%.
Commercial trucks must declare the number of axles at the time of account setup. The Tollway Authority uses the declared axles for toll calculations. The driver must update the axles if the number changes.
Illinois E-ZPass Violations and Fees
Drivers without a working I-PASS tag pay toll-by-mail. The toll-by-mail rate is 2 times the I-PASS rate. There is also a $3.00 billing charge per notice.
If the toll-by-mail payment is late, the driver gets a violation notice. The notice includes:
- The unpaid toll amount
- The $3.00 billing charge
- A $20.00 late fee
- A $50.00 collection fee if sent to collections
If the driver pays the violation within 30 days, the late fee is waived. After 30 days, the late fee applies. After 60 days, the violation goes to collections. The driver’s license and registration can be suspended for unpaid tolls.
Drivers can dispute violations. The dispute process is online at getipass.com. The driver must show proof of a valid I-PASS tag at the time of the toll. The Tollway Authority responds in 30 days.
Illinois E-ZPass Privacy and Data Security
The Illinois Tollway Authority collects personal data for I-PASS accounts. The data includes:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Vehicle registration details
- Payment method details
- Toll history
The Tollway Authority uses the data to operate the I-PASS system. The data is shared with the Illinois State Police for law enforcement. The data is shared with collection agencies for unpaid tolls. The data is not sold to third parties.
The Tollway Authority uses encryption to protect the data. The website uses SSL. The payment system is PCI compliant. Account holders can request a copy of their data. Account holders can request data deletion after the account is closed.
Illinois E-ZPass and Out-of-State Travel
Illinois I-PASS works in 17 other states. Drivers on road trips do not need to buy separate tags for each state. The I-PASS tag scans at every EZ Pass toll point.
For example, a driver from Chicago can take I-90 to Indiana. The I-PASS tag pays the toll at the Indiana border. The toll shows up on the Illinois I-PASS statement. The driver pays the I-PASS rate.
Some toll facilities in other states charge higher rates for out-of-state tags. The Illinois I-PASS still saves the driver money. The savings depend on the toll facility and the distance traveled.
Illinois E-ZPass for Motorcycle Owners
Motorcycles can use I-PASS tags. The tag must be installed in a specific way. The tag must be visible to the toll readers.
For motorcycles, the tag placement is:
- Mount the tag on the headlight or front fairing
- Keep the tag vertical
- Do not place the tag on the rider’s helmet
- Do not put the tag in a pocket or saddlebag
Motorcycle riders who do not have an I-PASS tag pay toll-by-mail. The Illinois Tollway Authority uses the license plate to bill the toll. The toll-by-mail rate is 2 times the I-PASS rate.
Illinois E-ZPass Customer Service Contact Information
Official Website: getipass.com
Phone Number: 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277)
Email: customerservice@getipass.com
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM; Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM; Sunday, Closed
Address: Illinois Tollway Authority, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an Illinois E-ZPass after I order online?
Online orders for Illinois EZPass tags ship within 1 to 2 business days. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 days. The tag arrives by USPS. The package includes the tag and an installation guide. Account holders can track the shipment on the Illinois Tollway website. The tracking number is sent by email. The tag is ready to use as soon as you install it. Sticker tags need 24 hours to set. Hard-case transponders work right away. If the tag does not arrive within 14 days, contact customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS.
Can I use one I-PASS tag on two different vehicles?
No. Each I-PASS tag is linked to one license plate. The Illinois Tollway Authority does not allow tag sharing. If you use one tag on two vehicles, the system flags the account. The driver gets violation notices. The account may be closed. Each vehicle needs its own tag. Family households with multiple vehicles need multiple tags. The account can hold up to 10 tags for personal accounts. Commercial accounts can hold unlimited tags. The tag is free for sticker tags. The hard-case transponder costs $10 per device.
What happens if my I-PASS balance goes to zero while driving on a toll road?
If your I-PASS balance hits zero while driving, the tag still scans. The system records the toll. The system adds the toll to your account. The account balance goes negative. You must add money to the account within 30 days. The auto-replenishment system adds money automatically if you set it up. The minimum account balance is $20. The auto-replenishment adds $20 when the balance drops below $10. If auto-replenishment fails, the account goes into violation status. The Tollway Authority sends a notice. The driver must pay the toll plus a $3.00 billing fee.
Do I need to return my old hard-case transponder when I get a sticker tag?
Yes. The Illinois Tollway Authority asks drivers to return the old hard-case transponder. The Tollway Authority recycles the plastic and battery. The driver gets the $10 deposit back. The deposit is credited to the account automatically. The driver can also send the transponder by mail. The mailing address is on the Illinois Tollway website. The deposit takes 4 to 6 weeks to post. The sticker tag works on the same account. The sticker tag links to the same license plate. The old transponder stops working once the sticker tag is registered.
Can I get an I-PASS tag if I am not an Illinois resident?
Yes. Out-of-state drivers buy I-PASS tags for travel on Illinois toll roads and other EZ-Pass states. The application process is the same as for Illinois residents. Out-of-state drivers need a valid vehicle registration from their home state. The tag is mailed to any US address. Out-of-state drivers pay the same toll rates as Illinois residents. The I-PASS account is managed the same way. Out-of-state drivers get the same 50% discount off toll-by-mail rates. The Tollway Authority does not restrict out-of-state accounts.
What is the difference between Illinois I-PASS and E-ZPass from other states?
Illinois I-PASS and EZ Pass from other states are part of the same network. The tags work the same way. The toll rates are the same. The account management is different. Each state runs its own account system. Illinois I-PASS accounts are managed by the Illinois Tollway Authority. New York EZPass accounts are managed by the New York Tollway Authority. Drivers who live in New York and travel to Illinois can use their New York EZ-Pass tag. The tolls post to the New York account. The drivers pay the same rates as Illinois I-PASS users. Some states charge slightly higher rates for out-of-state tags.
How do I dispute a toll charge on my I-PASS account?
To dispute a toll charge, log in to your I-PASS account at getipass.com. Click “Toll History.” Find the toll you want to dispute. Click “Dispute.” Choose the reason for the dispute. The reasons include wrong toll amount, wrong vehicle, wrong location, or tag not working. Submit the dispute. The Illinois Tollway Authority reviews the dispute in 30 days. The Tollway Authority emails the decision. If the dispute is valid, the toll is refunded. If the dispute is denied, the driver can appeal. The appeal goes to the Illinois Tollway Authority Board. The Board’s decision is final.