About JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators)
JULIE — the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators — serves all of Illinois and is one of the most technologically sophisticated one-call centers in the country, with real-time ticket status, digital marking records, and an advanced online portal.
Submit tickets at https://www.illinois1call.com or dial 811 from any phone.
Required Wait Period in Illinois
Illinois requires 2 business days notice before excavation. JULIE processes tickets quickly and their online portal provides real-time status updates as utilities respond.
Use the Wait Time Calculator to find your exact dig date accounting for weekends and holidays.
Ticket Validity and Re-Notify in Illinois
JULIE tickets are valid for 14 days — shorter than neighboring Indiana (20 days) and Wisconsin (though Wisconsin is also 10). Contractors on longer Illinois projects should schedule re-notifies on day 10 or 11 to maintain continuous coverage.
Private Lines in Illinois
Illinois has dense suburban utility corridors in the Chicago metro area and significant agricultural private infrastructure downstate. Private irrigation is common in suburban Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties.
See the full guide: What 811 Does NOT Cover.
How to Submit a Ticket in Illinois
Pre-mark excavation area in white
Mark each planned dig location with white paint or stakes before submitting.
Submit online or call 811
Visit https://www.illinois1call.com or dial 811. Include address, work type, start date, and depth.
Wait 2 full business days
Do not dig until the wait period has elapsed AND all utilities have responded.
Verify all responses
Log in with your confirmation number. Every utility must show "marked" or "clear."
Calculate Your Illinois Dig Date
Get your exact legal dig date, expiration date, and re-notify reminder instantly.
Open CalculatorRelated Guides
How 811 Works
Complete process guide.
Color Codes
What the marks in your yard mean.
Re-Notify Rules
When your ticket expires mid-project.