Can you get a passport during the government shutdown?

(NewsNation) — U.S. citizens attempting to acquire or renew a passport during the government shutdown don't need to panic, as passport applications are expected to continue being processed.

The government shut down Wednesday after lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill, but that should not significantly impact passport operations.

The State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs/Passport Services, the agency responsible for issuing passports, is designated as an essential service provider and funded through passport fees — meaning all passport services should remain open during the shutdown.

According to the State Department's shutdown contingency plans, "consular operations domestically and abroad will remain 100% operational as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations