[UPDATED: September 26, 2025]
A government shutdown in the United States can have far-reaching effects, impacting various sectors and services. One such service that might be affected is the processing of passport applications.
If you are a U.S. citizen who needs a new passport, a passport renewal, or a passport for a minor, here’s what you need to know about how a federal government shutdown could impact your plans.
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.
The definition of an “essential service” can change from shutdown to shutdown. There have been 20 shutdowns over the past 40 years, and each has had its own unique causes and effects. As such, there is no definitive answer on whether a shutdown will impact a specific service, such as passport issuance. However, history shows that passports will likely continue to be issued.
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 appropriations. This means that despite a shutdown, passport applications have typically continued to be accepted, processed, and issued to travelers (subject to the availability of fee balances and building access).
During the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which lasted 35 days from December 2018 to January 2019, passport services continued as application fees funded them.
However, depending on the length and nature of the shutdown and the specific circumstances, there could certainly be delays in processing times. For instance, passport acceptance facilities and processing centers that are housed in federal buildings that are closed during a shutdown may not be available to process applications until the shutdown ends.
Furthermore, administrative furloughs can lead to a decrease in staffing at national passport centers, which, in turn, could translate to longer waiting times for routine passport applications and renewals.
The worst-case scenario happened 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 proof that getting a passport during a shutdown is not guaranteed.
Latest Guidance from the U.S. Government
There is no telling when or if the next government shutdown will happen.
As of September 2025, the U.S. Department of State reports processing times of 4–6 weeks (routine) and 2–3 weeks (expedited). These times do not include mailing time. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive at a passport agency or center and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after it is printed.
Travelers should be prepared that a shutdown would likely lead to these times 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 lines and delays are possible based on past lapses.
Using Passport Expediting Services
In uncertain times like these, using a passport expediting service can be particularly helpful. These travel document professionals help travelers like you navigate getting a passport while also simplifying your application process and making it more stress-free.
In certain circumstances, they 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 or renewing a passport quickly, check out our Ultimate Guide to Passport Expeditors.
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The Bottom Line
While a government shutdown can cause concern for those needing to apply for or renew their passports, it’s important to remember that historically, passport services have continued during these periods. However, potential delays are possible depending on the length of the shutdown, policy shifts, staffing, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Stay informed about the current situation and consider using an expedited service if you’re in a hurry. Always plan ahead and apply for your passport well in advance of any planned international travel to avoid last-minute issues.
Remember: Safe and stress-free travel requires preparation. Stay informed, plan ahead, and you’ll be able to travel when and where you need to go. Wait too long, and your best bet may be to get help from a professional passport expediter.
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