How to Get an Illinois I-Pass: 5 Easy Methods (2024)

Co-authored byAli Garbacz, B.A.

Last Updated: May 15, 2023Fact Checked

Things You Should Know

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1. 1

   Go to the Illinois Tollway website and create an account. Go to illinoistollway.com and click the “Get I-PASS” option to get to the I-PASS information page. Select “Open I-PASS Account” to create an account. Fill in the necessary information, including your name, email address, and a password and security question.^[1]

   • After you’ve entered your information, verify your email address by clicking on the link they send to your email.
2. 2

   Enter the number of transponders you need. In addition to this, specify whether or not this is a personal or business account you’re setting up. Keep in mind that you have the option to register multiple vehicles to a single I-PASS account. So if you don’t want to order multiple I-PASSes, you have the option to just buy 1 and move it between vehicles.^[2]

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3. 3

   Fill out your personal information. This includes your name, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and driver's license number. Double-check all of this information to make sure it’s entered correctly before submitting.^[3]

   • The address you provide is where your I-PASS will be shipped.
4. 4

   Enter a record for each vehicle that you will use your transponder(s) with. For every vehicle that you’ll be using the I-PASS with, enter the vehicle’s registration information, license plate number, and license plate type. Multiple vehicles, including motorcycles, can be registered under a single account and can use the same transponder.^[4]

   • You’re also able to use your I-PASS on a rental vehicle. Add the plates of the rental car to your I-PASS account as well as the start and end dates of your rental.^[5]
   • If you use a transponder on an unregistered vehicle, you will be fined.
5. 5

   Pay for your I-PASS and load it with money for tolls. There is a $10 refundable deposit and a minimum of $40 for tolls if you choose automatic replenishment. For manual replenishment, it’s a $20 refundable deposit and $40 for tolls. Enter a valid debit or credit card onto the site to make these payments. Allow up to 3 weeks for processing and delivery to the address you provided.^[6]

   • You have the option to have your funds automatically reloaded with the automatic balance replenishment feature. Your transponder will automatically withdraw money from the debit or credit card you’ve entered when it falls below $10.
   • Replenishment amounts range from $40 to $1,000.

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1. 1

   Call 800-UC-IPASS (800-824-7277). You’ll be led through a series of automated prompts and will be asked which service you’re in need of. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.^[7]

   • Services that can be used over the phone include getting an account application, opening a new account, getting an I-PASS, and activating your transponder.^[8]
   • If you have a question and want to talk to customer service, they’re available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
2. 2

   Enter your personal information. Follow the prompts and provide the information needed to set up your account. This includes things such as your name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number. The address you enter is where they’ll ship your transponder, so confirm that what you’ve entered is correct before moving on.^[9]

3. 3

   Select your payment preferences. Either enter your card information or choose to send a check to pay for your I-PASS. If you want to pay by cash, visit one of the Customer Service Centers. If you want the automatic replenishment option for your I-PASS, it will cost $50 ($10 refundable deposit + $40 toll balance). Manual replenishment will be $60 ($20 refundable deposit + $40 toll balance).^[10]

   • If sending a check, address it to Illinois Tollway and send it to
     I-PASS
     2700 Ogden Avenue
     Downers Grove, IL 60515
   • Automatic replenishment means that your I-PASS balance is automatically refilled once it gets below $10. Your I-PASS draws money from the card you linked to your account.
   • Mantual replenishment means you are responsible for refilling your I-PASS balance when it gets low either online, over the phone, or in person at a Customer Service Center.
4. 4

   Allow for up to 3 weeks for your I-PASS to arrive. Depending on how fast you get your payment in and where you live, it can take up to 3 weeks for your transponder to get to your door. If you have any questions or concerns while you wait, don’t hesitate to call customer service using the same number.

   See Also

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1. 1

   Visit your nearest Jewel-Osco to get an I-PASS. Pick up an I-PASS transponder on your next visit to the grocery store. Nearly 200 Jewel-Osco locations in Illinois provide I-PASS and I-PASS gift cards. Some of these locations include:^[11]

   • 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 applies a $2.90 service charge per transponder.
2. 2

   Go to a local Road Ranger location to make your purchase. Pick up a transponder for both passenger vehicles and semi-tractor trailers. These locations also offer gift cards that can be used to reload I-PASS funds, as well as replacement transponders. There are currently 6 Road Ranger locations that sell I-PASS transponders. These are:^[12]

   • 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
3. 3

   Activate your transponder. Activation is required for transponders bought at a Jewel-Osco or Road Ranger location. Activate our transponder either online at www.illinoistollway.com or by calling (800)-926-6500. Enter the serial number on your I-PASS as well as the activation code. Both of these are on the activation sticker on your transponder.^[13]

   • Once activated, transponders are ready for use within 24 hours in Illinois and within 48 hours in other states that accept I-PASS.

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1. 1

   Complete the I-PASS application. Print out this form and fill it out completely with all of the necessary information. Fill out your personal information as well as the information of the vehicles you’ll be registering to add to your I-PASS.^[14]

   • Double-check to make sure all of your information is filled out correctly.
   • The address you enter is where your transponder will be sent, so make sure that this is accurate.
   • Download the application en Español here.
2. 2

   Enter your card information or write a check. If you plan on mailing in your application, you have the option to pay the fee for your I-PASS and initial balance either by debit/credit card or check. If you choose to pay by card, write your card information in the designated area. If you’d rather send in a check, address it to Illinois Tollway.^[15]

   • It’s $50 to open an automatic replenishment account ($10 refundable deposit + $40 prepaid tolls). This type of account automatically fills up your balance with the amount you set when your funds get low.
   • Manual replenishment of accounts requires a $60 payment ($20 refundable deposit + $40 prepaid tolls). This means you’re responsible for filling up your funds on your I-PASS when they get low.
   • If you prefer to pay in cash, visit a Customer Service Center to make your payment.
3. 3

   Send your application and payment in by mail. Place your application and check (if you chose to pay that way) in an envelope and mail it to the address below. Allow up to 3 weeks for your transponder to arrive.^[16]

   • I-PASS
     2700 Ogden Avenue
     Downers Grove, IL 60515

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1. 1

   Find an I-PASS Customer Service Center near you. There are many Customer Service Centers around Illinois. Most of them are located within Oases rest stops, which are located along major highways and tollways throughout the state. Hours may vary depending on your location, so check the locations and hours below.^[17]

   • Weekdays 7 AM to 6 PM
     • The Tollway's Central Administration Building: 2700 Ogden Avenue in 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
   • Mondays Only, 10 AM to 3 PM
     • Hinsdale Oasis: Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Milepost 25
   • Fridays Only, 10 AM to 2 PM
     • DeKalb Oasis: Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), Milepost 93
2. 2

   Ask for an I-PASS application and fill out your information. Fill out your personal information (name, address, email, phone number, company information, etc.) and the information of the vehicles you’re registering under your I-PASS. Make sure all of this information is correct and legible once you’re done. The address you write will be where your transponder is mailed.^[18]

   • I-PASS Customer Service Centers offer the full range of services that may not be available online or by phone. This includes things like signing up for I-PASS Assist, replacing a transponder, and getting mounting strips.
   • Find the full list of services here.
3. 3

   Pay by card, check, or cash for I-PASS fees and the account balance. Customer Service Centers take all forms of payment, including cash. It’s a $50 charge when you sign up for automatic balance replenishment ($10 refundable deposit + $40 minimum balance) and $60 for manual balance replenishment ($20 refundable deposit + $40 minimum balance).^[19]

   • If you’re paying by check, address it to Illinois Tollway.

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