Getting a Passport in Morgantown WV: Facilities, Steps, Fees

Getting a Passport in Morgantown, WV

Morgantown, in Monongalia County, West Virginia, is a hub for passport applications due to West Virginia University's large student population, exchange programs, and regional business travel in energy and manufacturing sectors. Residents and visitors often need passports for international trips, with peaks during spring break, summer tourism seasons, and winter holidays. Frequent flyers to Europe, Canada, or Asia, plus urgent last-minute trips for family emergencies or job opportunities, drive steady demand. However, high volumes at local facilities can lead to limited appointments, so planning ahead is essential [1].

This guide walks you through the process step-by-step, tailored to Morgantown applicants. It covers eligibility, documentation, local application sites, photos, fees, and processing, while highlighting common pitfalls like photo rejections or form mix-ups. Always verify details on official sites, as rules can change.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right service prevents delays and extra trips. Use this section to identify your situation:

• First-Time Passport: If you've never had a U.S. passport, use Form DS-11. Apply in person at an acceptance facility. No online option [2].

• Renewal: Eligible if your last passport was issued when you were 16+, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person needed unless adding pages or changing data. Ineligible? Treat as first-time/new [3].

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged: Report it via Form DS-64 (free), then apply as new or renewal based on eligibility. Damaged passports are not renewable [3].

• Name Change, Data Correction, or Additional Pages: Second passport for frequent travelers? Use DS-82 or DS-11 as appropriate [1].

• Child (Under 16) Passport: Always DS-11 in person; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [4].

For Morgantown residents, check your prior passport first. WVU students or exchange visitors often overlook renewal eligibility, leading to unnecessary in-person visits.

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Morgantown and Monongalia County

You must apply in person for DS-11 (new/child) at a federally approved facility. Morgantown has several USPS locations and county offices handling high volumes, especially during student move-out seasons.

• Morgantown Main Post Office: 252 Princeton St, Morgantown, WV 26505. Call (304) 291-0633 for appointments; walk-ins limited [5].

• Suncrest Post Office: 1162 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505. Popular with WVU students; book ahead [5].

• Cheat Lake Post Office: 1547 Cheat Rd, Morgantown, WV 26507. Serves south county [5].

• Monongalia County Clerk's Office: 243 High St, Rm 110, Morgantown, WV 26505. Handles passports; call (304) 291-7236. County clerks are common WV sites [6].

Search all facilities: Use the State Department's locator at iafdb.travel.state.gov [1]. Enter ZIP 26505 for real-time availability. Peak seasons (March-June, Dec-Jan) fill slots weeks ahead—book 4-6 weeks early. No regional passport agency in WV; nearest is in Pittsburgh or Washington, D.C., for life-or-death emergencies only [7].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Follow this checklist before visiting. Incomplete docs cause 30% of rejections [1].

1. Confirm Eligibility and Form:

   • Download DS-11 (new/child) or DS-82 (renewal) from travel.state.gov [2][3].
   • Fill out but do not sign DS-11 until instructed.

2. Gather Proof of U.S. Citizenship (original + photocopy):

   • U.S. birth certificate (WV issues via Vital Registration: dhhr.wv.gov/bph) [8].
   • Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, or prior undamaged passport.
   • For WV births: Order certified copies online/mail from state office; local courthouses don't issue post-1913 [8].

3. Proof of Identity (original + photocopy):

   • WV driver's license, military ID, or government-issued photo ID.
   • Names must match exactly; bring marriage/divorce certificates if changed.

4. Get Passport Photos:

   • 2x2 inches, color, white background, no glasses/shadows/glare.
   • Common rejections: WVU students' selfies with dorm lighting. Use CVS/Walgreens ($15) or AAA (if member) [9].

5. Complete Fees (check/money order; two payments):

   • Application fee: $130 adult/$100 child (to State Dept).
   • Execution fee: $35 (to facility) [10].

6. For Children:

   • Both parents/IDs; or Form DS-3053 consent from absent parent [4].

