Guide to Getting a Passport in Hurricane, WV: Facilities & Steps

Getting a Passport in Hurricane, WV

Residents of Hurricane in Putnam County, West Virginia, often need passports for international business trips, family vacations, or student exchange programs. West Virginia sees steady demand year-round, with peaks in spring and summer for tourism and winter breaks for family travel. Last-minute trips for work or emergencies add urgency, especially for those near the Kanawha Valley Airport or heading to Huntington's international connections. High demand at local facilities can mean limited appointments, so planning ahead is key. This guide covers the full process, from choosing your service to troubleshooting common issues like photo rejections or form confusion.

Choosing the Right Passport Service

Before gathering documents, determine your specific need. Applying incorrectly wastes time and money.

• First-Time Passport: Use Form DS-11 if you've never had a U.S. passport or your previous one was issued before age 16 and more than 5 years ago. You must apply in person at an acceptance facility.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, is undamaged, and was issued within the last 15 years. Use Form DS-82 and mail it—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or for a child.[1] Many Hurricane residents renew by mail during busy seasons to skip appointment waits.

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free) or DS-11 (with fee) if urgent. Provide evidence like a police report for stolen passports.[1]

• Name Change or Correction: Use Form DS-5504 if within one year of issuance; otherwise, treat as renewal or new.[1]

• For Minors Under 16: Always in person with Form DS-11; both parents/guardians must appear or provide notarized consent.[1]

Use the State Department's online wizard to confirm: Passport Application Wizard.[2] Common mistake: Using DS-82 for first-timers, leading to rejection.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Hurricane

Hurricane lacks a full passport agency (those are for life-or-death urgencies within 14 days), so use nearby acceptance facilities for routine and expedited service.[3] Book appointments early—Putnam County spots fill fast during travel peaks.

• Hurricane Post Office (124 Main St, Hurricane, WV 25526): Offers passport acceptance by appointment. Call (304) 562-3531 to schedule.[4]

• Putnam County Clerk's Office (3389 Winfield Rd, Winfield, WV 25213): Handles first-time, minors, and renewals requiring in-person. Phone: (304) 586-0203. Open weekdays; check for seasonal overload.[5]

• Nearby Options:

  Facility	Address	Phone	Notes
  Teays Valley Post Office	4519 Teays Valley Rd, Hurricane, WV 25526	(304) 757-9995	Close alternative; appointments required.[4]
  Charleston Main Post Office	1001 Simms St, Charleston, WV 25387	(304) 347-2911	Higher volume; 20-30 min drive.[4]
  Kanawha County Clerk	409 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV 25301	(304) 357-0140	Good for Putnam overflow.[6]

Search the official locator for updates: Passport Acceptance Facility Search.[3] No walk-ins—appointments via phone or online where available. During spring/summer or winter breaks, book 4-6 weeks ahead.

For urgent travel (within 14 days), expedited service at facilities adds $60 but doesn't guarantee speed. True emergencies go to the Charleston Passport Agency (501 Virginia St E, Charleston, WV 25301) by appointment only—call 1-877-487-2778.[7] Don't count on last-minute slots in peak seasons.

Required Documents and Forms

Gather everything before your appointment. Incomplete packages cause 20-30% of rejections.[1]

First-Time or Minor (DS-11):

• Completed DS-11 (unsigned until appointment).[1]
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (original birth certificate or naturalization cert; WV issues from WV Vital Records).[8]
• Valid ID (driver's license; WV DMV at dmv.wv.gov).[9]
• Photocopy of ID.
• Passport photo.
• For minors: Both parents' IDs, consent form if one absent (DS-3053 notarized).[1]

Renewal (DS-82): Old passport, photo, fee. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]

Birth certificates for WV births: Order certified copies online or from county clerk. Putnam County Vital Records via Clerk's Office.[5]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos cause most delays—shadows, glare, or wrong size reject 40% of submissions.[10] Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, taken within 6 months, no glasses/selfies.[10]

• Where to Get: Hurricane Post Office ($15-20), Walmart (Teays Valley), CVS, or Walgreens. Confirm they meet rules.[4]
• Tips: Even lighting, neutral expression, no uniforms/hats unless religious/medical (doctor's note).[10]

View samples: Photo Requirements.[10]

Fees and Payment

Pay separately: Application fee (check/money order to "U.S. Department of State") + execution fee (cash/check/card to facility).[1]

Track payments; no refunds for errors.[1] USPS accepts cards; clerks may not.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (don't include mailing).[11] Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).[11] Urgent within 14 days: Agency only, +$212 + overnight fees.[7] Peak seasons (spring/summer, holidays) add 2-4 weeks—plan 10-12 weeks ahead. Track at Passport Status.[12] No guarantees; mail delays hit WV hard.

