Getting a Passport in Huntington, WV: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Huntington, WV

Huntington, West Virginia, sits along the Ohio River in Cabell County, serving as a hub for residents, Marshall University students, and visitors who frequently travel internationally for business, tourism, or exchange programs. With seasonal spikes in spring/summer vacations and winter breaks, plus urgent last-minute trips, demand for passports runs high. Local acceptance facilities often book up quickly, so planning ahead is key. This guide covers everything from determining your needs to submitting your application, drawing on official U.S. Department of State guidelines [1].

Common pitfalls in the area include photo rejections from shadows, glare (exacerbated by indoor lighting at busy post offices), or wrong dimensions; incomplete forms for minors; and confusion over renewals versus new applications. High demand means limited appointments, especially at the Huntington Post Office or Cabell County Clerk's Office. For urgent travel within 14 days, expedited service differs from life-or-death emergencies—always check processing times, as peak seasons stretch waits [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Before gathering documents, identify your situation to use the correct form and process. Misusing forms leads to rejections and delays.

• First-Time Passport: If you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous one was issued before age 16, or it's been damaged/lost/stolen and over 15 years old. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility [1].

• Renewal: Eligible if your last passport is undamaged, issued when you were 16+, within 15 years, and sent with your application. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless ineligible [1]. Huntington residents often mail renewals directly to avoid local crowds.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it via Form DS-64 (free report), then apply for replacement. If valid and undamaged, use DS-82 for renewal-style replacement; otherwise, DS-11 in person [1].

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always DS-11 in person, with both parents/guardians present or notarized consent [1]. Common for Marshall University exchange programs.

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Huntington and Cabell County

Applications start at authorized facilities. Book appointments early via their websites or phone, as slots fill fast during travel seasons.

• Huntington Main Post Office: 300 9th St, Huntington, WV 25701. Phone: (304) 696-4448. Open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm for passports (call to confirm). Handles first-time, minors, and replacements. Photos available on-site ($15-20) [3].

• Cabell County Clerk's Office: 750 5th Ave, Suite 350, Huntington, WV 25701. Phone: (304) 526-8561. Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm. County clerks process DS-11 forms; photos nearby at pharmacies like Walgreens [4].

• Nearby Options: Marshall University Student Business Services (for students: 400 Hal Greer Blvd, Huntington) sometimes assists—check with them. For urgent needs, consider Charleston facilities (2 hours away) [1].

Use the official locator: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/acceptance-facility-search-page.html [5]. No walk-ins at most; appointments required.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Follow this checklist meticulously. Incomplete apps get returned, wasting weeks.

1. **Determine Eligibility and Form (1-2 days)**

• Use the U.S. Department of State's online Passport Wizard [2] to quickly assess your situation—first-time applicant, renewal, lost/stolen replacement, or child under 16—and get personalized form recommendations. For West Virginia residents, it also flags common ID proofs like a WV birth certificate or driver's license.
• Download forms from travel.state.gov:

  Situation	Form	Method
  First-time, child under 16, lost/stolen/damaged, major name change (e.g., not marriage/divorce)	DS-11	In person at acceptance facility
  Eligible adult renewal (passport issued at 16+, <15 years old, undamaged, name matches)	DS-82	Mail

• Decision Guidance:
  • Ask: Does your old passport qualify for mail renewal? (Issued when 16+? Within 15 years? Undamaged? Same name?) Yes → DS-82 (faster for Huntington-area applicants). No → DS-11 (in-person required).
  • Flow: Start wizard → Answer eligibility Qs → Avoid common mistake of picking DS-82 if ineligible (e.g., first passport or minor)—results in return mail, 4-6 week delays.
• Checklist: ✓ Wizard complete? ✓ Correct form downloaded (print black ink, single-sided)? ✓ Proof of citizenship ready (original WV birth cert with raised seal—avoid photocopies)? ✓ WV driver's license/state ID as photo ID? ✓ 2x2" passport photo (check specs: white background, no selfies—local pharmacies print for ~$15)? ✓ Locate nearby acceptance facility via State Dept. locator tool (common in WV post offices; call ahead for appts, walk-ins vary).

2. **Gather Required Documents (3-7 days)**

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (WV issues via wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vr) or naturalization cert. Photocopy front/back [1].
• Proof of Identity: Driver's license, military ID. Name must match citizenship doc [1].
• Photo: One 2x2" color photo, <6 months old, white background, no glasses/shadows/glare. WV pharmacies like CVS print for $15 [6].
• For Minors: Both parents' IDs, consent form if one absent [1].
• Name Change: Marriage/divorce certs [1].
• Checklist: ✓ Originals + photocopies (8.5x11 white paper).

3. **Fill Out Form Completely (1 day)**

• DS-11: Do NOT sign until instructed at facility.
• DS-82: Sign and mail.
• Checklist: ✓ Black ink, no corrections tape.

