Traveling is something many Americans enjoy, but it also poses obstacles that have to be overcome.

In fact, US Travel.org identified some of the top barriers to travel, according to Americans. This data showed that major difficulties included being able to get away from work, coping with the challenges of air travel, and navigating logistics and planning. 

For some of those struggling travelers, lacking the right travel documents is another key issue, especially with new rules and restrictions regarding required ID. 

Unfortunately, a new government crackdown further complicates this situation, as policy changes make it harder for people to get one of the most common essential travel documents. 

Accessing a critical travel document just became more inconvenient in some communities.

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This travel document is becoming harder to get

Travel Pulse reported on the new issues Americans are having with getting their hands on a critical travel document.

Specifically, the U.S. State Department has ordered some public libraries to stop processing applications for U.S. passports. 

The State Department actually sent many of these libraries cease-and-desist letters telling them that they will not be permitted to accept any passport applications under the federal Passport Acceptance Facility Program. 

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The new directive took effect on February 13, 2026, effectively making it much more difficult for people to secure their passports.

Found within many communities, libraries tend to be very accessible locations where professionals can help with paperwork and logistical issues, but this resource is now not available for many seeking a passport. 

Which libraries are impacted by the State Department Directive? 

According to Travel Pulse, certain not-for-profit libraries affected by the new State Department order have received the cease-and-desist letters.

The American Library Association estimates that of the 1,400 public libraries nationwide, about 15% are non-governmental and will be affected by the change.

Why did the State Department crack down on public libraries issuing passports?

A spokesperson from the State Department spoke to AP News, indicating that the change was made because federal law and existing regulations “clearly prohibit non-governmental organizations” from accepting application fees for passports. 

Since nonprofit libraries are not run by the government, they will no longer be able to process passport applications.

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Government-run libraries don’t run afoul of these regulations, so they can continue to offer this service.

However, Travel Pulse indicates the State Department has not indicated why this crackdown is happening now, even though non-governmental libraries have provided passports for years without any problems. 

How does the State Department’s passport decision impact consumers?

The State Department has downplayed the impact of this decision, stating “passport services has over 7,500 acceptance facilities nationwide, and the number of libraries found ineligible makes up less than one percent of our total network.”

However, consumers are already being impacted by the change. “We still get calls daily seeking that service,” Cathleen Special, executive director of the Otis Library in Norwich, Conn., said, according to Travel Pulse.

Otis Library had provided passport services for 18 years before it ended the program in November. “Our community was so used to us offering this.”

Lawmakers have also pushed back on the State Department’s directive, with Travel Pulse reporting that a bipartisan group from both parties sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“In a time when demand for passports is surging, libraries are among the most accessible passport acceptance facilities, particularly for working families and rural residents,” the letter read.

For now, those hoping to get a passport either to travel abroad or to help them comply with new real ID requirements will need to look for other passport acceptance facilities if their local library can no longer assist them.

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