Got an old I-PASS transponder gathering dust in your glove box? Whether you’re moving out of state, switching to the new sticker tag, or just closing your account, you’ll need to return it properly. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than you think, and you’ll get your deposit back if you do it right.
Why You Need to Return Your I-PASS Transponder
Here’s the thing: you don’t actually own that transponder. The Illinois Tollway does. That $10 you paid? It’s a security deposit, not a purchase price.
Until you officially return the device or report it lost, you’re still on the hook for any tolls it racks up. Yes, even if it’s sitting in a drawer. The I-PASS Agreement makes you financially responsible for all charges until you properly notify the Tollway.
Plus, these old hard-case transponders contain lithium batteries. Tossing them in your trash bin isn’t just against the rules—it’s a fire hazard.
Where You Can (and Can’t) Return Your Transponder
Authorized Customer Service Centers
Your best bet? Visit an official Customer Service Center. You’ll get instant processing and a receipt proving you returned it.
Main Locations:
- Tollway Headquarters: 2700 Ogden Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 (Weekdays, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
- Belvidere Oasis: I-90 at Mile Marker 24.5
- Lake Forest Oasis: I-94 at Mile Marker 18.0
- Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis: I-80/I-294 at Mile Marker 1.0
- DeKalb Oasis: I-88 at Mile Marker 93.0
Walk in, hand over your transponder, and they’ll process your return on the spot. The deposit gets credited to your account immediately. Done.
Why Jewel-Osco Won’t Take Returns
Here’s a common mistake: people try returning transponders at Jewel-Osco because they bought them there. But retail partners can’t accept returns.
These stores only have point-of-sale systems. They can’t access your account, process refunds, or handle the hazardous battery disposal. They’ll just send you to an official center anyway.
How to Mail Your Transponder Back
Can’t make it to a service center? You can mail it in. But there’s a quirky requirement you need to know about.
The Aluminum Foil Trick
Before you mail your transponder, wrap it completely in aluminum foil. Seriously.
Why? Your transponder is still active. If the mail truck drives under a toll gantry, your device can wake up and transmit its ID. You’d get charged for the truck’s toll. The foil creates a shield that blocks the radio signals, keeping your transponder silent during transit.
Think of it as a mini Faraday cage. Without it, you risk phantom tolls showing up on your account.
Where to Send It
You’ve got two options:
For routine returns:
I-PASS Fulfillment Center
P.O. Box 806518
Chicago, IL 60680
For disputes or if you need tracking:
Illinois Tollway (Attn: Customer Service)
2700 Ogden Ave.
Downers Grove, IL 60515
What to Include
Don’t just toss the transponder in an envelope. Include a letter stating:
- You want to close your account (if applicable)
- Your return address for the refund check
- Your account number
Use Certified Mail. It costs a few bucks, but you’ll get proof of delivery. This matters because you’re responsible until they receive it. If the package gets lost, that receipt is your only protection.
Getting Your Deposit Back
The $10 deposit doesn’t come back automatically. Here’s what happens.
If You’re Switching to a Sticker Tag
Order or buy a new I-PASS Sticker Tag. Add it to your account online. The system automatically transfers your $10 deposit to your prepaid toll balance. You get $10 in free tolls.
You don’t need to mail back the old transponder to get this credit. But you should still recycle it properly (more on that below).
If You’re Closing Your Account
Your account enters a “Pending to Close” status for 30 days. This isn’t the Tollway being slow—it’s necessary.
Why the wait? If you drove on the New York Thruway last week, that toll data might not reach Illinois for several days. The 30-day holding period ensures all out-of-state charges clear before they calculate your refund.
After 30 days, they’ll process: (Prepaid Balance) + (Deposit) – (Outstanding Tolls) = Your Refund
How You’ll Get Paid
If you paid by credit or debit card, they’ll try refunding to that card. If the card’s expired or you paid cash, they’ll mail a check to your address on file. This can take up to 6 weeks.
