U.S. congressional lawmakers have failed to agree on a spending package for the new fiscal year, which triggered a federal government shutdown on Wednesday.
Many Americans are wondering how the shutdown will impact travel, and, specifically, how it will affect passport applications and driver's license services.
Here's what we know.
Are passports still being processed?
Yes. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency responsible for overseeing the naturalization process, is primarily funded by application fees, meaning a lapse in funding at the federal government has minimal impacts on most passport and visa processing.
What if I have a passport appointment with the United States Postal Service?
The U.S. Postal Service is unaffected by a government shutdown. It’s an independent entity funded through the sale of its products and services, not by tax dollars. You can still make appointments for new passport applications, passport renewals and photo services on the USPS website.
Can I still get a driver's license or REAL ID?
You can still get a driver's license or REAL ID during a government shutdown.
That's because motor vehicle departments are primarily funded and operated through state budgets.
This means you can also make an appointment or visit one of your state's driver's license centers to receive a REAL ID with proper paperwork.
The shutdown will not stop Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees from enforcing the REAL ID Act in U.S. airports and other federal facilities.
TSA officers are typically deemed essential and must remain on the job, though they are not paid.
What about visas?
Agency spokesperson Matthew Tragesser said in a statement, however, that the shutdown does temporarily shutter the agency's E-Verify program, a free online system that employers can use to confirm their new employees are authorized to work in the U.S.