Passport Guide Martinsburg WV: Facilities Forms Checklists

Guide to Getting a Passport in Martinsburg, WV

Martinsburg residents in Berkeley County, WV, frequently need passports for international business, family trips to the Caribbean or Mexico, ski vacations, or study abroad from local campuses like Shepherd University or WVU Martinsburg. Nearby Washington Dulles International Airport and Hagerstown Regional Airport ease travel, but seasonal peaks (spring/summer, holidays) strain local facilities. Use this guide—based on U.S. Department of State guidelines—to avoid common pitfalls like form confusion (DS-11 vs. DS-82), photo rejections, or incomplete minor docs. Always check travel.state.gov for updates.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choose the right path to avoid wasted trips. Key decisions:

Use the State Department's wizard to confirm. Ineligible for renewal? Treat as DS-11. Expect 6-8 weeks routine processing; add 2-4 weeks in peaks. Apply 9+ weeks ahead.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Martinsburg and Berkeley County

Local passport acceptance facilities (PAFs)—mainly post offices and the county clerk—verify docs, witness signatures, and forward applications (no on-site issuance). High demand during Martinsburg's travel peaks means booking early via USPS scheduler or phone. Walk-ins rare; appointments essential.

Key options:

• Martinsburg Main Post Office (2010 Corporate Ave SW, Martinsburg, WV 25401): Full services; (304) 264-2801.
• Martinsburg Post Office (Ridge Ave) (300 W Race St, Martinsburg, WV 25401): Confirm hours via locator.
• Berkeley County Clerk's Office (400 W Stephen St, Martinsburg, WV 25401): Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; (304) 264-1918 or site.

Search more via State Department locator, including Hagerstown, MD. What to expect: 15-min arrival buff

er, brief interview (ID/citizenship verification), oath. Bring completed (unsigned) DS-11, photo, docs, fees. Busiest: Mondays, mid-day, peaks—opt for early mornings, late afternoons, Tue-Thu. Alternatives in Inwood/Hedgesville if crowded.

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Complete DS-11 online at travel.state.gov; print single-sided, do not sign.
2. Proof of citizenship: Original/certified birth certificate (raised seal; WV from DHHR, 2-4 weeks lead time) + plain-paper photocopy.
3. ID: Driver's license/military ID + photocopy both sides.
4. 2x2 photo (specs below; CVS/Walgreens in Martinsburg, ~$15).
5. Minors: DS-3053 notarized consent if one parent absent; custody docs.
6. Fees: $35 execution (to facility), $130 adult/$100 child application (to State Dept); expedited +$60.
7. Book appt USPS.
8. Submit: Sign on-site, get tracking receipt.
9. Track after 7-10 days at passportstatus.state.gov.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25%+ apps rejected for photos. Strict specs:

• 2x2 inches exactly.
• White/off-white background.
• Head 1-1⅜ inches (chin to top).
• Neutral expression, even lighting (no shadows/glare—WV humidity worsens this).
• No glasses/uniforms/selfies; <6 months old.

Local spots: USPS, Walmart (301 Foxcroft Ave), CVS (100 Maritime Dr). Pros prevent glare/shadows.

Fees, Payment, and Processing Times

Execution: Check/money order/cash to facility. Application: To "U.S. Department of State." Track delays in peaks; Dulles flights book fast.

Special Considerations for Renewals (DS-82) and Replacements

Renewal checklist (eligible only):

1. Confirm via wizard.
2. Complete/sign DS-82.
3. Attach old passport (voided on return), photo, $130+ fee.
4. Mail to: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.
5. Track here.

Replacements: Report lost/stolen via [DS-64](https://tr

avel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/lost-stolen.html); then DS-82/DS-11 + fees. Urgent: 1-877-487-2778 for <14-day trips (proof/itinerary req.; Pittsburgh/DC agencies, 2-3 hr drive).

Applications for Minors: Extra Documentation

In-person with both parents/guardians. Popular for Shepherd University exchanges. Add:

• Child's birth cert + photocopy.
• Parents' IDs/photocopies.
• DS-3053 (notarized) if absent.
• Court/divorce docs.

5-year validity. Mistake: No consent = full resubmit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Martinsburg? No; urgent via Pittsburgh/DC agencies.

Expedited vs. urgent? Expedited: >14 days, 2-3 weeks. Urgent: <14 days, appt. needed, peaks delay.

WV birth cert no seal? Invalid; get certified from DHHR.

Renew expiring soon? Yes if eligible; many countries need 6+ months validity.

Photo rejected? New photo + full resubmit.

Name change? Marriage cert + DS-5504/DS-82.

Appts at post offices? Yes, book now.

Track right away? Wait 7-10 days.

Final Tips for Martinsburg Residents

Book early for seasonal rushes; students coordinate with programs. Dulles/Hagerstown proximity helps, but delays strand flights. Proof for urgents. Double-check docs—errors hit minors hardest.

Sources

1. U.S. Dept. of State - How to Apply
2. Passport Wizard
3. USPS Passports
4. Berkeley County Clerk
5. Facility Locator
6. WV Vital Records
7. Photo Requirements
8. Passport Fees
9. Check Status
10. Processing Times
11. Lost/Stolen
12. Emergencies
    13

• Shepherd International Programs
  Supports international students at Shepherd University with visa guidance, orientation, cultural adjustment, and study abroad advising. Easily accessible from Martinsburg via a short drive on Rt. 9 or I-81, making it practical for Berkeley County residents pursuing higher education.
  Practical tips: Schedule virtual advising first via their contact form to confirm eligibility; prepare passport, I-20/DS-2019, and transcripts in advance. Use their events calendar for free workshops on F-1/J-1 visas.
  Common mistakes to avoid: Overlooking SEVIS fee payments before arrival (delays status activation); assuming local WV residency exempts you from international rules (it doesn't—always verify status).
  Decision guidance: Choose this if enrolled or applying to Shepherd or nearby programs; opt for federal USCIS resources first for immigration enforcement issues, or community colleges like Blue Ridge for quicker local enrollment. Ideal for students vs. workers.