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In the United States, the Department of State allows citizens who have gone through climate emergencies and lost their passport for this reason to replace it at no cost. The goal is to help in some way those who were affected by these events.
However, there is a deadline to use this benefit and request the fee waiver. People who did not have a passport or who lost the document for other reasons are excluded.
The United States will allow the passport to be replaced for free: Who can apply?
Those who can use this benefit are citizens who have lost or damaged their passport due to natural disasters. In 2026, there are only seven events that qualify for this fee waiver according to what is stated on the Department of State’s official page:
- Super Typhoon Sinlaku in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Severe winter storm with winds in the Crow Tribe of Montana.
- Winter storm with winds in the Fort Peck Tribes.
- Low-pressure weather systems in Kona, Hawaii.
- Severe storms and flooding in the San Carlos Apache Tribe.
- Severe winter storm in Tennessee.
- Storms and landslides in Washington.
Passport replacement: How long do you have?
The deadline to use this benefit is 3 years from when the event occurred. For events that took place in 2026, affected citizens will have time until 2029. It is recommended to check the official page to verify specific dates.
Additionally, the deadlines are still open for those who suffered from disasters from 2023 to 2025.
DS-5504 form: How do you request a replacement passport at no cost?
To request a free passport replacement in order to travel abroad, the following steps must be followed:
- Complete Form DS-5504 for damaged or lost document replacements.
- Obtain an updated photo that meets the established requirements.
- Fill out Form DS-64 and specify there the name of the disaster, address, and approximate date of the incident.
- Attach an affidavit confirming that the costs will not receive reimbursements from insurance policies.
- Mail the documentation if the scheduled trip is more than three weeks away.
- Request an urgent in-person appointment at an authorized center if the trip is in less than three weeks.
- Verify that all provided information matches exactly the required official records.