State Department Sued Over 'Exorbitant' Passport Fees

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against the U.S. State Department, alleging that the $60 expedited passport fee is unlawful.

Consumers Affected: Individuals who paid the $60 expedited passport fee.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Close-up of a US passport

Class Action Challenges $60 Expedited Passport Fee

The U.S. State Department has unlawfully charged millions of Americans a $60 fee to expedite passport applications, a new lawsuit filed in a California federal court claims. 

The class action suit argues that the fee, which promises a faster two-to-three-week processing time, has been unjustified for decades. Routine passport processing, which already costs $100, takes four to six weeks, but applicants are given the option to pay an extra $60 for quicker service—an amount the lawsuit says is arbitrary and excessive.

Lawsuit Claims State Department Charges Unjustified Fee for Expedited Passports

Oakland resident Charles Borque filed the proposed class action against the State Department alleging it charges “arbitrary, unlawful, and unauthorized fee in excess of authority” and “illegal exaction through fee in excess of authority granted in the constitution.”

In July, Borque applied to renew his passport, paying a $130 fee along with the $60 expedited service charge. While he did receive his renewed passport on July 31, Borque argues that the fee for expedited service is unlawful and without sufficient justification.

Borque's passport will remain valid until 2034, but he claims he will face the same excessive charge when he needs to renew again. 

State Department Passport Fees and Processing Times Under Scrutiny

According to the lawsuit, the State Department did not charge any fee for expedited passport processing before 1994, provided the applicant could demonstrate an urgent need to travel. That changed in 2002, when the department increased the fee from $35 to $60. The lawsuit claims that this hike has never been adequately explained and does not reflect the actual costs of expedited service.

Over the years, passport demand has surged. In 2013, the department issued 13.5 million passports, a number that jumped to more than 24 million by 2023. Despite this rise, the lawsuit argues the expedited processing fee remains unjustified and continues to burden consumers.

State Department Faces Legal Challenges Over Fees and Other Issues

The expedited passport fee isn't the only issue the State Department is dealing with in court. The department is facing multiple lawsuits, including one from Lebanese Americans who are seeking assistance for family members stuck in war-torn areas of Lebanon. The class action wants the State Department to establish an effective evacuation plan for those affected by the conflict.

In another case, the department agreed to a $37.5 million settlement in 2023 over claims of disability discrimination. This settlement resolved longstanding allegations related to the Department of State's worldwide availability requirement for Foreign Service applicants.

The current lawsuit against the State Department mirrors many other consumer legal actions against private companies for alleged exorbitant fees. One such lawsuit is against CardConnect, a payment processing company, which is currently facing a class action lawsuit. Merchants allege that the company charged unauthorized fees, including some that weren’t outlined in their contracts.

Borque’s lawsuit aims to represent consumers across the country who have paid the $60 expedited passport fee, seeking refunds for those who were unfairly charged. 

Case Details

  • Lawsuit: Bourque v. United States
  • Case Number: 3:24-cv-06994
  • Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

  • Geoffrey Graber and Madelyn Petersen (Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll)
  • Charles Reichmann (Law Offices of Charles Reichmann)
  • Mariel LaSasso (LaSasso Law Group)

Have you paid the $60 expedited passport fee? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Latest News

Loading...

Illustration of a mobile device getting an email notification
Our Mission at Injury Claims

Injury Claims keeps you informed about lawsuits large and small that could affect your daily life. We simplify the complexities of class actions lawsuits, open class action settlements, mass torts, and individual cases to ensure you understand how these legal matters could impact your rights and interests.

Legal Updates That Matter to You

If you think a recent legal case might affect you, action is required. Select a class action lawsuit or class action settlement, share your details, and connect with a qualified attorney who will explain your legal options and assist in pursuing any compensation due. Take the first step now to secure your rights.