Getting a Passport in Buckhannon WV: Local Application Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Buckhannon, WV
Getting a Passport in Buckhannon WV: Local Application Guide

Table of Contents

Getting a Passport in Buckhannon, West Virginia

Buckhannon residents in Upshur County apply for passports for energy sector trips, Caribbean vacations, European family visits, or WV Wesleyan College exchanges. Peak demand hits spring/summer and winter breaks, straining local spots. This guide cuts through official steps with local tips to dodge delays like photo rejections or doc gaps—apply 3-6 months early [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use the State Department's tool to pick your path [2]. Key decisions for Buckhannon folks:

Situation Form Method Why It Fits Locals
First-time, under 16 issued, >15 years old, lost/stolen/damaged DS-11 In-person at facility Common for initial trips, hikes in Monongahela Forest losses, or student starts. Can't mail.
Renewal (issued 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged/in hand) DS-82 Mail from home Pros renewing for business save a drive to Elkins/Clarksburg.
Lost/stolen DS-64 first, then DS-11/DS-82 Report online, replace in-person/mail if eligible Report theft from car or trail fast—include police #. Lost passports never mail-renew.

What to expect: DS-11 needs in-person signature witnessing (10-15 min interview). DS-82 skips facility. Timelines: Standard 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Avoid mistakes: No mail for DS-11; no old/selfie photos; minors need both parents.

Required Documents Checklist

Tailor via State tool [2]. Bring originals (photocopies only as backups). Order WV birth certs early from Vital Records (2-4 weeks) [4].

Category Must-Haves
DS-11 (New/In-person: Adults 16+) Unsigned DS-11; citizenship proof (certified birth cert, naturalization); photo ID (WV DL); 2x2 photo; citizenship photocopy; fees; loss statement if needed.
DS-82 (Renewal: Mail-eligible adults) Signed DS-82; current passport;

2x2 photo; fees; name change docs. | | Minors <16 (Always DS-11) | Unsigned DS-11; child's citizenship proof + photocopy; both parents' IDs + photocopies; parental proof (birth cert); 2x2 photo; DS-3053 if one parent absent (notarized); fees. | | All | No glasses/hats in photos; certified docs only (no hospital short-forms). |

Pro tip: Print extras; rural mail delays renewals—use certified.

Passport Photos

Strict specs cause 20-30% rejections: 2x2", color, white background, 6 months recent, 1-1⅜" head, neutral face, eyes open [5]. Pitfalls: Shadows from phone flashes; smiling; glasses glare.

Local spots: Buckhannon Post Office (14 E Main St) or CVS (WV Rt 20 S), $15-20. Walgreens in Elkins (25 min). Verify via USPS [6]. Get 4+; no selfies.

Where to Apply Near Buckhannon

No agencies nearby (Pittsburgh 3+ hrs). Use acceptance facilities for DS-11; mail DS-82. Book online—walk-ins rare in peaks.

Facility Address/Phone Notes
Buckhannon Post Office 14 E Main St, Buckhannon, WV 26201 / (304) 472-1713 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm appt; photos available [6].
Upshur County Clerk 38 W Main St, Buckhannon, WV 26201 / (304) 472-1060 Check hours [8].
Elkins Post Office (25 min) 416 Davis Ave, Elkins, WV 26241 [6] More slots.
Clarksburg Post Office (45 min) 320 W Pike St, Clarksburg, WV 26301 [6] Backup for busy seasons.

Search real-time: travel.state.gov locator [7]. Early mornings/Tues-Fri best.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Pick form/checklist above.
  2. Gather docs/photo.
  3. Book facility appt [6][7].
  4. Attend: Sign DS-11 on-site, pay, get receipt (10-20 min).
  5. Mail DS-82 certified.
  6. Track online after 7 days [9].

Urgent (<14 days): Expedited only life/death [10].

Fees

Separate payments:

  • Application: Check/money order to State ($130 adult book/$100 child; $165/$135 card).
  • Execution: $35 adult/$30 child to facility (cash/card varies) [11].
  • Expedited: +$60.

Processing Times

  • Routine: 6-8 weeks.
  • Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Peaks add 2-4 weeks—no guarantees. Track [9].

Common Challenges for Buckhannon Residents

  • Appts full: Use Elkins; book 4-6 weeks early for summer/Wesleyan breaks.
  • Docs: WV certs via [4]; no photocopies.
  • Renewal errors: Wizard confirms DS-82 eligibility [2].
  • Lost outdoors: DS-64 + police report for Monongahela incidents.
  • Students: Check Wesleyan intl office.

FAQs

How long in Buckhannon? 6-8 weeks r

outine; peaks longer [10].
Mail renewal? Yes DS-82 eligible [1].
Urgent 2 weeks? Expedite/life-or-death agency [10].
Birth cert? WV Vital Records [4].
Walk-ins? Rare—appt only [6].
Photo reject? Retake pro [5].
Child alone? No, both parents/consent [1].
Lost? DS-64 + replace [1].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - U.S. Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Passport Decision Tool
[3] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[4] West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources - Vital Registration
[5] U.S. Department of State - Passport Photo Requirements
[6] USPS - Passport Services
[7] U.S. Department of State - Passport Acceptance Facility Locator
[8] Upshur County Clerk
[9] U.S. Department of State - Check Application Status
[10] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[11] U.S. Department of State - Passport Fees
[12] U.S. Department of State - Lost or Stolen Passport Abroad

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations