US Libraries Lose Passport Acceptance Authority, Sparking Congressional Pushback

The State Department has ordered some nonprofit public libraries to stop processing passport applications, disrupting a service many communities have relied on for years.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The U.S. State Department has ordered some nonprofit public libraries across the nation to stop processing passport applications, a service many communities have relied on for years. The agency began issuing cease and desist orders in late fall, stating that these libraries were no longer authorized to participate in the Passport Acceptance Facility program as of Friday. This decision has sparked pushback from members of Congress from both parties, who are challenging the State Department's move and proposing legislation to allow nonprofit libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities.

Why it matters

The State Department's decision highlights the complex relationship between federal regulations and the role of nonprofit organizations in providing essential services to communities. The potential loss of passport acceptance facilities at libraries could create access challenges for some citizens, particularly those in rural areas or with limited transportation options.

The details

The State Department said the order was given because federal law and regulations 'clearly prohibit non-governmental organizations' from collecting and retaining fees for passport applications. Libraries run by the government are not affected by this order. The American Library Association estimates that approximately 1,400 nonprofit public libraries, representing 15% of all public libraries nationwide, could be affected. However, the State Department maintains that the number of ineligible libraries represents less than one percent of its over 7,500 passport acceptance facilities.

  • The State Department began issuing cease and desist orders in late fall 2025.
  • The libraries were ordered to stop processing passport applications as of Friday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Cathleen Special

The executive director of the Otis Library in Norwich, Connecticut, which had offered passport services for 18 years before receiving a cease and desist order from the State Department.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State.

Madeleine Dean

A U.S. Representative who has proposed bipartisan legislation to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing 501(c)(3) nonprofit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities.

John Joyce

A U.S. Representative who has proposed bipartisan legislation to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing 501(c)(3) nonprofit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Representatives Madeleine Dean and John Joyce have proposed bipartisan legislation to amend the Passport Act of 1920, allowing 501(c)(3) nonprofit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities. A similar bill is also pending in the Senate.

The takeaway

The State Department's decision to order some nonprofit public libraries to stop processing passport applications highlights the complex relationship between federal regulations and the role of these organizations in providing essential services to communities. The potential loss of these passport acceptance facilities could create access challenges for some citizens, particularly those in rural areas or with limited transportation options, prompting a bipartisan congressional response to find a solution.