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Here are the easiest ways to purchase an I-PASS transponder
With an Illinois I-PASS, paying tolls is faster and more efficient. Forget about wasting time looking for coins—just keep moving toward your next destination. What makes the process even more convenient is the variety of ways you can acquire your I-PASS: online, over the phone, or in person. Read on as we guide you through all the different options for obtaining your I-PASS transponder and where you can pick one up. Soon, you’ll be driving Illinois toll roads without a single toll-related hassle.
Important Details to Keep in Mind
- Create an account at www.illinoistollway.com and complete the online application to request your I-PASS.
- Call (800)-824-7277 to order your I-PASS transponder over the phone.
- Stop by a local Jewel-Osco or select Road Ranger locations to pick up your I-PASS in person.
- Visit an I-PASS Customer Service Center (usually located at Oases rest stops) to speak with a representative and complete your I-PASS application.
How to Get Your I-PASS: Step-by-Step
Online
Visit the Illinois Tollway website to create your account. Go to illinoistollway.com and click on the 'Get I-PASS' link to reach the I-PASS page. From there, select the 'Open I-PASS Account' option to start the account creation process. Provide the necessary details such as your name, email address, password, and a security question.
- Once you’ve entered your details, confirm your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox.
Indicate how many transponders you need. Additionally, specify whether the account is for personal or business use. Remember, you can register multiple vehicles to a single I-PASS account. This way, you only need to purchase one transponder and move it between vehicles instead of buying several.
Complete your personal information. This will include your full name, mailing address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and driver’s license number. Double-check all details to ensure accuracy before submitting.
- The address you enter will be the destination for your I-PASS shipment.
Provide the details for each vehicle you'll use with your transponder. For each vehicle, enter the registration information, license plate number, and plate type. You can register multiple vehicles, including motorcycles, under one account and share the same transponder.
- Your I-PASS can also be used in a rental car. Simply add the rental car’s plates and the start and end dates of the rental to your account.
- If you use your transponder with an unregistered vehicle, you will be fined.
Make your I-PASS payment and load funds for tolls. A refundable deposit of $10 is required, along with a minimum balance of $40 for tolls if you choose automatic replenishment. For manual replenishment, the deposit is $20, and you still need to load $40 for tolls. Provide a valid debit or credit card to complete the payment. Processing and delivery to the address you’ve provided may take up to 3 weeks.
- With automatic replenishment, your I-PASS balance will be refilled automatically from your linked card whenever it dips below $10.
- Replenishment amounts range from $40 to $1,000.
By Phone
Dial 800-UC-IPASS (800-824-7277). You’ll be guided through a series of automated steps, where you can choose the service you need. This number is available 24/7 for your convenience.
- Phone services include obtaining an account application, opening a new account, getting an I-PASS, and activating your transponder.
- If you need to speak with customer service, they are available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Provide your personal information. Follow the steps to input details such as your name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number. Double-check your address, as this is where your transponder will be shipped before proceeding.
Choose your payment method. You can enter your card details or send a check to pay for your I-PASS. For cash payments, visit a Customer Service Center. If you select the automatic replenishment feature, the cost will be $50 ($10 refundable deposit + $40 toll balance). For manual replenishment, the cost will be $60 ($20 refundable deposit + $40 toll balance).
- If you opt to pay by check, mail it to: Illinois Tollway, I-PASS, 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
- Automatic replenishment ensures that your balance is topped up whenever it drops below $10, using the debit or credit card linked to your account.
- Manual replenishment means you'll need to refill your balance yourself either online, by phone, or in person at a Customer Service Center.
It may take up to 3 weeks for your I-PASS to arrive. Depending on your payment speed and your location, delivery of your transponder could take as long as 3 weeks. If you have any questions or need assistance while waiting, feel free to reach out to customer service using the same contact number provided earlier.
Jewel-Osco & Road Ranger
Head to your nearest Jewel-Osco to get an I-PASS. Next time you’re shopping, pick up an I-PASS transponder. There are nearly 200 Jewel-Osco locations across Illinois that offer I-PASS transponders and I-PASS gift cards. Here are a few of the locations where you can find them:
- 140 W. Lake Street, Addison
- 1127 S. York Street, Bensenville
- 750 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream
- 819 S. Elmhurst Road, Des Plaines
- 20 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village
- Jewel-Osco charges a $2.90 service fee per transponder.
Visit a local Road Ranger location to buy your transponder. Road Ranger locations offer I-PASS transponders for both passenger cars and semi-trucks. These sites also sell I-PASS gift cards for reloading your account and provide replacement transponders. Here are the 6 Road Ranger locations where you can purchase I-PASS transponders:
- 19 N. 681 U.S. Highway 20, Hampshire
- 7500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
- 6070 Gardner St., South Beloit
- 4980 S. Main St., Rockford
- 890 E. Hwy 38, Rochelle
- 902 N. Elida St., Winnebago
Activate your transponder. If you purchase your transponder at a Jewel-Osco or Road Ranger, activation is required. You can activate your transponder online at www.illinoistollway.com or by calling (800)-926-6500. You'll need to enter the serial number and activation code, both of which are located on the activation sticker on your transponder.
- Once activated, the transponder will be functional within 24 hours in Illinois and within 48 hours in other states that accept I-PASS.
By Mail
Fill out the I-PASS application form. Download and print this form, then complete it with all the required information. Be sure to include your personal details as well as the vehicle information for those you plan to register to your I-PASS.
- Double-check that all fields are filled out correctly.
- The address provided will be the one used to mail your transponder, so ensure its accuracy.
- If you need the application in Spanish, you can download it here.
Provide your payment details or send a check. When mailing in your application, you can choose to pay for your I-PASS and initial toll balance by debit/credit card or by check. To pay by card, simply enter your card details in the provided space. If you prefer to send a check, make it payable to Illinois Tollway.
- The cost for setting up an automatic replenishment account is $50 ($10 refundable deposit + $40 prepaid tolls). This option automatically replenishes your I-PASS balance when it falls below your set threshold.
- For a manual replenishment account, the cost is $60 ($20 refundable deposit + $40 prepaid tolls). This means you’ll manually top up your balance when needed.
- If you wish to pay in cash, you can visit a Customer Service Center to complete the payment.
Mail your completed application and payment. Place your filled-out application and check (if applicable) in an envelope and send it to the address below. Please allow up to 3 weeks for your transponder to arrive.
- I-PASS
2700 Ogden Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Customer Service Center
Locate an I-PASS Customer Service Center near you. Illinois has numerous Customer Service Centers, many of which are conveniently located within Oases rest stops along major highways and tollways throughout the state. Operating hours can vary, so be sure to check the locations and times listed below.
- Weekdays: 7 AM to 6 PM
- The Tollway's Central Administration Building: 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL
- Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis: Tri-State Tollway (I-294/I-80), Milepost 1
- Lake Forest Oasis: Tri-State Tollway (I-94), Milepost 18
- Belvidere Oasis: Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), Milepost 24
- Des Plaines Oasis: Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90), Milepost 74.5
- O'Hare Oasis: Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Milepost 38
- Monday Only: 10 AM to 3 PM
- Hinsdale Oasis: Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Milepost 25
- Friday Only: 10 AM to 2 PM
- DeKalb Oasis: Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), Milepost 93
Request an I-PASS application and provide your details. Complete the application form by entering your personal details (name, address, email, phone number, company details, etc.) as well as the information of the vehicles you want to register under your I-PASS. Be sure to verify that all information is correct and legible. The address you provide will be where your transponder is sent.
- Customer Service Centers provide a full array of services that might not be available online or by phone. This includes signing up for I-PASS Assist, replacing a lost transponder, and obtaining mounting strips.
- For a full list of available services, check out here.
Pay for your I-PASS account using card, check, or cash. Customer Service Centers accept all types of payments, including cash. The fee for setting up an automatic replenishment account is $50 ($10 refundable deposit + $40 initial toll balance), and $60 for manual replenishment ($20 refundable deposit + $40 initial balance).
- If paying by check, please make it payable to Illinois Tollway.
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Register for online account management on the Illinois Tollway website. It’s an easy way to track your balance, view your transaction history, and update your credit card details or vehicle information.
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If you're visiting from the Northeast and already have an EZ-Pass, there's no need to get an I-PASS, as the EZ-Pass is compatible with Illinois toll roads.
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Anyone can obtain an Illinois I-PASS, regardless of whether they are a resident of Illinois.
