TRAVELERS whose passports were lost or ruined this year could now get them replaced for free.
The TSA is waiving replacement fees, but only for those who meet strict eligibility rules.
GettyTSA is waiving fees, but only for those who meet strict eligibility rules (stock image)[/caption] APTravelers whose passports were lost or damaged in natural disasters can get them replaced for free[/caption]The program is designed for people whose valid passports were damaged or lost in federally recognized disasters.
Residents in Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma and West Virginia are among those who may qualify.
The waived fees apply to people left devastated by major natural disasters like wildfires, tornadoes, and severe storms since January.
“We understand this is a stressful time and are here to help you replace your passport,” the TSA said.
Under federal law, passport application fees can be waived for up to three years, while file search fees can be dropped for up to 18 months after a declared disaster.
But travelers won’t be reimbursed if they have already received money from another source, like homeowner’s insurance.
The waiver also does not apply to those who have never had a passport, lost an expired passport, or were impacted by an unlisted disaster.
Only specific storm events qualify, and they are listed clearly on the government’s disaster waiver page.
A valid passport must show serious damage such as liquid stains, ripped pages, unauthorized markings, or a hole punch.
Normal “wear and tear” like bent corners or minor creases doesn’t count.
Applicants must fill out Form DS-5504, include a new passport photo, and submit Form D-64, which reports the lost or stolen passport.
The DS-64 must also include the name of the disaster, the address where the passport was lost, the approximate date of loss, and a statement that the loss wasn’t covered by insurance.
If you are traveling within three weeks, do not mail the application.
Instead, make an appointment at a passport agency or center.
Qualifying Disasters for Free Passport Replacement
Kentucky – May 23, 2025Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, and TornadoesFEMA Code: DR-4875-KYWaiver valid through: May 22, 2028
Mississippi – May 21, 2025Severe Storms, Winds, Tornadoes, FloodingFEMA Code: DR-4874-MSWaiver valid through: May 20, 2028
Arkansas – May 21, 2025Severe Storms, Tornadoes, FloodingFEMA Code: DR-4873-ARWaiver valid through: May 20, 2028
Texas – May 21, 2025Severe Storms and FloodingFEMA Code: DR-4871-TXWaiver valid through: May 20, 2028
Missouri – May 21, 2025Severe Storms, Tornadoes, WildfiresFEMA Code: DR-4867-MOWaiver valid through: May 20, 2028
Oklahoma – May 21, 2025Wildfires, Straight-line WindsFEMA Code: DR-4866-OKWaiver valid through: May 20, 2028
Arkansas – May 8, 2025Severe Storms and TornadoesFEMA Code: DR-4865-ARWaiver valid through: May 7, 2028
Kentucky – April 24, 2025Storms, Flooding, Landslides, MudslidesFEMA Code: DR-4864-KYWaiver valid through: April 23, 2028
West Virginia – Feb 26, 2025Storms, Flooding, Landslides, MudslidesFEMA Code: DR-4861-WVWaiver valid through: Feb 25, 2028
Kentucky – Feb 24, 2025Storms, Flooding, Landslides, MudslidesFEMA Code: DR-4860-KYWaiver valid through: Feb 23, 2028
California – Jan 8, 2025Wildfires and Straight-line WindsFEMA Code: DR-4856-CAWaiver valid through: Jan 7, 2028
If you are not traveling soon, you can mail your paperwork to the addresses listed on Form DS-5504.
For each listed disaster, the fee waiver is valid through 2028, and the file search fee waiver expires after 18 months.
Applicants must act promptly, especially if their travel is approaching.
Replacement passports generally cost the same as any other passport, which is $130 if you are 16 or older.
DIFFERENT SCREENING
Meanwhile, a new TSA update will see major changes to the airport security screening process.
Passengers will be required to undergo an additional step before boarding their flight.
New technology will change how passengers screen their IDs while going through security.
This update will allow the traveler’s identification to be confirmed with their flight information without the individual providing a boarding pass.
New units will feature a camera to match the photo on a passenger’s ID with the person presenting the ID.
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