Summer Travel

Plano-based FedEx Office adds new rush passport service at all locations

For those times when you need one of these ASAP.

Courtesy photo

Wannabe international travelers have an ultra-convenient new way to get their passport processed in a jiffy: Plano-based FedEx Office, previously known for printing, packing, and shipping, has teamed up with RushMyPassport, an online passport service, to offer expedited U.S. passport services, beginning July 1.

The U.S. State Department recently increased the average time it takes to get a passport processed to 6-8 weeks (it used to be 4-6 weeks).

Now you can stop at one of the 2,000 FedEx locations or visit them online at FedEx.com/passport if you need rushed passport processing, renewals, or updated government-compliant passport photos.

You can actually get a passport in as quickly as one day.

Other services include overnight shipping for rushed passport applications; full-tracking visibility throughout the approval process; and 24/7 assistance from passport specialists.

Kim Dixon, chief operating officer of FedEx Office, says in a release that this collaboration with RushMyPassport gives travelers a quick and efficient way to expedite and renew their passports.

"Many of us have experienced the distress of realizing our passport isn’t ready for an upcoming trip and, as a result, scramble to find a last-minute solution," Dixon says. "This convenient service will help eliminate the confusion and common errors that often arise and help simplify the process."

Expedited passports and rushed passport renewal baseline pricing is offered at six levels:

24-hour service — 1 business day: $449
Next-day service — 2 business days: $349
Priority service — 3-5 business days: $249
Rush service — 6-7 business days: $169
Standard service — 8-10 business days: $119
Rush renewal* — 10-12 business days: $99

They'll also sell government-compliant 2x2 photos to submit with passport applications, for a mere $14.95.

RushMyPassport CEO Mosie Miller says that, beyond the need to get a passport ASAP, doing it the regular way puts you at the mercy of the US Postal System. Oooh burn.

"Routine passport processing can take weeks," Miller says. "You also have to factor in the possibility of issues with documents you finally receive in the mail, causing further delays and even more headaches. [This service] helps travelers overcome these issues, giving a smooth and secure way to handle passport needs."

RushMyPassport.com is owned by Expedited Travel LLC, and specializes in expediting U.S. passports.

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GRAPE EXPECTATIONS

Napa wine brand The Debate uncorks new Texas Hill Country tasting room

The Debate/ Facebook

The Debate will source both Napa Valley and Hill Country grapes.

Need further proof that the Texas wine industry has arrived? Acclaimed Napa Valley wine brand The Debate is expanding into the Hill Country with plans to open a new Stonewall tasting room in spring 2027.

The brand was founded in 2010 with a slightly esoteric philosophy. The Debate believes that wine isn’t just a product, but a way of “fostering connection through conversation.”

One topic will surely be about the finer points of Napa versus Hill Country terroir. The tasting room will pour The Debate's top-rated wines from California alongside new bottles made from Texas fruit. Additional wine programs under the brand's umbrella will target a range of wine drinkers.

"We've always believed that wine is at its best when it brings people together," said Todd Kerlin, the brand's general manager, in a statement. "Texas Hill Country is writing a genuinely exciting chapter in wine right now, and we saw an opportunity to be part of something real here, not to import an experience, but to build one that belongs to this place and the people in it."

The Debate tasting room Once completed, The Debate's tasting room will presumably look less like The Sims.Rendering courtesy of The Debate

Wine industry vet Jean Hoefliger will spearhead the project in Texas. He's not an area newb — he's spent the past five years working with Hill Country producers with Texas Wine Consulting.

"After years of working across wine regions around the world, nothing prepared me for Texas," Hoefliger said. "The energy here is unlike anywhere else, and so is the sense of place."

The Debate plans to partner with regional restaurants and take part in Hill Country wine events as part of its rollout. Membership details, programming, and information on the brand's first Texas releases are expected to be announced closer to the opening.

Once open, it will join two other recently opened tasting rooms on Wine Road 290 between Fredericksburg and Johnson City: playful concept Acquired Taste Wines in Stonewall and Rebecca Caroline, William Chris’ new sparkling wine tasting room in the historic Hye post office.

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