Tired of that bulky plastic I-PASS transponder cluttering your windshield? Illinois drivers, there’s good news on the horizon. The Illinois Tollway has rolled out new RFID sticker tags that promise a sleeker, more convenient toll collection experience. Whether you’re a daily commuter or occasional tollway user, these new stickers represent a significant upgrade to how you’ll pay tolls across Illinois and beyond.
What Is the New I-PASS Sticker?
The new I-PASS sticker is a thin RFID tag that sticks directly to your windshield, replacing the box-shaped transponders Illinois drivers have used for years. These stickers use radio frequency technology to communicate with toll plazas—no batteries required.
“The sticker tags are the latest advance in toll collection,” explains Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway. Unlike the old transponders that eventually expire when their batteries die, these stickers are designed for permanent installation with no expiration date.
What makes these stickers particularly impressive is their simplicity. They’re smaller, less obtrusive, and more environmentally friendly since they don’t contain batteries that need disposal. Plus, they maintain full compatibility with the E-ZPass network used across 19 states.
Where Can You Get the New I-PASS Sticker?
You’ve got several convenient options for grabbing your new sticker:
In-Person Options
The stickers became available in late January 2024 at:
- Illinois Tollway Customer Service Centers
- Jewel-Osco stores
- RoadRanger locations
- Illinois Tollway headquarters
- Oases along the tollway
If you’re someone who prefers handling things face-to-face and wants immediate access, these physical locations are your best bet. You can pick up your sticker and activate it the same day.
Online Ordering
Prefer to handle things from home? You can order stickers through the Illinois Tollway’s official website (www.getipass.com). The process is straightforward:
- Log into your I-PASS account
- Select “windshield-mounted” as the transponder type
- Double-check that your mailing address is correct
Keep in mind that delivery can take up to 14 business days when you order online, so plan accordingly if you have an upcoming trip that requires toll payments.
How Much Does the New I-PASS Sticker Cost?
Here’s some more good news—the new stickers are more affordable than the old transponders:
- Free when obtained directly from Illinois Tollway Customer Service Centers
- Free when ordered online through the official website
- A small retail service fee applies when purchased at Jewel-Osco or RoadRanger
Unlike the previous transponders, there’s no deposit required for the stickers when obtained directly from the Tollway. And if you’re an existing I-PASS customer who paid the $10 deposit for your old transponder, that money will transfer to your prepaid toll account once you register a new sticker.
How to Activate Your New I-PASS Sticker
Getting your new sticker up and running is quick and painless:
- Register the sticker to your I-PASS account via the Tollway’s mobile app or website
- Complete registration within 15 days of receiving the sticker
- Once registered, it’s immediately ready for use on Illinois Tollway roads
- For use on the Chicago Skyway and other E-ZPass roadways, the sticker becomes active within 24 hours
This rapid activation means minimal disruption to your travel plans. Just register and go—your toll payments will continue seamlessly with the new system.
How to Install Your New I-PASS Sticker Correctly
Proper placement ensures your sticker works reliably every time you pass through a toll plaza:
Mounting Instructions
- Clean the inside of your windshield thoroughly and let it dry completely
- Identify the correct placement area—ideally in the black-dotted section where your rearview mirror attaches
- If your windshield doesn’t have a black-dotted section, place it on the interior windshield behind the rearview mirror
- Peel off the backing and press firmly to secure the sticker
Important note: Unlike the old transponders, these stickers cannot be removed and reused. If you try to remove it, the sticker will be destroyed. This permanent installation is a key difference from the previous system.
Vehicles with Special Windshields
If your vehicle has a metallized windshield (common in some luxury and newer vehicles), you’ll need to install the sticker in the clear zone—usually a small area behind the rearview mirror. Check your vehicle’s manual to confirm the location of this zone if applicable.
