RushMyPassport Lawsuit Investigation: What Passport Customers Need to Know

Wilshire Law Firm is investigating allegations that RushMyPassport, a private passport expediting service offered through FedEx Office locations and AAA Travel, represented that its service would “cut weeks off standard processing” and allow customers to receive a passport in as little as three business days, when — as alleged — the service cannot shorten the time the U.S. Department of State takes to process an application.

As of this writing, RushMyPassport’s website and its AAA co-branded site state: “Cut weeks off standard processing, get your passport in as little as 3 business days.” The company describes itself as a “private passport expediting service” that is “registered with the U.S. Department of State to hand-carry passport applications.” The investigation is examining whether representations like these may have led consumers to believe they were paying for faster government processing, when the service, as alleged, consists of application preparation, document handling, and courier delivery rather than reduced processing time. These are allegations only: no court has made any determination, and the matter remains an investigation.

The U.S. Department of State publishes guidance on private courier and expeditor companies. Its page “Using a Passport Courier Company” states: “Courier companies can help you prepare your application, but they won’t get your passport processed faster than you can on your own.” It adds that “Courier and expeditor companies do not operate as a part of the U.S. Department of State,” that “Courier companies charge extra fees for their services,” and that “Using a courier company won’t get you your passport faster than applying at our passport agencies.”

In other words, according to the State Department, what a courier can offer is help preparing paperwork, submitting an application in person at a passport agency on a customer’s behalf, and shipping the finished passport back — not a shorter processing time than a consumer could obtain by using the government’s own expedited options. The investigation is examining whether RushMyPassport’s marketing may have blurred that distinction for consumers.

You may qualify if the following describes your situation:

• You paid for RushMyPassport’s service.
• You purchased that service through AAA Travel or FedEx (for example, at a FedEx Office location).
• You have proof of service — such as a receipt, order confirmation, or account record.

Eligibility is decided case by case, and these criteria may change as the investigation develops. If you meet the criteria above, you can reach out for a free consultation with a legal professional, who can review your records and explain whether your situation may fit within the investigation.

Because this investigation focuses on what customers were told and what they paid for, your paperwork matters. Consider gathering:

• Your receipt or order confirmation from FedEx Office or AAA showing the service tier you purchased, the date, and the amount paid.
• Any RushMyPassport account records or emails describing the service, the promised timeframe, and status updates.
• Screenshots or printouts of the marketing you relied on — for example, “cut weeks off” or “as little as 3 business days” claims — if you still have them.
• The dates you submitted your application and received your passport, if you have them.

You do not need all of these to reach out. This information is a general overview and is not legal advice; your situation may differ, and consulting a legal professional can help you understand rights that may apply to you.

Cases involving service advertising often turn on exactly what was promised, what was delivered, and how the difference was disclosed, and the companies involved are typically represented by experienced legal teams. Working with an attorney can help you understand whether your purchase may fit within this investigation, what documentation may support it, and what your options are.

Wilshire Law Firm has a nationally recognized, award-winning team that helps consumers understand their options. If you paid for RushMyPassport through FedEx or AAA Travel, a legal professional can review your situation at no cost, and because we work on a contingency basis, there are no fees unless you get paid.

If you meet the criteria outlined above, do you know what your options may be? Our nationally recognized, award-winning team is here to help you understand your rights. Wilshire Law Firm offers free consultations and free case reviews with a legal professional, and we are available 24/7. Because we work on a contingency basis, there are no fees unless you get paid.

Contact Wilshire Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and get your questions answered.