Can you get a passport during the government shutdown?

U.S. citizens attempting to acquire or renew a passport during the government shutdown do not need to panic, as passport applications are expected to continue being processed.

The government shut down Wednesday after lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill, but that should not significantly impact passport operations.

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs/Passport Services, the agency responsible for issuing the documents, is designated as an essential service provider and funded through passport fees — meaning all passport services should remain open during the shutdown.

According to the State Department's shutdown contingency plans, "consular operations domestically and abroad will remain 100% operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations."

The shutdown could, however, impact processing times, so travelers should leave themselves sufficient time before any upcoming trips. You can check current processing times on the State Department's website.

Passport appointments with the U.S. Postal Service also will not be affected by the shutdown, as the agency is independently funded via the sale of its products.

The Postal Service plays a crucial role in passport application acceptance operations, as it accepts applications at designated facilities, verifies their accuracy and submits documents to the administration.