State Department orders nonprofit libraries to stop processing passport applications

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The U.S. State Department has ordered certain public libraries nationwide to cease processing passport applications, disrupting a service that librarians say their communities have come to rely on. The agency says federal law prohibits non-governmental organizations from collecting and retaining passport application fees, though government-run libraries are not impacted. Lawmakers are pushing back, arguing the change will be particularly disruptive in states where many public libraries are structured as nonprofit entities.

Why it matters

The State Department's order impacts a convenient passport application service that libraries have provided for years, especially for working families and rural residents. Lawmakers warn the change could force some libraries to lay off staff, cut programs or even close if they lose the revenue from passport fees, and will make it harder for people to obtain passports as demand surges.

The details

The State Department began issuing cease and desist orders to not-for-profit libraries in late 2025, informing them they were no longer authorized to participate in the Passport Acceptance Facility program as of February 2026. A State Department spokesperson said the order was given because federal law prohibits non-governmental organizations from collecting and retaining passport application fees, though government-run libraries are not impacted. The American Library Association estimates about 1,400 mostly non-profit public libraries nationwide could potentially be affected, or about 15% of all public libraries.

• The State Department began issuing cease and desist orders to not-for-profit libraries in late 2025.
• The libraries were informed they were no longer authorized to participate in the Passport Acceptance Facility program as of February 2026.

What’s next

Democratic and Republican members of Congress from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Maryland are pushing back, sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking him to extend the existing program until Congress finds a permanent solution. Lawmakers have also proposed bipartisan legislation that would allow 501(c)(3) non-profit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities.