The Trump administration has implemented a major change to passport rules, waiving fees for certain first responders deployed overseas for disaster relief and search‑and‑rescue missions.
The policy took effect immediately following the publication of a final rule by the U.S. State Department in the Federal Register.
The change updates the State Department’s Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, allowing eligible first responders to receive no‑fee regular passports when traveling abroad under federal disaster response agreements. The exemption applies only to deployments authorized by the U.S. government and does not extend to personal travel.
Who Qualifies for the Passport Fee Exemption
The fee waiver applies to U.S. citizens operating under a contract, grant or cooperative agreement with the federal government to participate in search, rescue or related disaster relief operations in a foreign country following a natural disaster. It also covers individuals required to remain on standby for immediate overseas deployment at the direction of the U.S. government.
Eligibility determinations are made at the discretion of the secretary of state. Passports issued under the exemption are processed through the State Department’s Special Issuance Agency, which already handles passports for applicants exempt from standard fees, including government personnel and Peace Corps volunteers. Rather than charging applicants, the department invoices the sponsoring federal agency, with costs covered by appropriated State Department funds.
Why the Change Is Being Implemented Now
The rule implements the First Responders Passport Act, which was enacted as part of the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. That legislation amended federal passport law to allow the State Department to waive passport fees for certain disaster response personnel sent abroad under official U.S. agreements.
Because the change was mandated by statute, the State Department said it was not required to go through the normal notice‑and‑comment rulemaking process. The agency also said the policy does not impose new reporting requirements or create a significant economic impact.
What the Policy Means Going Forward
According to the State Department, the exemption currently applies to two U.S. urban search-and-rescue teams, each with roughly 200 members. Officials did not specify whether additional teams could be covered in the future.
The administration said the change is intended to remove logistical and financial barriers for U.S. first responders who may need to deploy overseas on short notice, while streamlining international emergency response efforts under federal authority.
Update 4/3/26, 5:40 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
