Can you get a passport during the government shutdown? What to know

If you are planning a trip where you will be flying, one of the most important items you need is a United States passport. 

If you’ve applied for a passport or are planning to get one before your trip and are worried about the government shutdown, just relax and be aware of processing times. 

Are passport services impacted by the government shutdown? 

No, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs are primarily funded through processing fees. So it’s not impacted by the shutdown. 

How long does it take to get a passport? 

You still need to be aware of the processing time to get a passport.  

According to the State Department, the routine processing time for a passport is four to six weeks. The expedited processing time for a passport is two to three weeks and cost an additional $60.