Illinois E-ZPass fees and costs cover the price of transponders, toll rates, account charges, and violation fines. Most Illinois drivers pay nothing to start an account, no monthly fee, and only a small replacement fee if a tag gets lost. I-PASS, the Illinois version of EZ-Pass, gives drivers the lowest toll rates on the Illinois Tollway system.
The Illinois Tollway operates four toll roads: the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80), the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), and the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355). A separate road, the Chicago Skyway, charges its own tolls and does not offer an I-PASS discount.
I-PASS Sticker Tag and Traditional Transponder Costs
Illinois offers two main transponder types through its I-PASS program. Each one has different upfront costs, deposits, and replacement fees.
| Transponder Type | Acquisition Cost | Deposit | Replacement Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-PASS Sticker Tag | Free from official I-PASS sources; $5-$10 at retail stores like Jewel-Osco | None | $5-$10 |
| Traditional Transponder | Free with account | $10 (refundable) | $5-$10 |
The I-PASS Sticker Tag is free when ordered directly from the Illinois Tollway website at getipass.com or picked up at official Customer Service Centers. Retail stores like Jewel-Osco and RoadRanger charge a $5 to $10 service fee for the same tag. The traditional transponder costs nothing upfront but requires a $10 refundable deposit.
Drivers who switch vehicles often may prefer the portable traditional transponder. Drivers who keep the same car for years save money with the free sticker tag. Illinois extended the use of traditional transponders through 2027, but new accounts now receive sticker tags by default.
Illinois Tollway Toll Rates for 2026
Illinois Tollway toll rates for passenger cars with I-PASS range from $0.07 to $0.20 per mile. These rates have been frozen at 2012 levels since 2012 for I-PASS users. A round trip from Chicago to Rockford on I-90 costs about $5 to $7 with I-PASS.
Trucks pay higher rates based on the number of axles. A two-axle truck pays roughly $0.15 per mile. A nine-axle truck pays close to $1.00 per mile. Truck toll rates increased on January 1, 2026, based on axle count.
| Vehicle Type | I-PASS Rate (per mile) | Pay By Plate Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car | $0.07-$0.20 | About double I-PASS |
| 2-Axle Truck | $0.15 | About double I-PASS |
| 9-Axle Truck | $1.00 | About double I-PASS |
Drivers without an I-PASS or EZPass pay roughly double through the Pay By Plate system. The system photographs the license plate and mails an invoice to the registered owner. Drivers can calculate exact toll costs using the Illinois Tollway Trip Calculator on the official website.
Chicago Skyway Tolls and Fees
The Chicago Skyway charges a flat toll of about $7.50 for passenger cars. This road is separate from the Illinois Tollway system and does not offer an I-PASS discount. Drivers with EZ-Pass or I-PASS still pay the full Skyway rate.
Illinois-issued transponders add a $0.03 transaction fee per trip on the Skyway. This small fee covers processing costs for Illinois accounts on the privately operated road. Drivers pay this fee in addition to the base toll.
The Skyway accepts EZPass, cash, and credit cards at its toll booths. EZ Pass-only lanes move faster than cash lanes during peak hours. Drivers who travel the Skyway regularly should budget for the full toll plus the transaction fee on each trip.
Account Fees, Replacement Costs, and Service Charges
Illinois does not charge a monthly account fee for I-PASS accounts. Many other EZPass states charge $1 to $1.50 per month, but Illinois waived this charge to encourage enrollment. The Illinois EZ Pass monthly fee stays at zero for standard personal accounts.
Replacement costs for lost or damaged transponders range from $5 to $10. The same fee applies whether the driver loses a sticker tag or a traditional transponder. Drivers who close their accounts and return working equipment receive a refund of the $10 deposit on traditional transponders.
| Fee Type | Illinois Tollway | Chicago Skyway |
|---|---|---|
| Account Monthly Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Transaction Fee | $0 | $0.03 per transit |
| Transponder Deposit | $0 (sticker) / $10 (traditional) | Same |
| Replacement Fee | $5-$10 | Same |
| Low Balance Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rental car companies often charge $3 to $15 per day in toll admin fees. Drivers who rent cars and use toll roads should check the rental agreement before driving. Some rental companies offer transponder rental options that include all toll charges in one daily fee.
Violation Fines and Late Payment Penalties
Missed tolls on the Illinois Tollway create a Pay By Plate invoice. Drivers have 14 days to pay this invoice before a $3 fee applies to each unpaid toll. The Illinois Tollway sends the invoice to the address on file with the license plate registration.
Unpaid invoices become toll violation notices with fines starting at $20 per toll. Repeat violators face higher fines up to $50 per toll. Drivers who ignore violation notices may face additional collection actions and court fees.
