What RushMyPassport does

RushMyPassport is a third-party service that submits your passport process to the State Department on your behalf and tracks it through processing. It does not issue passports or change how fast the State Department works — it handles the paperwork logistics and follows up with the government agency for you.

The service is useful if you are explore for your first passport, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, and you want someone else to manage the submission and tracking. RushMyPassport collects your documents, verifies they meet State Department requirements, sends them to the correct processing center, and notifies you when your passport is ready.

You still pay the State Department's standard passport fee. RushMyPassport charges its own separate fee on top of that for handling the process on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

  • RushMyPassport charges a service fee in addition to the State Department's passport fee, and the total cost depends on whether you need routine or expedited processing from the government.
  • The service does not speed up State Department processing time — it only manages your paperwork and tracks your process status.
  • You can submit your process through RushMyPassport's website by uploading documents, paying both fees, and choosing your processing speed.
  • RushMyPassport will notify you by email when your passport is ready, and you arrange pickup or delivery based on the option you selected.
  • If you need a passport within days rather than weeks, you must choose the State Department's expedited option when you order, not a faster RushMyPassport plan.

RushMyPassport's service fees and what they cover

RushMyPassport charges a flat service fee that varies depending on the type of process and processing speed you choose. The company's fees are separate from what you pay the State Department directly. As of the most recent pricing, RushMyPassport's service fee ranges from roughly $50 to $150, depending on whether you are explore for a new passport, renewing, or replacing a lost one, and whether you select routine or expedited processing.

What RushMyPassport's fee covers: document review to make sure everything meets State Department standards, submission of your process to the correct processing center, email status updates, and notification when your passport is ready. The service does not cover the State Department's passport fee itself, which you pay separately. A new adult passport book costs $130 (plus a $35 execution fee if it is your first passport), and expedited processing from the State Department adds $60.

Check RushMyPassport's website directly for current pricing, because fees change and may vary based on promotions or processing volume. The site displays the total cost — both the RushMyPassport fee and the State Department fee — before you pay.

How to submit your process through RushMyPassport

Start by going to RushMyPassport's website and selecting the type of passport you need: new passport, renewal, or replacement. The site will ask you to choose between routine processing (standard State Department timeline) or expedited processing (faster State Department timeline). This choice affects both the State Department fee and RushMyPassport's service fee.

Next, upload digital copies of your required documents. For a new passport, you will need a birth certificate, government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo that meets State Department specifications. For a renewal, requirements are lighter if your passport is not damaged and you still have it. RushMyPassport's website shows a checklist of what you need based on your process type.

Enter your personal information, review the process for accuracy, and pay both the RushMyPassport service fee and the State Department fee through the website. You will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. RushMyPassport then verifies your documents, submits your process to the State Department's processing center, and sends you status updates by email as your process moves through the system.

Processing times: what RushMyPassport controls and what it does not

RushMyPassport does not control how fast the State Department processes your process. The government agency's processing time is the same whether you submit through RushMyPassport, mail your process yourself, or visit a passport acceptance facility in person. Routine processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks; expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.

What RushMyPassport controls is the speed of getting your process to the State Department and tracking it once it arrives. The service ensures your documents are complete and correct before submission, which reduces the chance the State Department will reject your process and send it back — a delay that costs you weeks. RushMyPassport also monitors your process status and alerts you when ready if the State Department requests additional information, so you can respond without waiting for mail.

If you need a passport within days, you must choose the State Department's expedited option when you order through RushMyPassport. There is no "faster" RushMyPassport plan that bypasses government processing time. Some passport acceptance facilities also offer in-person expedited service, which may be quicker if you are near one and can go in person.

Pickup and delivery options after approval

Once the State Department approves and prints your passport, RushMyPassport notifies you by email. You then choose how to receive it: standard mail, overnight delivery, or in some cases pickup at a local passport acceptance facility if RushMyPassport has partnered with one in your area.

Standard mail is included in most RushMyPassport packages. Overnight or expedited delivery costs extra and is optional. If you choose standard mail, your passport typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days after the State Department ships it. If you choose overnight delivery, you pay an additional fee but receive your passport the next business day.

Check the delivery options shown on RushMyPassport's website during checkout, because availability varies by location and current processing volume. The site will show you the cost of each option before you confirm your order.

When RushMyPassport makes sense versus doing it yourself

RushMyPassport is worth the service fee if you are uncomfortable with the State Department's document requirements, do not want to research which processing center to mail to, or prefer having someone track your process for you. The service reduces the risk of submitting incomplete paperwork, which is a common reason the State Department returns applications and delays them by weeks.

You may not need RushMyPassport if you are renewing a passport that is not damaged and you still have it — the State Department allows straightforward renewals by mail with minimal documents, and the process is straightforward to do yourself. You also do not need RushMyPassport if you can visit a passport acceptance facility in person and do not mind waiting for routine processing.

RushMyPassport is not necessary if you need a passport urgently. The speed of your passport depends on the State Department's processing time, not on RushMyPassport's service. If you need a passport within days, visit a passport acceptance facility in person and request expedited processing there, or contact the State Department's emergency passport service if you are traveling internationally within 72 hours.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is uploading a passport photo that does not meet State Department standards — wrong background color, wrong size, or taken too long ago. RushMyPassport's website shows the exact specifications (white background, 2x2 inches, taken within 6 months), and the service reviews your photo before submission. If it does not meet standards, RushMyPassport will ask you to upload a new one before sending your process to the State Department.

Another mistake is choosing routine processing when you actually need expedited processing, then hoping RushMyPassport can speed things up after you have paid. You must select the correct processing speed when you order, because the State Department's timeline is set at that point. If you realize you need your passport faster, you cannot upgrade through RushMyPassport — you would have to contact the State Department directly or start a new process.

A third mistake is not reading the document checklist carefully. Different process types (new, renewal, replacement) require different documents. RushMyPassport's website shows exactly what you need based on your situation, so review that list before you upload anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RushMyPassport make my passport come faster?

No. RushMyPassport does not change how fast the State Department processes your process. The government's processing time is the same whether you use RushMyPassport, mail your process yourself, or visit a passport office in person. RushMyPassport's value is in managing your paperwork and making sure it reaches the State Department correctly, which prevents delays caused by incomplete applications.

What if the State Department rejects my process?

RushMyPassport reviews your documents before submission to catch errors, but if the State Department still rejects your process, RushMyPassport will notify you and explain what is wrong. You then correct the issue and resubmit. Some RushMyPassport plans include one resubmission at no extra charge; check your plan details on the website.

Can I track my passport while it is being processed?

Yes. RushMyPassport sends you email updates as your process moves through the State Department's system. You can also log into your RushMyPassport account to check status at any time. The State Department itself does not provide real-time tracking, so RushMyPassport's updates are more detailed than what you would get if you submitted on your own.

What happens if I need my passport before it arrives?

Once the State Department approves your passport, you can choose overnight delivery for an extra fee, and it will arrive the next business day. If you need it even faster, contact the State Department's emergency passport service directly — RushMyPassport cannot bypass that process.

Is RushMyPassport affiliated with the State Department?

No. RushMyPassport is a private company that submits applications to the State Department on your behalf. It is not a government agency and does not have special access to faster processing. The State Department processes your process the same way it processes all applications, regardless of how you submit it.