4. **Get Passport Photos (Same Day)**

• Specs: Head 1-1 3/8", even lighting, neutral expression [7].
• Local spots: Walgreens (532 5th St), CVS (5170 US-60), or post office.
• Checklist: ✓ Measure dimensions; retake if rejected (common issue).

5. **Book Appointment and Submit (1-2 weeks lead time)**

• Call facility; arrive 15 min early with all docs.
• Fees: Adult book $130 + $35 exec fee; expedited +$60 [1].
• Pay by check/money order (two checks: one to State Dept., one to facility).
• Checklist: ✓ Signed DS-11 on-site, oath taken.

Processing: Routine 6-8 weeks; expedited 2-3 weeks (+$60). Track at travel.state.gov [1]. No guarantees during peaks.

Expedited and Urgent Services

High travel volume in WV means routine waits can hit 10+ weeks in summer.

• Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks. Request at submission [1].
• Urgent (Within 14 Days): Life-or-death only qualifies for 1-3 day at agencies (not facilities). Otherwise, expedited + overnight docs ($21.36) [1].
• Local Tip: Ship via USPS Priority Express from Huntington Post Office for tracking [3].

Avoid relying on last-minute processing—plan 3+ months ahead [1].

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Marshall University students/exchange participants: Campus ID helps as secondary ID, but get birth cert early from WV Vital Records (online orders: dch.wv.gov or Huntington Health Dept.) [8]. Both parents must appear or provide DS-3053 notarized consent. Fees: $100 child book.

Business travelers: Include itinerary if urgent, but it doesn't speed routine service.

Tracking and After Submission

• Receive tracking # at facility.
• Check status: passportstatus.state.gov [9].
• Delivery: 6-8 weeks to your address.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Post-Submission and Troubleshooting

1. Track Weekly: Enter number at [9].
2. If Delayed: Call National Passport Info Center (1-877-487-2778) after 2 weeks expedited/5 weeks routine [1].
3. Photo Rejection: 20% of returns; resubmit new photo with old app [7].
4. Missing Docs: WV birth certs take 1-2 weeks expedited [8].
5. Lost in Mail: File DS-64 [1].
6. Renewal Issues: If ineligible, restart with DS-11.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Huntington

Passport acceptance facilities in and around Huntington provide essential services for submitting passport applications. These facilities, authorized by the U.S. Department of State, serve as official submission points where agents verify your identity, witness your signature, collect fees, and forward your application to a regional processing center. They do not process passports on-site or issue them immediately—expect processing times of several weeks to months, depending on demand and application type.

To use these facilities, prepare in advance: complete the required form (such as DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), provide proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), present a valid photo ID, and bring two identical passport photos meeting State Department specifications. Fees are paid partly to the facility and partly via check to the State Department. Agents will review your documents for completeness, but it's your responsibility to ensure everything is correct to avoid delays. Common locations in the Huntington area include post offices, public libraries, and county or municipal clerk offices, with additional options in nearby towns. Use the State Department's online locator tool to find the closest designated sites and confirm services.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities around Huntington often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons, such as summer vacation periods, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Weekdays, particularly Mondays, tend to draw larger crowds as people start their week. Midday hours, roughly 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., are frequently the busiest due to overlapping schedules.

To navigate this, plan cautiously: check facility websites or call ahead for any appointment options, which can reduce wait times. Aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and consider quieter days like Fridays. Always verify current requirements and capacity online, as volumes can fluctuate unexpectedly. Arriving prepared with all documents organized minimizes stress and helps ensure a smoother experience. Patience is key—longer lines are common during high-demand periods, so build extra time into your plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Huntington?
No local same-day service. Nearest agencies in Charleston or Cincinnati (3+ hours). Use expedited for 2-3 weeks [1].

What's the difference between expedited and urgent travel service?
Expedited ($60) speeds to 2-3 weeks for any travel. Urgent (within 14 days) requires proof of life-or-death emergency for agency processing [1].

Do I need an appointment at Huntington Post Office?
Yes, required. Call (304) 696-4448; books weeks out in peak seasons [3].

How do I get a birth certificate in Cabell County?
Order from WV Bureau for Public Health Vital Registration: online, mail, or in-person at Huntington Health Department (1809 5th Ave) [8].

My passport photo was rejected—what now?
Common due to glare/shadows. Specs: 2x2", recent, plain background [7]. Retake at CVS; resubmit entire app.

Can I renew by mail if my passport is 10 years old?
Yes, if issued at 16+, undamaged. Use DS-82; mail to National Passport Processing Center [1].

What if I'm applying for a child and one parent can't come?
Notarized DS-3053 form from absent parent, plus their ID copy [1].

How much are passport fees in WV?
Adult first-time: $130 book + $35 acceptance + optional $60 expedited. Child: $100 book [1].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2]Passport Forms
[3]USPS Huntington Post Office
[4]Cabell County Clerk
[5]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[6]USPS Passport Photos
[7]Passport Photo Requirements
[8]WV Vital Records
[9]Passport Status Check