Special Situations for WV Travelers

• Students/Exchange: Universities like Marshall or WVU often host info sessions; get DS-11 signed early.[1]
• Business/Seasonal: Expedite for reliability, but book flights after status check.
• Minors: Hurricane families note notarization—use UPS Store or bank (not acceptance facility).[1]
• Lost Abroad: Contact embassy; report via DS-64.[1]

Step-by-Step Checklist for Routine Application

Use this for first-time/renewals needing in-person.

1. Determine Type: Use wizard; download form (DS-11/DS-82).[2]
2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof, ID, photocopies, photo.[1]
3. Complete Form: Fill but don't sign DS-11.[1]
4. Book Appointment: Call facility 4-6 weeks early.[3]
5. Pay Fees: Separate payments ready.[1]
6. Attend Appointment: Sign DS-11 there; get receipt.
7. Track: Enter receipt number online after 7-10 days.[12]
8. Receive Passport: Sign before use; book of pages separate ($30+).[1]

Step-by-Step Checklist for Expedited/Urgent

1. Confirm Eligibility: Travel proof (itinerary).[7]
2. Routine + Expedite: Mark "1-2 Day" return (+$21.36).[11]
3. Within 14 Days: Agency appointment; bring all docs + proof.[7]
4. Mail if Possible: Use Priority Express for renewals.[1]
5. Monitor Closely: Daily checks; call 1-877-487-2778 if delayed.[7]

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Hurricane

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to review, accept, and submit passport applications for processing. These are not passport agencies, which handle urgent renewals or lost passports; instead, they serve first-time applicants, minors, and renewals by mail. Common types in and around Hurricane include post offices, county clerk offices, public libraries, and municipal buildings. While many such facilities exist regionally, availability can vary, so verify eligibility and services through official channels before visiting.

When visiting an acceptance facility, expect a straightforward but thorough process. Bring a completed DS-11 form for new passports (or DS-82 for renewals), two passport photos meeting size and quality standards, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate), valid photo ID, and payment for application and execution fees—typically separated into checks or money orders. Staff will review documents for completeness, administer the oath, witness your signature, and seal the application in an envelope for forwarding to a passport agency. Processing times start at 6-8 weeks standard or 2-3 weeks expedited, with no on-site printing. Appointments are often required or recommended to minimize wait times, and walk-ins may face delays.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays are frequently the busiest weekdays due to weekend backlog, while mid-day hours around lunch often peak with local foot traffic. To navigate this cautiously, schedule appointments well in advance if available, aim for early mornings or late afternoons, and avoid peak seasons when possible. Always confirm current procedures remotely, prepare all materials meticulously to prevent rejections, and consider mailing renewals if eligible to bypass lines altogether. Patience and preparation ensure a smoother experience amid variable crowds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport same-day in Hurricane?
No—nearest agency in Charleston requires proven urgent need and appointment. Routine takes weeks.[7]

What if my birth certificate is lost?
Order from WV Vital Records or Putnam Clerk (allow 2-4 weeks).[8][5]

Is my WV driver's license enough ID?
Yes, if not expired; bring photocopy front/back.[1]

How do I renew if my passport is expiring soon?
DS-82 by mail up to 9 months before expiration.[1]

Photos: Can I wear glasses?
No, unless medically necessary with note—no glare.[10]

What about peak season delays?
Expect +2 weeks spring/summer; apply 3 months early.[11]

Minors traveling alone?
Need DS-3053 from non-traveling parent, notarized.[1]

Lost passport in WV—first steps?
Report online DS-64; police report helps replacement.[1]

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2]U.S. Department of State - Passport Application Wizard
[3]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[4]USPS Passport Services
[5]Putnam County Clerk
[6]Kanawha County Commission
[7]Passport Agencies
[8]WV DHHR Vital Records
[9]WV DMV
[10]Passport Photo Requirements
[11]Passport Processing Times
[12]Check Application Status