Editorial Note: This page was last updated on March 24, 2026, to reflect the current status of Department of State operations during the active partial government shutdown.
When the federal government faces a shutdown, American travelers immediately worry about their international plans. If you need a new passport, a passport renewal, or a passport for a minor during a lapse in federal funding, understanding what stays open and what closes is critical to securing your travel documents on time.
Urgent Travel Alert: During a government shutdown, unexpected delays can occur at national processing centers. Standard government processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks. To avoid missing your flight due to administrative backlogs, start your application with our vetted, registered passport expediting service to secure your travel documents in just a few days.
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What is a Government Shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass an appropriations bill (commonly referred to as a budget) or the President refuses to sign one that has been passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is a piece of legislation that funds the federal government’s operations and agencies.
In the event of a shutdown, non-essential services are paused, and only “essential” services continue to operate. The impact on various services, including passport applications, depends on whether these services are deemed essential or non-essential at that specific time.
The definition of an “essential service” can change from shutdown to shutdown. There have been 21 shutdowns over the past 40 years, and each has had its own unique causes and effects. However, history shows that passport operations are generally prioritized so Americans can continue to travel for personal and business reasons.
How Previous U.S. Government Shutdowns Impacted Passport Applications
Historically, passport services have been classified as essential during government shutdowns. Furthermore, passport processing is funded by application fees, not annual congressional appropriations. This means that despite a shutdown, passport applications have typically continued to be accepted, processed, and issued to travelers.
The absolute worst-case scenario occurred during the 1995–1996 government shutdown, when passport processing was halted altogether—leaving a backlog of about 200,000 passport applications once operations resumed. This is a rare example, but it serves as proof that getting a passport during a shutdown is never fully guaranteed.
As of March 2026, the federal government is currently experiencing a partial shutdown following a lapse in appropriations that began on January 31, 2026. While several cabinet departments—including the Department of State—are affected by this funding gap, passport services remain operational because they are primarily funded by consumer fees.
Unlike the record-breaking shutdown of late 2025, the 2026 partial shutdown is targeted toward specific agencies. Despite the political gridlock in Washington stretching into the spring, the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs continues to process applications.
Latest Guidance from the U.S. Government
Currently, the U.S. Department of State reports standard processing times of 4 to 6 weeks for routine applications and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited applications. These times do not include mailing time. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after it is printed.
Travelers should be prepared that an ongoing shutdown could quickly lead to these processing timelines increasing.
USPS operations: The United States Postal Service states it is not affected by a government shutdown, and that Post Offices and mail delivery continue as usual. That means renewal applications can still be mailed, and completed passports can still be delivered.
At airports, essential personnel like TSA officers and air traffic controllers continue to work during a shutdown, though longer security lines and travel delays are already occurring at many major airports, and widespread disruptions remain highly likely based on past shutdowns.
Using Passport Expediting Services
When federal operations are unpredictable, using a registered passport expediting service provides critical oversight and security for your travel documents. These travel document professionals help you navigate the bureaucracy, ensuring your application is flawless so it isn't subjected to further delays.
In most circumstances, these agencies can help expedite your U.S. passport so you have it in days instead of months.
For more on these services, what they do, and how they can help reduce the wait and the stress associated with getting a passport quickly, check out our Ultimate Guide to Passport Expeditors.
In a rush? Here is our directory of top, vetted passport courier services based on over 20 years of helping travelers secure the documents they need.
Final Recommendations
While a government shutdown understandably causes concern for those needing to apply for or renew a passport, historically, passport services have continued to operate during these periods. However, potential delays are highly likely depending on the length of the shutdown, policy shifts, staffing shortages, and closed federal facilities.
Stay informed about the current political situation and consider using a registered expedited service if you’re in a hurry. Always plan ahead and apply for your passport well in advance of any international travel to avoid administrative nightmares.
Remember: Safe and stress-free travel requires preparation. Wait too long during a federal funding lapse, and your best bet will be to get immediate help from a professional passport expediter.