Print extras: Facilities provide photocopy services.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Submitting Your Application

1. Book Appointment: Call or use online scheduler. Arrive 15 min early.

2. Present Documents: Hand over in order: form, citizenship proof, ID, photos, fees.

3. Sign Forms: Only in front of agent (DS-11).

4. Pay Fees:

   Fee Type	Amount (Adult)	Amount (Child <16)	Pay To
   Application	$130	$100	State Dept (check)
   Execution	$35	$35	Post Office/Clerk (cash/check/card)
   Expedite (opt.)	$60	$60	State Dept
   1-2 Day Urgent*	Varies ($22+FedEx)	Varies	Agency only [10]

5. Track Status: Note receipt number; check online after 7-10 days [11].

6. Receive Passport: Routine 6-8 weeks; no tracking until then. Avoid calling facilities—they can't expedite.

Processing Times and Expediting

Routine service: 6-8 weeks door-to-door [1]. Expedited (extra $60): 2-3 weeks. No guarantees—peaks like summer add delays. For travel in 14 days, verify urgency:

• Expedited Service: Available at acceptance facilities; faster mail.
• Urgent Travel (within 14 days): Life-or-death only qualifies for agency appointment (Pittsburgh: 412-644-3700). Prove with itinerary/doctor's note [7]. Last-minute student trips or weddings rarely qualify—plan ahead.

WV's seasonal travel (e.g., Europe summer trips post-finals) overwhelms systems; apply 10+ weeks early.

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

• Children: 50% of WV applications involve minors due to family tourism. Both parents must appear; DS-3053 if one absent (notarized). Validity: 5 years [4].

• WVU Students/Exchanges: J-1/F-1 visas need passports home-country renewed here? No—U.S. passports only. Exchange students often confuse DS-11 requirements.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Appointment Shortages: Book early; alternatives 30+ miles away (e.g., Fairmont PO).
• Photo Rejections: Shadows from WVU hats, glare from phone flashes—professional only [9].
• Docs Issues: Missing certified birth certs (WV requires raised seal); minors without consent.
• Renewal Errors: Using DS-11 when DS-82 eligible wastes time/fees.
• Peak Delays: Spring break rushes cause 4-week backlogs.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Morgantown

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for processing. These include common sites such as post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and certain municipal buildings. In and around Morgantown, you'll find such facilities scattered throughout the city and nearby areas, including university-adjacent spots and surrounding communities in Monongalia County and beyond. They play a crucial role in the initial stages of passport issuance but do not handle the actual printing or mailing of passports—that's managed centrally by the State Department.

When visiting an acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 form (for first-time applicants or renewals requiring in-person submission), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specifications, and the required fees (paid via check or money order). Agents at these locations will review your documents, administer the oath, witness your signature, and seal the application in an official envelope for forwarding. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes per applicant, assuming no issues with paperwork. Not all locations offer photo services, so plan accordingly. Always verify current requirements on the official State Department website, as procedures can evolve.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Acceptance facilities often see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer and holidays, when demand surges for vacations and international study abroad programs. Mondays tend to be particularly crowded as people kick off the week, and mid-day hours (around 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) frequently experience longer waits due to lunch-hour rushes. To navigate this, aim for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays, and consider weekdays over weekends when possible. Many facilities recommend or require appointments—call ahead to confirm availability and any specific protocols. Arrive with all materials organized to minimize delays, and have backups like extra photos or forms. Patience is key, as lines can form unexpectedly, especially in a college town like Morgantown during semester starts or breaks. Checking the State Department's locator tool online can help identify options and gauge general busyness through user feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get a passport in Morgantown?
Routine: 6-8 weeks processing + mailing. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. No same-day service locally [1].

Can I mail my first-time passport application from Morgantown?
No—DS-11 requires in-person [2].

Where do I get a birth certificate in West Virginia?
State Bureau for Public Health Vital Registration (Charleston). Order online/mail: dhhr.wv.gov/bph. Monongalia Clerk doesn't issue recent ones [8].

What if I need my passport for a trip in 3 weeks?
Expedite ($60) and use 1-2 day return ($21.36). Still risky in peaks—reschedule if possible [10].

Do I need an appointment at the Morgantown Post Office?
Yes for passports; call ahead. Walk-ins rare [5].

My passport was lost—how do I replace it quickly?
File DS-64 online, then new/renewal. Police report helps for stolen [3].

Can my child get a passport without both parents?
Yes, with DS-3053 notarized consent + ID copy from absent parent [4].

Are passport cards accepted for international travel?
Cards for land/sea to Canada/Mexico/Caribbean only—not air [1].

Sources

• [1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
• [2] Form DS-11 Application
• [3] Form DS-82 Renewal
• [4] Children Under 16
• [5] USPS Passport Services
• [6] Monongalia County Clerk
• [7] Passport Agencies
• [8] WV Vital Registration
• [9] Passport Photo Requirements
• [10] Passport Fees
• [11] Check Application Status