The Chicago Skyway gives drivers 10 days to pay missed tolls before adding a $3 invoice fee. The same escalation process applies for unpaid Skyway tolls. Illinois offers an amnesty program that reduces violation fines by 25% for drivers who settle quickly through November 2026.
Drivers who dispute a charge can contact Illinois Tollway customer service at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277). The customer service team reviews disputes and may reverse charges for valid claims. Drivers should keep records of all account activity when filing disputes.
Multi-State E-ZPass Travel and Interoperability
Illinois I-PASS works on every toll road in the EZ Pass network. The E-ZPass Interagency Group includes 19 states across the eastern United States. Drivers can use one I-PASS account for tolls from Indiana to Maine without paying separate fees to each state.
Toll rates on out-of-state roads follow each state’s pricing rules. The Indiana Toll Road charges about $1.50 per entry for passenger cars. The Ohio Turnpike charges rates based on distance traveled. Drivers who take long trips across multiple states should budget for the full toll at each plaza.
Some EZ-Pass states charge monthly account fees even when drivers use the transponder only a few times per year. Illinois does not charge this fee, but other states in the network may add $1 to $1.50 monthly charges to the same account. Drivers should check fee policies before opening accounts in multiple states.
How to Sign Up for I-PASS in Illinois
Drivers can open an I-PASS account online at getipass.com, by phone, or at any Illinois Tollway Customer Service Center. The sign-up process asks for a name, address, license plate number, and payment method. Drivers receive a free sticker tag by mail within 5 to 7 business days.
New accounts require a starting balance of $20. The account automatically adds money when the balance drops below $10. Drivers can link a credit card, debit card, or checking account for automatic replenishment. Cash payments are accepted at Customer Service Centers and retail locations.
- Visit getipass.com or call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277).
- Enter personal details and vehicle information.
- Add $20 starting balance with a credit card, debit card, or bank account.
- Receive the free sticker tag by mail or pick it up at a service center.
- Mount the sticker tag on the windshield behind the rearview mirror.
Customer Service Centers operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main center is located at 2700 Ogden Avenue in Downers Grove, Illinois. Walk-in customers can open accounts, buy transponders, and pay violations at any center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois E-ZPass Fees and Costs
Below are answers to common questions about Illinois E-ZPass fees, transponder costs, toll rates, and violation penalties. These answers reflect the latest 2026 policies from the Illinois Tollway Authority.
How much does an I-PASS cost in Illinois?
The I-PASS sticker tag costs nothing when ordered from getipass.com or picked up at an Illinois Tollway Customer Service Center. Retail stores like Jewel-Osco charge a $5 to $10 service fee for the same sticker. Traditional transponders come with a $10 refundable deposit. There is no activation fee for any I-PASS transponder type.
Is there a monthly fee for I-PASS in Illinois?
No, Illinois does not charge a monthly account fee for I-PASS accounts. The Illinois E-ZPass monthly fee stays at zero for personal accounts. Business accounts may face different fee structures based on fleet size and usage. Other EZPass states charge $1 to $1.50 monthly, but Illinois waived this fee to boost enrollment.
What happens if I miss a toll payment in Illinois?
Missed tolls create a Pay By Plate invoice that gives drivers 14 days to pay. After 14 days, a $3 invoice fee applies to each unpaid toll. Continued non-payment escalates the charge to a violation notice with fines starting at $20 per toll. The toll goes to collections after multiple missed payments.
How much does it cost to replace a lost I-PASS?
Lost or damaged I-PASS transponders cost $5 to $10 to replace, whether the driver owns a sticker tag or a traditional transponder. The replacement fee covers the cost of the new tag and shipping. Drivers who close their accounts and return working equipment receive a full refund of the $10 traditional transponder deposit.
Do I-PASS and E-ZPass cost the same in Illinois?
I-PASS is the official Illinois brand of EZPass. The transponder works on every E-ZPass road in 19 states. Illinois drivers pay the same toll rate with I-PASS as out-of-state E-ZPass users. The difference lies in account fees and customer service, where I-PASS offers zero monthly charges and Illinois-based support.
What is the cheapest way to use Illinois toll roads?
The cheapest way to use Illinois toll roads is with an I-PASS sticker tag. I-PASS users pay $0.07 to $0.20 per mile on the Illinois Tollway, while Pay By Plate customers pay roughly double that rate. The sticker tag itself costs nothing from official sources, so the only upfront expense is the $20 starting account balance.
Can I get a refund on my I-PASS deposit?
Yes, drivers who close their I-PASS accounts receive a refund of the $10 traditional transponder deposit when they return the working equipment. Sticker tag holders have no deposit to refund. Account balances above the starting threshold return to the original payment method within 30 days of account closure.