Key Highlights
- The U.S. State Department has issued Cease-and-Desist orders to nonprofit libraries, stopping them from processing passport applications.
- Democratic and Republican lawmakers are pushing back against the new order, warning of increased travel distances for American citizens.
- About 15% of public libraries across states will be affected by this change in policy.
- The State Department claims that federal law prohibits non-governmental organizations from collecting passport application fees.
State Department’s New Passport Ban: A Blow to Community Services?
It seems like the U.S. State Department has decided to take a page out of the playbook of corporate America, where customer service is often sacrificed for efficiency and profit. In late fall 2025, they began issuing Cease-and-Desist orders to nonprofit libraries nationwide, effectively stripping them of their long-standing role in processing passport applications.
But this isn’t just about efficiency; it’s a move that could significantly impact American citizens, especially those who rely on local community services.
The order took effect as of February 13, 2026, and has already affected libraries like the James V. Brown Library in Pennsylvania. “The Library’s final day to offer passport services will be Thursday, February 12,” they announced.
And this isn’t just a one-off incident. According to the American Library Association, about 15% of public libraries across states—around 1,400 facilities—will now no longer be able to process passports. This means that many citizens who previously relied on their local library might have to travel further for these services.
Pushback from Congress
The political landscape is not without its challenges. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers are taking action, sending a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging an extension of the program until a permanent solution can be found. They argue that libraries are among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents.
Representatives Madeleine Dean and John Joyce have introduced bipartisan legislation that would allow nonprofit public libraries to remain as passport acceptance facilities by amending the 1920 Passport Act. “The State Department’s interpretation of the law is nonsense,” Dean stated in a press release, echoing the sentiment that this move doesn’t align with the original intent of making it easier for citizens to apply for passports.
A Legacy at Risk
For libraries like the Otis Library in Norwich, Connecticut, the impact has been significant. Cathleen Special, executive director of the library, noted, “We still get calls daily seeking that service.” The workload on local post offices is expected to increase as a result, adding an extra burden on their shoulders.
The State Department claims federal law clearly prohibits non-governmental organizations from collecting or keeping passport application fees. However, this doesn’t explain why the order targets 50-year-old services run by nonprofits.
Special added, “The burden falls on them now to do all of it and that’s tough on them.” The post office has been a partner in this service for decades, referring applicants to the library for after-hours help, childcare support, and language assistance.
The situation highlights a broader issue: the State Department’s decision to centralize services by removing non-profit entities. It might streamline operations but could leave many citizens with fewer convenient options. As one traveler lamented, “I don’t want the aggravation” of navigating the new system.
As this story unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Congress and the State Department navigate these conflicting interests. For now, the impact on American travelers continues to ripple through communities across the country.