Illinois E-ZPass rental car drivers use the EZPass electronic toll system to pay tolls on Illinois tollways without stopping at cash booths. The Illinois Tollway accepts both I-PASS (the Illinois-issued transponder) and any E-ZPass from the 19-state network. Rental car drivers face extra rules: rental companies charge daily fees for toll programs, license plates must be added to accounts, and missed tolls trigger violation penalties. This page covers the exact steps to set up EZ-Pass for a rental car, opt out of rental toll programs, and pay every Illinois toll on every trip.
What Is the Illinois E-ZPass Rental Car System
The Illinois EZPass rental car system combines the EZ-Pass national network with I-PASS accounts managed by the Illinois Tollway Authority. A transponder mounted on the windshield sends a radio signal to toll plaza readers. The toll deducts from a prepaid account tied to the transponder number. The system works on every Illinois toll road.
E-ZPass vs I-PASS for Rental Cars
E-ZPass and I-PASS are the same technology. I-PASS is the Illinois version. E-ZPass is the version issued by other states. Both transponders read on Illinois tollways. The difference is the issuing agency and the account fee.
- I-PASS: No monthly fee for Illinois residents. Transponder costs $10 (sticker) or $30 (portable).
- E-ZPass (out-of-state): Some states charge $1 per month. Transponder costs vary by state.
Rental car drivers pick I-PASS because it has no monthly fee. Out-of-state visitors with an existing E-ZPass can use it on Illinois toll roads without buying a new transponder.
Which Illinois Tollways Accept E-ZPass
The Illinois Tollway system covers four main roads. All four accept EZPass and I-PASS at every toll plaza.
- Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80): Runs from Indiana through Chicago’s south suburbs to Wisconsin.
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90): Runs from Chicago to Rockford and into Wisconsin.
- Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88): Runs from Chicago west to the Quad Cities.
- Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355): Runs through Chicago’s south and west suburbs.
Cashless tolling is active on parts of I-90 and I-88. Lanes marked I-Zoom accept I-PASS and EZPass only. Other lanes take cash. Drivers without a transponder can use Pay By Plate, which photographs the license plate and bills the registered owner.
Rental Car Toll Programs in Illinois
Major rental brands run their own toll services. The service charges a daily fee on top of the toll amount. Drivers who bring their own E-ZPass or I-PASS can decline the service at the counter.
Hertz E-ZPass Illinois
Hertz uses PlatePass for tolls. The daily fee is $9.99 plus tolls. Drivers with personal I-PASS can decline PlatePass at the counter. The agent marks the rental agreement to opt out. Hertz agents confirm the opt-out in writing.
Enterprise E-ZPass Illinois
Enterprise uses TollPass through a third-party administrator. The fee is $3.95 to $5.95 per day. Agents opt drivers out of the program at pickup. The opt-out appears on the rental contract.
Avis E-ZPass Illinois
Avis offers e-Toll through its toll service. The fee is $5.95 per day plus tolls. Drivers with their own I-PASS refuse the e-Toll service at the counter. The refusal goes in writing on the rental agreement.
Budget E-ZPass Illinois
Budget uses PlatePass for tolls. The fee is $9.99 per day plus tolls. Drivers with their own transponder can opt out at the counter. The agent adds a written confirmation to the rental agreement.
How to Set Up an I-PASS for a Rental Car
Setting up an I-PASS for a rental car takes about 10 minutes. The driver needs a credit card and an email address. The account can be created online or through the Illinois Tollway mobile app.
Step 1: Create an I-PASS Account
Visit the official Illinois Tollway website at illinoistollway.com or open the Illinois Tollway app. Click “Sign Up” and enter an email, password, and contact details. Link a credit card to fund the prepaid balance.
The minimum opening balance is $20. Drivers can add funds at any time. Auto-replenish keeps the balance above $20 by charging the linked card when it drops below a set amount.
Step 2: Order a Transponder
I-PASS offers two transponder types. The sticker transponder costs $10 and ships in 7 to 10 days. The portable transponder costs $30 and is available at select retail locations. For rental cars, the portable transponder works best because it moves between vehicles.
Step 3: Add the Rental Car License Plate
Log in to the I-PASS account and select “Add Vehicle.” Enter the rental car’s license plate number, state, and rental period. The system ties the transponder to the rental vehicle for the duration of the rental.
Step 4: Mount the Transponder
Place the sticker transponder behind the rearview mirror on the inside of the windshield. The portable transponder mounts on the dashboard with a suction cup. Some rental cars have built-in transponders. If so, close the built-in transponder’s shield so it does not interfere with the personal I-PASS.
