If you are traveling soon and you need your passport during a government shutdown, you need to apply for your passport immediately. Notably, during prior government shutdowns, passport offices were often operational only while funds lasted.

Currently, routine processing takes approximately 8-11 weeks when applying directly through the Department of State. Should you need a passport sooner, a private expediting company may be worth looking into. This can trim the processing time for passports down to as little as one week.

Government Shutdown Passport Availability

The government has shut down 22 times since 1976, and every time there’s a shutdown, government services are impacted. As discussion arises of another government shutdown, travelers continue to worry if passport services will be available.

If you’ve got an international trip planned, you’re probably wondering how this could impact you. Can you get a passport during a government shutdown?

The answer depends on the type of shutdown when it happens. If the passport offices are still open, it may be possible but it could take longer than usual. That’s because passport services are funded in part by application fees. So, there’s usually some money available to continue services even if Congress doesn’t pass a funding bill.

In January 2018, for example, the State Department stated, “Consular operations domestically and abroad will remain 100% operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations.” That includes passport services. However, with the current pending shutdown, passport processing will likely be impacted.

Can you get a passport during a government shutdown? Yes, but be prepared to wait.

Yes, you can get a passport during a government shutdown, but be prepared to wait. However, if you have a trip planned and there’s the threat of a shutdown, you should apply for a passport as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute! If you find yourself worried about upcoming travel, you may consider using an expedited service. We can help you understand all of your rush passport processing options.

The State Department may still be open for business, but it won’t be business as usual. Some staff may be furloughed, which means that processing times could increase.

And if you’re in a hurry, watch out. Post offices will remain open. However, passport agencies, which serve people traveling within two weeks, may close down if they are located inside a federal building.

How to get a passport during a government shutdown

If you need a passport during a government shutdown, here’s how to get one.

Step 1: Collect your documents.

What do you need to get a passport? It depends, but we’ve put together guides for the most common situations below:

Step 2: Check passport processing speeds

The State Department lists current passport processing speeds on its website. Please keep in mind that these can change, and during a government shutdown, they could become a lot longer on short notice. Routine processing is usually 8-11 weeks but can vary during a shutdown.

Step 3: Find an open passport office

If you’re applying well in advance of your trip, you can apply at your local post office. That’s because the US Postal Service is self-funded. However, remember that the actual passport processing is dependent on the Passport Agency being open to actually process the applications.

But if you’re leaving in two weeks or less, the post office likely won’t be able to get your passport back to you in time. You have two options: Find an open regional passport agency, or use a private passport expediter.

Passport agencies that are located inside federal buildings will likely be closed, however. There are only 26 passport agencies to serve the entire country. Many of them are in federal buildings. So, a private expediting company like RushMyPassport may be your best bet. Even during a government shutdown, RushMyPassport can get your application to an open passport agency for processing in as little as one business day. Meanwhile, you don’t have to leave your hometown, make an appointment, or wait in line.

Step 4: Submit your application and pay the required fees.

Are you eligible to renew your passport by mail? Then you’re in luck! Simply send your application and supporting documents to the address on the form.

If you’re applying for a first-time passport, replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, or applying for a passport for a child, take your documents to the nearest open passport office.

Need a passport in a hurry during a government shutdown?

Getting a passport during a government shutdown is especially difficult if you’re in a hurry. Even if you live near a regional passport agency, you may be out of luck if it’s in a federal building.  Passport agencies in federal buildings will stay open on a case-by-case basis, so they may close during the shutdown or limit hours of operation.

If you need a passport quickly, but don’t have the time or patience to go to a passport agency or post office, RushMyPassport can help.

With services ranging from new passports, passport renewals, child passports, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, our team of registered couriers and passport advisors will help get your passport fast!

Click to get started today and find out why RushMyPassport is the most convenient way to get a passport in a hurry.