A new directive from the U.S. Department of State has forced many nonprofit public libraries across the United States to stop accepting passport applications, cutting off a service that residents in numerous communities had relied on for years. The decision has sparked frustration among library leaders and bipartisan concern among lawmakers, who say the change could make it harder for people — particularly those in rural or underserved areas — to obtain passports.
In late fall, the department began issuing cease-and-desist notices to nonprofit libraries participating in the federal Passport Acceptance Facility program. The notices informed libraries that they would no longer be permitted to process passport paperwork. For institutions that had integrated passport services into their daily operations, the announcement came as a surprise and created an immediate service gap.
One example is the Otis Library in Norwich, Connecticut, which had provided passport processing for nearly two decades. Executive director Cathleen Special said the service ended in November after the library received official notification. Even after the shutdown, community members have continued reaching out in search of help with passport applications, underscoring how central the offering had become to local residents.
Libraries like Otis had built a reputation for offering convenient scheduling, accessible locations and staff support that helped families navigate the paperwork. For many patrons, especially those juggling work and childcare, the library served as an approachable and efficient alternative to other government facilities.
Legal Grounds Cited for Ending Eligibility
According to the State Department, the policy change is based on its interpretation of federal law governing passport fees. A department spokesperson said regulations prohibit nongovernmental organizations from collecting and retaining fees associated with passport applications. Because nonprofit libraries fall into that category, they are now considered ineligible to operate as passport acceptance sites. Libraries run directly by government entities are not affected.
The agency has not provided a detailed explanation for why enforcement of this rule intensified now, nor has it released a precise count of how many libraries have been removed from the program. Officials noted that the United States has more than 7,500 passport acceptance facilities overall and stated that the number of ineligible libraries represents a small fraction of that total.
However, figures from the American Library Association suggest the practical impact could be broader. The association estimates that as many as 1,400 mostly nonprofit public libraries — roughly 15% of all public libraries nationwide — could potentially be affected, depending on how many previously offered passport services.
Bipartisan Lawmakers Seek Temporary Extension
The directive has prompted a coordinated response from members of Congress representing several northeastern states. Lawmakers from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Maryland have appealed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio to temporarily extend the program for nonprofit libraries while Congress works toward a legislative fix.
In their communication, the lawmakers argued that passport demand is climbing and that libraries play a key role in meeting that need. They warned that removing library-based services may force residents to travel farther, rearrange work schedules or delay obtaining travel documents. They also pointed to increased documentation needs tied to identification requirements and other administrative processes.
The disruption is expected to be particularly significant in states where public libraries are commonly structured as nonprofit organizations rather than municipal departments. In Pennsylvania, for example, the majority of libraries operate as nonprofits. Similar organizational models are common in parts of Maine, Rhode Island, New York and Connecticut.
Potential Financial Impact on Library Systems
Beyond accessibility concerns, the loss of passport processing could strain library budgets. For some institutions, passport-related fees helped support staffing and community programming. Without that revenue, certain libraries may face difficult financial decisions, including possible staff reductions or service cutbacks.
To address the issue, Pennsylvania Representatives Madeleine Dean and John Joyce have introduced bipartisan legislation that would amend the Passport Act of 1920. Their proposal would explicitly authorize 501(c)(3) nonprofit public libraries to serve as passport acceptance facilities. A similar measure is awaiting consideration in the Senate.
Supporters of the bill say it would restore a practical arrangement that has functioned effectively for years and would provide clarity about the role nonprofit libraries can play in delivering federal services.
Rural Areas May Feel the Effects Most
Communities with limited government infrastructure could be hit hardest by the change. In rural counties where passport facilities are scarce, libraries have often filled a crucial gap. In parts of south-central Pennsylvania, for instance, a local library had been one of only a small number of locations available for passport processing. With that option gone, residents may now have to rely on a single remaining government office.
The State Department maintains that overall access remains strong, stating that the vast majority of Americans live within 20 miles of an authorized passport acceptance location, such as a post office or county clerk’s office. The agency has said it will attempt to identify alternative partners if the removal of a facility creates service shortages in a particular area.
Libraries Provided Personalized Assistance
Library administrators emphasize that their role extended beyond simply collecting forms. Staff often helped applicants schedule appointments outside standard business hours, assisted families managing young children and supported individuals facing language barriers. Nearby postal facilities sometimes directed residents to libraries specifically because of this hands-on assistance.
With nonprofit libraries stepping back from passport processing, that demand is shifting to other institutions that may already be operating at capacity. Library leaders worry that the transition could lead to longer wait times and a more complicated application experience for the public.