Pay By Plate for Rental Cars in Illinois
Pay By Plate is the option for drivers without a transponder. Cameras at toll plazas snap photos of the license plate. The system matches the plate to the vehicle’s registered address. The tollway sends an invoice to the registered owner.
For rental cars, the registered owner is the rental company. The rental company pays the toll and adds a processing fee to the renter’s final bill. The processing fee can reach $25 per toll. Pay By Plate costs more than I-PASS for rental cars.
| Payment Method | Toll Cost (Example) | Processing Fee | Total per Toll |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-PASS / EZ-Pass | $1.50 | $0 | $1.50 |
| Pay By Plate | $3.00 | $10-$25 (rental fee) | $13-$28 |
| Rental E-Toll | $3.00 | $3.95-$9.99/day | $6.95-$12.99 |
I-PASS users pay 50% less than cash and Pay By Plate rates. A $3.00 cash toll costs $1.50 with I-PASS. The savings add up on long trips with multiple tolls.
Avoiding Double Billing on Illinois Tolls
Double billing happens when a rental company’s E-Toll program and the driver’s personal I-PASS both charge for the same toll. It occurs when drivers skip the opt-out at the rental counter.
To prevent double billing, follow these steps at the rental counter:
- Tell the agent “I have my own I-PASS, do not add the toll program.”
- Ask the agent to write “Declined E-Toll” on the rental agreement.
- Check the final agreement before signing.
- Keep the marked agreement until the rental bill closes.
If double billing occurs, contact the rental company with the agreement copy. The refund process takes 7 to 14 business days.
Illinois Toll Violations and Rental Cars
An unpaid toll becomes a violation after 30 days. The Illinois Tollway sends a notice to the vehicle’s registered owner. For rental cars, the rental company receives the notice and charges the renter a processing fee on top of the toll.
Violations cost more than standard tolls. A $3.00 toll can become a $50 violation after fees. The fee structure is:
- 0-30 days: Standard toll amount.
- 31-60 days: Toll amount + $1.00 administrative fee per toll.
- 60+ days: Toll amount + $20.00 violation fee per toll.
Drivers who miss a toll can pay it through Pay By Plate within 30 days. The Illinois Tollway website lets drivers search by license plate and pay outstanding tolls.
E-ZPass Flex for Rental Cars in Illinois
EZ Pass Flex is a transponder with an HOV switch. The switch sets the transponder to HOV mode for toll discounts in carpools. Drivers carrying 2 or more passengers in an HOV lane get a reduced toll.
Illinois does not have HOV-only toll lanes. The E-ZPass Flex works on Illinois toll roads in standard mode. Drivers do not need a Flex transponder for Illinois tolls. I-PASS or standard E-ZPass works on all Illinois toll roads.
Illinois Tollway Authority Rental Car Agreement
The Illinois Tollway Authority has no formal agreement with rental car companies. The agency processes tolls through the EZPass network. Rental companies handle their own billing and pass charges to renters.
The Tollway Authority runs a customer service line for rental car issues. Drivers can call 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) for help with missing tolls, account issues, or transponder problems. The line operates Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM Central Time.
Pre-Trip Checklist for E-ZPass Rental Cars
Before driving, complete these steps:
- Confirm the I-PASS account has at least $20 balance.
- Add the rental car’s license plate to the account.
- Mount the transponder in the rental car.
- Decline the rental company’s E-Toll program in writing.
- Check that the vehicle’s built-in transponder shield is closed.
- Test the transponder at a low-traffic toll plaza.
Post-Trip Checklist for E-ZPass Rental Cars
After returning the rental car, complete these steps:
- Remove the rental car’s license plate from the I-PASS account within 7 days.
- Check the I-PASS account for missing tolls within 14 days.
- Review the final rental bill for any E-Toll charges.
- Dispute any E-Toll charges with the rental company in writing.
Chicago Toll Roads for Rental Cars
Chicago drivers encounter tolls on I-90, I-94, I-294, and I-355. The heaviest toll zones are on I-294 near O’Hare and I-90 into downtown Chicago. A trip from O’Hare to downtown Chicago costs $2.50 with I-PASS or $5.00 with cash or Pay By Plate.
The Illinois Route 390 toll road runs from I-90 to Elk Grove Village. The road uses all-electronic tolling. Drivers in rental cars need either an I-PASS or Pay By Plate for this road.
Illinois Toll Bridge Rental Car Fees
Illinois has one toll bridge under state authority. The Mackinaw Bridge connects Illinois and Michigan. The bridge accepts EZPass and cash. Rental car drivers pay the toll through their transponder or through the rental company’s E-Toll program.
The bridge toll is $2.00 for cars with I-PASS or $4.00 for cash. EZPass from any other state works on the bridge.
