Federal Register #1400-AG19

Department of State exempts passport fees for eligible first responders under new rule

This final rule from the Department of State updates the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services to implement the First Responders Passport Act: - The Bureau of Consular Affairs authorizes the Special Issuance Agency (SIA) to issue no-fee regular passports to eligible first responders - Applies to individuals under U.S. government contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements for search, rescue, and disaster relief operations abroad - Eligibility requires readiness for immediate travel to assist in such efforts - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory change - The cost of these passports will be covered by funds appropriated to the Department of State, with applications invoiced to the sponsoring federal agency - The rule is intended to streamline and facilitate the rapid deployment of first responders by removing passport fee barriers

Description

The Department of State has issued a final rule to implement the First Responders Passport Act by adjusting the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services. This rule adds an exemption allowing the Special Issuance Agency to issue no-fee regular passports to eligible first responders who participate in search, rescue, and disaster relief operations abroad under contracts or agreements with the U.S. government. The exemption applies to individuals required to be available for immediate travel abroad to assist in such efforts. The rule is effective April 3, 2026, and aims to facilitate the deployment of first responders without the burden of passport fees.

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