Illinois’ New I-Pass Stickers: Here Are 5 Things You Need To Know

I don't know how you feel about your small, plastic I-Pass transponder, but I definitely have mixed feelings. One the one hand, it is a lot easier than stopping to pay cash at a tollbooth (remember when we used to be able to do that?), but on the other hand they are a real pain to keep track of, especially if you share one with your family.

And, it you're like me and refuse to Velcro the transponder to your dashboard or windshield, you've probably spent more than a little time trying to find it under one of your car's seats after it went flying when you went around a corner.

Bottom line: it really doesn't matter how you feel about it, the plastic I-Pass transponder is on its way out, and stickers are already taking its place in our vehicles. With changes like this, it's more than likely that many people have questions about how things will work with our new I-Pass sticker system.

Usually The First Question People Have Is "Do I Have To Change From The Transponder To The Sticker Right Away?"

The answer to that one is no. However, you can if you want to. Here's the thing: your current plastic transponder is still perfectly okay to use until you reach its expiration date (check the sticker on the back for the date). If you don't want to wait that long (mine expires in another 4 years), you can go ahead and make the switch right now with no problem.

Next, you might want to know where you get the stickers. For those, you can order them at getipass.com, where you can also open I-PASS accounts, register license plate numbers and pay invoices. You can also get an I-PASS sticker at Jewel-Osco stores, Road Ranger stores and Illinois Tollway customer service centers.

Finally, Let's Get To How Much The New Stickers Will Cost You, And What To Do With Your Old Plastic Transponder

As hard as it may be to believe, the state of Illinois is saving you some money...or at least not costing you more money. The stickers are free if you order them online or grab them at an Illinois Tollway customer service center. Jewel-Osco or Road Ranger stores will charge you a service fee if purchased there. Also, the $10 transponder deposit you initially made will be transferred onto your current I-PASS prepaid toll account balance once a new I-PASS sticker is registered to the account.

Regarding the plastic transponders, you can continue to use yours until it expires, but if you want to switch now, you can take it to a recycling center.

One more thing: You can't switch the stickers between vehicles like you can do with the plastic transponders. It's a permanent sticker, and it's a one-sticker-per-vehicle policy.