Story perspectives

State Department Halts Passport Services at Nonprofit Libraries

2/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. State Department ordered nonprofit public libraries to stop processing passport applications, effective February 13, 2026, restricting local access.
About 1,400 nonprofit libraries are affected, most of them in the Northeast.
Lawmakers from both parties are pushing back, arguing that the change could force Americans to travel farther for passport services.
More than 7,500 passport acceptance facilities remain, but the loss of local library services raises concerns about accessibility.

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Story summary

The U.S. State Department ordered nonprofit public libraries to stop processing passport applications, effective February 13, 2026, restricting local access.
About 1,400 nonprofit libraries are affected, most of them in the Northeast.
Lawmakers from both parties are pushing back, arguing that the change could force Americans to travel farther for passport services.
More than 7,500 passport acceptance facilities remain, but the loss of local library services raises concerns about accessibility.