Dothan Library System Halts Passport Services After Federal Order

Nonprofit public libraries can no longer serve as passport acceptance facilities, according to the U.S. Department of State.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The Dothan Houston County Library System has suspended passport processing services at all locations, effective immediately, following a directive from the U.S. Department of State. Library officials said the federal agency has determined nonprofit public libraries may no longer serve as passport acceptance facilities under its interpretation of the 1920 Passport Act.

Why it matters

This decision by the State Department impacts dozens of nonprofit public libraries nationwide that have provided passport services to their local communities. Residents of Dothan and Houston County now have significantly fewer local options for applying for a passport.

The details

DHCLS is among the libraries affected by the federal ruling. The State Department's decision does not apply to libraries structured as government entities. Bipartisan legislation currently pending in Congress — the Community Passport Services Access Act — would amend federal law to allow nonprofit public libraries to resume passport acceptance services.

  • The Dothan Houston County Library System suspended passport processing services at all locations effective immediately on February 17, 2026.

The players

Dothan Houston County Library System

A nonprofit public library system that had been providing passport processing services to the local community.

U.S. Department of State

The federal agency that issued the directive determining nonprofit public libraries can no longer serve as passport acceptance facilities.

Chris Warren

The director of the Dothan Houston County Library System.

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What they’re saying

“To say the least, we are disappointed that we can no longer provide this service. For several years, our staff have taken pride in offering an efficient, customer-friendly passport experience, and our patrons have consistently told us how much they appreciate this. Now residents of Dothan and Houston County have significantly fewer local options for applying for a passport.”

— Chris Warren, Director, Dothan Houston County Library System (wiregrassdailynews.com)

What’s next

Bipartisan legislation currently pending in Congress — the Community Passport Services Access Act — would amend federal law to allow nonprofit public libraries to resume passport acceptance services. Library leadership said they will continue monitoring developments and will update the public if services can be reinstated.

The takeaway

This decision by the State Department highlights the important role that nonprofit public libraries have played in providing convenient passport services to their local communities. The pending legislation in Congress aims to restore this access, but in the meantime, residents of Dothan and Houston County will have fewer options for obtaining passports.