Managing Multiple Vehicles with I-PASS Stickers
The new sticker system works differently for multi-vehicle households:
- Each vehicle needs its own dedicated sticker
- Stickers cannot be moved between vehicles like the old transponders
- You can link multiple stickers to a single I-PASS account
- All tolls for your registered vehicles will be charged to your account
This represents a change for drivers who previously swapped their transponder between vehicles. Now, every car in your household that uses the tollway will need its own sticker. The upside? You can manage all vehicles under one convenient account, making tracking and payment simpler.
Transitioning from Your Old Transponder
Don’t rush to replace your current transponder if it’s still working. The Illinois Tollway has implemented a gradual transition plan:
When to Switch
- Your current transponder will continue to work until its expiration date
- For transponders set to expire in 2025, the Illinois Tollway has extended the deadline by two additional years
- You’ll receive a letter from the Illinois Tollway when it’s time to exchange your transponder
- You can choose to switch earlier if you prefer the new sticker
This phased approach means you don’t need to immediately change systems unless you want to. The Tollway is letting customers transition at their own pace while ensuring everyone eventually moves to the more modern technology.
What to Do with Your Old Transponder
When you do make the switch, be sure to dispose of your old transponder responsibly:
- Don’t throw it in regular trash—it contains lithium-ion batteries
- Return it to an Illinois Tollway Customer Service Center
- Use the Earth911 website to find local lithium-ion battery recycling options (search for “lithium batteries” and enter your zip code)
Proper disposal protects the environment and keeps potentially hazardous materials out of landfills.
Benefits of the New I-PASS Sticker System
The stickers offer several advantages over the old transponders:
E-ZPass Network Compatibility
Your new I-PASS sticker works seamlessly across:
- All 19 states in the E-ZPass network
- More than 35 tolling agencies throughout these states
- The Chicago Skyway and Indiana Toll Road
- Various bridge authorities and toll roads throughout the eastern United States
- The Florida Turnpike Enterprise and Georgia State Roads and Toll Authority
This broad compatibility means less hassle when traveling out of state. No more juggling multiple toll payment systems or stopping to pay cash tolls in other states.
Environmental Benefits
The battery-free design makes the stickers significantly more environmentally friendly:
- No batteries to replace or dispose of
- Reduced electronic waste
- Smaller, using less plastic and materials
- Lower carbon footprint in production and use
Cost and Convenience Advantages
Beyond the environmental benefits, the stickers offer practical improvements:
- No deposit required for new customers
- No expiration date to worry about
- Less obtrusive on your windshield
- I-PASS users still enjoy 50% off Illinois Tollway tolls
- Account management is simpler with the online system and mobile app
The Future of Toll Collection in Illinois
The move to sticker tags aligns Illinois with modern toll collection practices nationwide. Many toll agencies across the country have already made similar transitions, recognizing the advantages of RFID sticker technology.
This shift represents part of a broader trend toward more streamlined, efficient toll collection. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further improvements that make toll payments even more seamless and user-friendly.
For Illinois drivers, the new I-PASS stickers mean less visual clutter on windshields, simpler account management, and continued access to discounted toll rates—all while enjoying compatibility with toll systems across a large portion of the United States.
When Will You Need to Switch?
If your current transponder is working fine, you don’t need to rush to replace it. The Illinois Tollway will contact you when it’s time to make the switch. However, if you’re interested in upgrading sooner, you can get your new sticker tag at any of the locations mentioned earlier.
For new I-PASS customers, you’ll receive the sticker format automatically when you sign up for an account. The transition is happening gradually, ensuring all Illinois drivers eventually benefit from this improved technology.
How to Check Your Current Transponder’s Expiration Date
Curious when your transponder will expire? You can check by:
- Logging into your I-PASS account online
- Viewing your registered transponders
- Looking for the expiration date listed with each device
If your transponder is expiring soon, consider proactively requesting the new sticker to avoid any potential service interruptions.
As Illinois moves further into the 21st century, the new I-PASS stickers represent another step toward making your commute faster, simpler, and more environmentally friendly. Whether you’re a daily tollway user or occasional traveler, these stickers offer practical benefits worth embracing.
