ALA praises bill to protect passport acceptance services in nonprofit libraries

Washington – The American Library Association (ALA) endorsed bicameral and bipartisan legislation that would allow nonprofit public libraries to continue providing passport acceptance services. Introduced by Representative John Joyce (R-PA-13) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), the bills (H.R.6997 / S.3733) would enable all public libraries, whether they are organized as units of government or nonprofit organizations, to serve as passport acceptance facilities designated by the State Department. 

ALA President Sam Helmick said, “Public libraries tailor their offerings to their communities' needs, and for many, that includes passport services. Library organizational structures vary, but any public library currently authorized to provide passport acceptance services should be able to continue doing so. ALA fully supports the bills introduced by Rep. Joyce, Sen. Fetterman and their cosponsors, to enable all public libraries, regardless of organization status, to continue serving their communities as passport acceptance facilities.”  

In October 2025, public libraries that are organized as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations rather than government agencies began receiving notice from the U.S. State Department that they would no longer be allowed to accept passport applications. According to the State Department, the 1920 Passport Act does not authorize non-governmental agencies to serve as passport acceptance facilities, even though some nonprofit libraries have offered passport services for decades. The Institute of Museum and Library Services reports that approximately 15 percent of all public libraries are non-governmental. The State Department’s determination does not affect libraries that are government entities.

As a result of the State Department’s determination, dozens of public libraries will be forced to stop offering passport services in their communities. These libraries helped tens of thousands of Americans apply for a passport last year.

The Community Passport Services Access Act would correct this issue and allow nonprofit public libraries to continue serving as passport acceptance facilities. To maintain continuity of services, ALA urges Congress to promptly advance this bipartisan legislation. 

Update (2/20): See ALA's letters to Committee leadership in the House and Senate in support of this legislation.

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

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