State Department Halts Passport Services at 1,400 Nonprofit Libraries Nationwide
Washington, Saturday, 14 February 2026.
Citing fee regulations, the State Department halted passport services at 1,400 nonprofit libraries this month, cutting a vital revenue stream for 15% of U.S. public facilities.
Regulatory Shift Impacts 15% of Public Libraries
The directive from the State Department, which formally took effect on February 6, 2026, enforces a strict interpretation of federal law prohibiting non-governmental organizations from collecting passport fees [1]. While government-run libraries remain unaffected, the American Library Association estimates this ruling strips authorization from approximately 1,400 facilities, representing roughly 15% of all public libraries in the United States [1]. The enforcement follows cease and desist orders issued in late 2025, culminating in a significant reduction of the nation’s passport acceptance network just as the spring travel season approaches [1].
Fiscal and Logistical Fallout
The financial implications for these nonprofit entities are significant, as passport services have long provided a steady stream of non-tax revenue. Libraries have historically retained a $35 execution fee per application, alongside an optional $15 fee for passport photos, amounting to a potential revenue loss of 50 per applicant utilizing both services [3][4]. For institutions like the Bucks County Free Library in Pennsylvania, which was forced to cease its passport operations yesterday, February 13, 2026, this funding supported essential library resources [3]. Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA) characterized the revenue as “critical,” warning that the loss could precipitate staff layoffs, program reductions, or facility closures [1][2].
Bipartisan Legislative Response
In response to the policy shift, a bipartisan coalition has mobilized to reverse the State Department’s decision. Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean and Republican Representative John Joyce, both of Pennsylvania, have introduced legislation to amend the Passport Act of 1920, explicitly allowing 501(c)(3) nonprofit libraries to continue serving as acceptance facilities [1]. This legislative push follows a January 2026 letter sent by members of Congress to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting a program extension while a permanent statutory solution is debated [1]. Representative Dean has publicly criticized the State Department’s move as a “nonsensical decision” that disrupts a convenient and secure service [2].
The Accessibility Debate
The State Department defends the restriction by asserting that 99% of the U.S. population resides within 32 kilometers of a designated passport processing location [1]. However, critics argue this metric fails to account for the realities of rural access. In Representative Joyce’s district, for example, the Marysville-Rye Library was one of only two facilities serving Perry County—a jurisdiction covering 1,440 square kilometers—leaving the county courthouse as the sole remaining option for residents [1]. The impact is disproportionately felt in states with high concentrations of nonprofit libraries; in Pennsylvania, 85% of public libraries are structured as nonprofits, compared to 56% in Maine and 54% in Rhode Island [1].