How to Return an iPass Transponder: Complete Guide for Illinois Drivers

Need to return your iPass transponder? Whether you’re moving out of state, switching to a sticker version, or simply don’t need tollway access anymore, returning your device properly ensures you avoid unnecessary charges and potentially get your balance refunded. I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step.

Why You Might Need to Return Your iPass Transponder

Your relationship with your iPass transponder isn’t necessarily permanent. Several situations might prompt a return:

• You’re relocating to a state where iPass isn’t accepted
• Your transponder has reached its expiration date
• You’ve upgraded to the newer sticker-style transponder
• Your device is malfunctioning and needs replacement
• You simply don’t travel Illinois tollways frequently enough to justify keeping it

The good news is that returning your transponder is straightforward when you know the proper steps.

Types of iPass Devices You Might Be Returning

Before diving into the return process, let’s clarify which device you’re dealing with:

• Traditional box transponders: These older, bulkier units typically mount on your windshield behind your rearview mirror.
• Sticker transponders: The newer, slimmer version that adheres directly to your windshield.

The return process has some minor variations depending on which type you have, particularly regarding refund eligibility and disposal methods.

Checking Your Account Status and Balance

Before returning your iPass transponder, take these important preliminary steps:

1. Log into your account at getipass.com
2. Check your current balance and take screenshots for your records
3. Review any outstanding tolls or fees that might be deducted from your refund
4. Verify your account status is active (inactive accounts may affect refund eligibility)

If your account shows as inactive due to non-use, you might discover your balance has been reduced to zero. In some cases, these funds may eventually appear on the Illinois unclaimed property website, though this isn’t guaranteed.

Methods for Returning Your iPass Transponder

You have two main options for returning your device:

Option 1: Mail-In Return

To return your transponder by mail:

1. Wrap the transponder in aluminum foil – This critical step prevents accidental toll charges during transit
2. Package it securely in a padded envelope or small box
3. Include a note with your:
   • Full name
   • iPass account number
   • Return address
   • Reason for return
4. Mail it to:
   Illinois Tollway
   Customer Service Center
   2700 Ogden Avenue
   Downers Grove, IL 60515

Option 2: In-Person Return

For an immediate confirmation of your return:

1. Visit an iPass Customer Service Center – Locations include Downers Grove, Chicago, and various satellite centers
2. Bring your transponder and a valid ID
3. Request a receipt documenting your return
4. Ask about your refund eligibility while there

In-person returns offer the advantage of immediate confirmation and the ability to ask questions about your account closure or balance refund.

The Critical Foil-Wrapping Step

One step deserves special attention: wrapping your transponder in aluminum foil before mailing. This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential protection.

Without this protective barrier, your transponder could register tolls while in transit if the package passes through toll areas. The foil creates a signal-blocking shield that prevents the transponder from communicating with toll readers.

This protective measure is so important that when iPass ships new transponders, they come wrapped in foil for this very reason. Don’t skip this step!

Understanding Your Refund Eligibility

When you close your iPass account and return your transponder, you may be eligible for a refund of your remaining balance. Here’s what affects your refund amount:

• Account status – Active accounts are eligible for refunds; long-inactive accounts may have forfeited balances
• Outstanding tolls – Any unpaid tolls will be deducted
• Administrative fees – Including potential $10 charges for the transponder itself
• Device condition – Damaged transponders may incur additional fees

The Illinois Tollway typically processes refunds within 4-6 weeks after receiving your returned transponder. Refunds are generally issued in the form of your original payment method.

Special Considerations for Different Situations

Expired Transponders

If your transponder is expired but still functional, you have options:

• Some expired transponders received extensions (those expiring in 2022 got a two-year extension)
• Even after expiration, many continue to function until the battery completely dies
• The Illinois Tollway may eventually require replacement to maintain account status

Damaged Transponders

For damaged devices:

• Return them using the same process as functional transponders
• Be aware that damage fees may apply to your refund calculation
• Include a note explaining the damage if it was due to normal wear rather than misuse

Moving to Another State

Before returning your transponder because you’re moving:

• Check if your new state accepts iPass through reciprocal agreements
• Many northeastern states have compatible systems through E-ZPass
• If compatible, you might keep your account active rather than return the device

Converting to a Pay-By-Plate System

Instead of returning your transponder, you might consider:

• Switching to the pay-by-plate system if you’ll occasionally travel Illinois tollways
• This option lets you maintain an account without the physical transponder
• Register your license plate on your iPass account for automatic toll payments

Recycling Old Transponders Responsibly

Traditional hard-case transponders contain electronic components that shouldn’t go in regular trash. If you’re not returning your transponder for a refund but need to dispose of it:

• Kane County offers electronic recycling events that accept old transponders
• Some iPass service centers have recycling receptacles specifically for old units
• The Illinois Tollway occasionally holds “transponder swap” events where you can trade old units and ensure proper disposal

Monitoring Your Account After Return

After returning your transponder:

1. Check your account online periodically for 1-2 months
2. Watch for confirmation that your account has been closed
3. Verify that any refund has been processed correctly
4. Keep your return receipt until everything is finalized

Common Problems and Solutions

“My returned transponder is still showing on my account”

• Allow 2-3 weeks for processing
• Contact customer service with your return receipt information if it persists

“I didn’t receive my expected refund”

• Confirm your account wasn’t inactive before return
• Verify no outstanding tolls reduced your balance
• Contact customer service with documentation of your balance before return

“I accidentally threw away my transponder”

• Report it lost through your online account or by calling customer service
• Be prepared to pay a lost/stolen fee (typically $10-$20)
• Request account closure if you don’t plan to replace it

When to Keep Your Transponder

Despite planning to return it, you might want to keep your transponder if:

• You’ll be visiting Illinois regularly in the future
• You’re moving to a state with a compatible toll system
• You plan to transfer the transponder to another family member in Illinois

Final Considerations Before Returning

Before sealing that envelope or heading to a service center:

• Take photos of your transponder (including any ID numbers) for your records
• Print a current account statement showing your balance
• Remove any personal mounting hardware (but return the transponder itself)
• Consider whether a family member could use it instead of returning it

Returning your iPass transponder properly ensures you’ll receive any eligible refunds and formally close your account. By following the steps outlined above—particularly remembering to wrap your device in foil before mailing—you’ll complete this process smoothly and avoid any unexpected charges or complications.