5 Ways to Get an Illinois I-Pass and Where to Buy It

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The most convenient ways to buy an I-PASS transponder
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An Illinois I-PASS makes paying tolls quick and easy. No need to spend precious minutes counting coins when you could be on the road heading to your destination. What makes this even better is that there are so many ways to apply for an I-PASS, whether that be online, over the phone, or in person. Keep reading as we take you through all of the different ways you can get your I-PASS transponder and where specifically you can go to buy one. Soon you’ll be cruising along the Illinois toll roads without a single toll-related worry.

Things You Should Know

  • Sign up for an account at www.illinoistollway.com and fill out an online application to order your I-PASS.
  • Call (800)-824-7277 to order an I-PASS transponder over the phone.
  • Visit your local Jewel-Osco or select Road Ranger locations to pick up an I-PASS in person.
  • Go to an I-PASS Customer Service Center (mostly located in Oases rest stops) to speak to a representative and fill out an I-PASS application.
Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Online

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  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Over the Phone

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  1. 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. 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. 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. 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.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Jewel-Osco & Road Ranger

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  1. 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. 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. 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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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

By Mail

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  1. 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. 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. 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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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Customer Service Center

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  1. 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. 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. 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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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I buy an I Pass quickly?
    Community Answer
    Go to a Jewel Osco, or an I Pass customer service counter at some selected Oases. Do not order online, as you'll have to wait for a full month for it to arrive.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 11 Helpful 63
  • Question
    Can I buy an I pass and use it on a rental car?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Add the rental car to your account before your trip. Remove it after the tolls appear on your account.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 43
  • Question
    Is an EZ pass the same as an Ipass?
    Community Answer
    They are similar. You can pay for tolls with your I-Pass wherever the E-ZPass is accepted. You can't pay for other E-ZPass charges, like parking, with your I-Pass.
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      Tips

      • Sign up on the Illinois Tollways website to manage your I-PASS account online. This is an easy way to check your balance and transactions as well as update credit card information or add a vehicle to your account.
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      • If you are visiting from the Northeast and have an EZ-Pass, you don't need to get an I-PASS. The EZ-PASS works on Illinois toll roads.
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      • You don't have to be an Illinois resident to get an Illinois I-PASS.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://getipass.com/
      2. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86147/I-PASS+FAQs_0917.pdf/bba788df-a923-4597-98d3-8621fbe2bdf8?version=1.0
      3. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/about-ipass
      4. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/1172846/IPASS-Owners_OnePager-FINAL_1021.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/about-ipass
      6. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86147/IPASS_AGREEMENT.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/contact-us
      8. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86147/Customer+Service+Provided_0816.pdf/f61d7fa7-1a45-48af-bd10-888d1b607ebb
      9. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86147/I-PASS+FAQs_0917.pdf/bba788df-a923-4597-98d3-8621fbe2bdf8?version=1.0
      1. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86150/2012_MoveIllinois_IPASS_FactSheet.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/99512/IllinoisRoute390Tollway_WhereToGetAnIPASSPoster_Toolkit_12x18.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.roadrangerusa.com/locations-amenities/amenities/ipass
      4. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86150/I-PASS+Owners+Manual.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86186/IPASSAPPLICATION_WEB_122014.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86186/IPASSAPPLICATION_WEB_122014.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86186/IPASSAPPLICATION_WEB_122014.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/about-ipass
      9. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86186/IPASSAPPLICATION_WEB_122014.pdf
      10. ↑ https://www.illinoistollway.com/documents/20184/86150/2012_MoveIllinois_IPASS_FactSheet.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get an Illinois I-PASS, go to the Illinois Tollway website to put in an order. You’ll need to provide your email address, name, address, and driver’s license number. Additionally, you’ll need to enter a record for each vehicle that you’ll use your I-PASS with, and fill your I-PASS account with money by connecting it to a debit card. After filling out all your information, you should receive your new I-PASS in a couple weeks. To learn how to order an I-PASS over the phone, and some retail outlets you can get an I-PASS from, keep reading!

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