You've probably seen the headlines. The news is a mess of "funding deadlines," "partisan gridlock," and "looming shutdowns." It feels like every few months, the gears of the federal government threaten to grind to a halt. If you have a plane ticket to Rome or a cruise booked for the Caribbean, your first thought is probably: Wait, can I still get my passport?
The short answer? Yes.
It sounds weird. If the government is "closed," shouldn't the people making the little blue books be at home?
Honestly, it’s one of those rare instances where bureaucracy actually works in your favor. U.S. passport processing continues despite government shutdown because of how the Department of State handles its money. They don't just sit around waiting for a check from Congress to print your photo.
The Secret Sauce: Fee-Funded Services
Most of the government runs on "appropriated funds." That’s the money Congress fights over. When that money runs out, the lights go out.
But the Bureau of Consular Affairs—the folks who handle passports and visas—is a bit of a different animal. They are primarily fee-funded. When you pay that $130 renewal fee (plus the $35 execution fee for new applicants), that money goes directly into a bucket that keeps the operation running.
Because you’re paying for the service, the service stays open.
As long as there are enough fees in the bank to cover the salaries of the people at the processing centers, they keep working. It’s basically a business within the government. This is why, during the record-breaking 43-day shutdown we saw recently, passport agencies stayed open while national park bathrooms were being locked.
The "Federal Building" Catch
Now, don't get too comfortable. There is one annoying glitch you need to know about.
While the people are still working, the buildings might be a problem. Many regional passport agencies are located inside federal buildings. If the rest of the building is shut down, security might be thin, or the whole place might be "restricted."
If you have an appointment for an "Urgent Travel" passport (the one where you go in person because you’re flying in three days), call ahead. Most of the time, they find a way to let you in, but it’s not always a smooth ride.
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What Really Happens to Processing Times?
"Business as usual" is a strong phrase. Maybe too strong.
Even though the lights are on, a shutdown creates a sort of "vibe shift" in federal offices. Some support staff—the people who handle the mail, the janitors, or the IT contractors—might be furloughed because they aren't paid by your fees.
This creates a bottleneck.
- Mail Delays: The U.S. Postal Service is also self-funded, so they keep moving. But if the intake facility is short-staffed, your application might sit in a bin for a few extra days.
- The "Surge" Effect: When people hear "shutdown," they panic. They all rush to apply at the same time. This spike in volume can easily push a 4-week turnaround into a 6-week slog.
- Third-Party Issues: If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate from a state or local office that does rely on federal grants, you might hit a wall before you even start your passport application.
Don't Forget the Post Office
Remember, most people don't go to a State Department agency. You go to your local post office or library.
The USPS is an independent agency. They don't care if Congress is arguing; they still want to sell you stamps and process your DS-11 form. Your "acceptance facility" is likely to stay open regardless of the political weather in D.C.
Current Wait Times (As of January 2026)
Right now, we're looking at fairly standard windows. Routine service is hovering around 4 to 6 weeks, and expedited is roughly 2 to 3 weeks.
During a shutdown, I’d bet on the longer end of those ranges. If you’re planning to travel in March or April, get that paperwork in now. Seriously. Don't wait to see if the January 30th funding deadline gets pushed again.
When Things Get Complicated
If you're an American citizen living abroad, things get slightly stickier.
Embassies and consulates usually stay open for "emergency services." This includes lost or stolen passports for travelers. However, if you're just looking to renew your passport because it expires next year, an embassy under shutdown conditions might tell you to wait. They prioritize "life or death" situations and immediate travel over routine maintenance.
It’s also worth noting that other travel-related perks aren't as lucky. Global Entry interviews often get canceled during shutdowns because Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are considered "essential" but the administrative staff isn't. You'll see the officers at the airport—working without pay, which sucks—but you might not be able to get your background check finished.
Actionable Steps for Your Application
If you’re staring at an expired passport and a news ticker about a government lapse, here is exactly what you should do:
- Apply Online if Eligible: The State Department’s online renewal system is a lifesaver. It bypasses the physical mail-in process for many, which reduces the number of hands your application has to pass through.
- Check Your Building: If you have an in-person appointment at a Regional Passport Agency, check if it's in a federal building. If it is, keep a close eye on your email for rescheduling notices.
- Use Trackable Mail: If you're mailing your application, pay the extra couple of bucks for Priority Mail with tracking. In the chaos of a shutdown, knowing your birth certificate is actually at the facility is worth the peace of mind.
- Don't Panic Buy Expediting: You don't always need to pay the extra $60. If your trip is three months away, the fee-funded nature of the office means you'll likely get your book in time even with a "slow" government.
- Verify Your Documents Now: Make sure your "evidence of citizenship" is ready. If you need a new copy of a document from a different government agency, do it today. Those are the offices most likely to actually close.
The big takeaway is that the passport office is one of the few parts of the government that stays "open for business" because you're the one paying the bills. U.S. passport processing continues despite government shutdown because your fees keep the printers warm. Just be prepared for a little extra friction in the process.
To get started on your application right now, you should head to the official Travel.State.Gov website and check if you are eligible for the digital renewal pilot, which is the fastest way to skip the line.