Didn’t get your check? The funds might be with the Illinois State Treasurer’s I-Cash program as unclaimed property. You can search for it there.
What Happens If You Lose Your Transponder
Lost it in a move? Forgot it in a car you sold? You’re out the $10.
Log into your I-PASS account immediately and mark it as “Lost/Stolen.” This stops future toll liability. But you can’t get the deposit back because you can’t return the device.
The deposit gets applied to the replacement cost. That’s exactly what it’s there for.
How to Dispose of Transponders You’re Not Returning
Switched to a sticker and already got your deposit credit? You can recycle the old transponder instead of returning it.
Why Proper Disposal Matters
These devices contain lithium batteries. If crushed in a garbage truck, they can ignite. They’re classified as hazardous waste in many jurisdictions.
Don’t put them in curbside recycling or trash bins. The battery creates a fire risk.
Where to Recycle
Option 1: Drop it at any Customer Service Center during your next tollway trip. They’ll handle it properly.
Option 2: Find a local electronics recycling center. Use Earth911.com to search for “lithium-ion battery” recycling near your zip code.
Option 3: Many counties run electronics recycling events. For example, Kane County accepts transponders at their Fabyan Parkway and West Dundee facilities.
Before recycling, log into your account and deactivate the transponder. This ensures it’s administratively “dead” before leaving your possession.
Common Return Scenarios
Scenario 1: Moving Out of State
You’re relocating to Florida permanently. You can’t visit an Illinois service center.
Steps:
- Write a letter requesting account closure and include your new Florida address
- Wrap the transponder in foil
- Send via Certified Mail to the Downers Grove headquarters
- Your account goes into “Pending to Close” status
- After 30+ days, a refund check arrives in Florida
Scenario 2: Upgrading to the Sticker
You want the new technology but don’t want to lose your deposit.
Steps:
- Buy or order an I-PASS Sticker Tag
- Log into your account and add the new sticker
- The system automatically moves your $10 deposit to your toll balance
- Find a local battery recycling drop-off for the old transponder
Scenario 3: Defective Transponder
Your transponder stopped working. Gates don’t lift anymore.
Steps:
- Visit any Tollway Oasis service center
- Hand over the broken unit
- They’ll verify it’s not damaged from misuse
- Get a replacement on the spot
- Your deposit carries over automatically
Quick Reference: Return Methods Compared
| Method | Best For | Speed | Proof Needed | Foil Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Center Visit | Quick exchange, disputes | Instant | Receipt provided | No |
| Mail to P.O. Box | Simple account closure | 30+ days | None (risky) | Yes |
| Certified Mail to HQ | Documented returns | 30+ days | Tracking receipt | Yes |
| Retail Store | NOT ACCEPTED | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What to Know About the Sticker Transition
Illinois Tollway is phasing out these battery-powered transponders. The new I-PASS Sticker Tags use passive RFID technology—no battery needed.
These stickers don’t require a deposit. They’re cheaper to make, last longer, and don’t create hazardous waste. The transition is creating a massive wave of old transponder returns.
If you haven’t switched yet, now’s a good time. The process is painless, and you’ll recoup that deposit as toll credit.
Final Tips for a Smooth Return
Don’t procrastinate. Every day you delay is another day you’re liable for potential charges. Got a notice of termination? You’ve got a specific deadline to return the device or lose your deposit.
Keep records. Whether it’s a receipt from a service center or a Certified Mail tracking number, documentation protects you. The I-PASS Agreement places strict liability on you until they confirm receipt.
Check your final balance. Before closing your account, make sure there aren’t pending tolls. Log in and review recent trips. Some out-of-state charges take time to appear.
Update your address. If you’ve moved, change it in your account before requesting a refund. Otherwise, that check might go to your old apartment.
The Illinois Tollway owns millions of these devices. They’ve built a streamlined system for getting them back. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your deposit back without hassle—and you’ll keep those lithium batteries out of landfills where they don’t belong.
