The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced a new temporary border control measure. Following the various natural disasters and fires suffered in the different states of the country, those affected have lost many of their belongings. Among them, important documentation such as the passport or identity card. Airport security requires travelers to physically present their ID or passport at all airports when traveling. This is why, as an exceptional measure, the renewal or duplicate of the passport will not have any cost for the persons concerned. If they meet a number of requirements, they may apply for a new identity card at zero cost.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA is the agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Its function is to manage the security systems in means of transport; airports, railways and Metro. This administration emerged after 11 September, in response to the need to strengthen security measures. Since its introduction, security measures have been tightened, especially at airports. The identification of each passenger is mandatory, without exception. Even more thorough checks are carried out if the identification is not clear.
Tornados and fires in the US
This year 2025 has been fraught with natural disasters and fires. Last May, the states of Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana were heavily affected by tornadoes and thunderstorms. More than 540,000 households were left without supplies according to Poweroutrage.us. 25 deaths were reported in Missouri, another 18 in Kentucky. The damage was irreparable. Houses totally collapsed, vehicles unusable, poles of electricity cardos. A lifetime reduced to rubble after the passage of these phenomena.
On the other hand, January was the infernal month for California. More than 50,000 were burned in the southern part, affecting also thousands of structures. Due to the cold and dry winter conditions, trees and plants were abnormally dry. Strong seasonal winds hit the region, causing massive fires in the area.
TSA assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a policy whereby all those affected by the natural disasters of recent months can renew their passports free of charge. The U.S. Federal Government has established a duration of three years from the declaration of the disaster. It will not be a universal benefit, but will only apply to those affected who meet a series of requirements.
Am I eligible for this assistance?
The TSA has established a number of requirements to qualify for this assistance.
- The applicant must demonstrate that the reason for the damage to the passport was one of these official disasters. Passports that have expired or have suffered damage not recognized by the government will not be accepted.
- The U.S. government has made available a list of eligible disasters.
The TSA has clarified that this is a replacement process and not a renewal process. This is a measure that avoids that those affected have to go through the heavy bureaucratic process, and that they do not have to face any cost. Another important aspect to take into account is that if the affected person has received any type of economic compensation (insurance or other), they will not be eligible for this aid.
If you are interested in this assistance or want more information, you should contact the Department of State. They will verify if the requirements are met and will initiate the procedure at zero cost. The TSA considers that recovering from this type of situation is a complicated situation in itself. That is why they wanted to help travelers with this measure, to make it a problem to cross off their to-do list.