Toll Cost Comparison for Illinois Trips
| Trip | Tolls (Cash) | Tolls (I-PASS) | Savings with I-PASS |
|---|---|---|---|
| O’Hare to Downtown Chicago | $5.00 | $2.50 | $2.50 |
| Chicago to Rockford | $11.20 | $5.60 | $5.60 |
| Chicago to Galena | $14.00 | $7.00 | $7.00 |
| Chicago to Starved Rock | $5.60 | $2.80 | $2.80 |
| Chicago to Quad Cities | $12.00 | $6.00 | $6.00 |
Most rental car drivers in Illinois save $5 to $15 per trip by using I-PASS instead of cash or Pay By Plate.
Illinois Tollway Customer Service Contact
Drivers who need help with EZ Pass, I-PASS, or rental car toll issues can contact the Illinois Tollway Authority through the channels below.
Official Website: https://www.illinoistollway.com
Customer Service Phone: 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time
Mailing Address: Illinois Tollway, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
Mobile App: Illinois Tollway app (iOS and Android)
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address common issues with E-ZPass for rental cars in Illinois. Each answer provides specific steps, current pricing, and contact details based on the latest Illinois Tollway Authority rules.
How do I pay tolls in a rental car in Illinois?
The cheapest way to pay tolls in a rental car in Illinois is with an I-PASS transponder. Drivers can order a sticker transponder for $10 or a portable transponder for $30 from the Illinois Tollway website. The transponder ties to a prepaid account with a minimum $20 balance. Drivers without an I-PASS can use Pay By Plate, which charges the rental company’s registered address. The rental company then charges the driver a processing fee of $10 to $25 per toll. Rental company E-Toll programs charge $3.95 to $9.99 per day plus the toll amount. Drivers with their own I-PASS save 50% on every toll compared to cash or Pay By Plate rates.
Can I use my E-ZPass from another state in an Illinois rental car?
Yes, E-ZPass from any member state works on Illinois toll roads. The Illinois Tollway accepts all E-ZPass transponders. Drivers do not need a separate I-PASS. The toll amount deducts from the EZ-Pass account based on the issuing state’s rates. Monthly account fees vary by state. Some states charge $1 per month. Out-of-state EZPass users should check their account statements for proper billing. The EZ Pass network covers 19 states from Maine to Illinois.
What happens if I forget to pay a toll in a rental car?
Unpaid tolls in Illinois become violations after 30 days. The Illinois Tollway sends a notice to the vehicle’s registered owner, which is the rental company. The rental company charges the driver a processing fee of $15 to $25 per toll. After 60 days, the toll becomes a $20 violation per toll. Drivers can pay missed tolls within 30 days through Pay By Plate on the Illinois Tollway website to avoid penalties. Pay By Plate accepts license plate searches and processes credit card payments.
Do I need an E-ZPass Flex for Illinois rental cars?
No, EZPass Flex is not required for Illinois toll roads. Illinois does not have HOV-only toll lanes. Standard E-ZPass and I-PASS transponders work on all Illinois toll roads. The Flex switch is for HOV discounts in states like Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. Rental car drivers in Illinois save money with standard I-PASS, not Flex. The Flex transponder costs more and offers no extra benefit in Illinois.
How do I avoid rental car toll fees in Illinois?
Tell the rental agent at pickup that you have your own I-PASS or EZ Pass transponder. Ask the agent to mark the rental agreement “Declined E-Toll” or similar language. Verify the agreement shows no toll service charge before signing. Keep the marked agreement. If the rental company charges an E-Toll fee anyway, dispute the charge with the company and provide the agreement copy. The dispute process takes 7 to 14 business days. Credit card chargebacks work as a backup if the rental company refuses the dispute.
What is the Illinois Tollway customer service number for rental car issues?
Drivers can call the Illinois Tollway customer service line at 1-800-UC-IPASS (1-800-824-7277) for help with tolls, accounts, and transponder issues. The line operates Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM Central Time. Drivers can also email through the contact form on illinoistollway.com. The Illinois Tollway app provides account access, toll payment, and license plate search. The tollway responds to inquiries within 2 business days.
How much does I-PASS save on Illinois tolls for rental cars?
I-PASS saves 50% on every Illinois toll compared to cash rates. A $3.00 cash toll costs $1.50 with I-PASS. A trip from Chicago to Rockford costs $5.60 with I-PASS or $11.20 with cash. Drivers on a five-day rental trip with 10 tolls save $28.00 by using I-PASS instead of rental company E-Toll programs. The savings cover the $30 portable transponder cost after one trip. Frequent Illinois toll road users save $100 or more per year with I-PASS.