Getting a U.S. Passport in Star City, WV: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Passport in Star City, WV

Star City, nestled in Monongalia County, West Virginia, sits near Morgantown and serves as a gateway for residents engaging in frequent international travel. Whether for business trips abroad, summer tourism to Europe, winter breaks in the Caribbean, or student exchange programs at nearby West Virginia University, locals often need passports. High seasonal demand during spring, summer, and winter breaks, combined with urgent last-minute trips, can strain local facilities. Common hurdles include limited appointment slots at acceptance facilities, confusion over expedited services versus true urgent travel (within 14 days), photo rejections from shadows or glare, missing documents for minors, and using the wrong form for renewals [1]. This guide walks you through the process step by step, tailored to Star City residents, with tips to navigate these challenges.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Before starting, identify your situation to select the right form and process. Missteps here lead to delays.

• First-Time Passport: For adults or children who have never had a U.S. passport. Use Form DS-11. Must apply in person at an acceptance facility [2].
• Renewal: Eligible if your previous passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, and is undamaged/not reported lost/stolen. Use Form DS-82 and mail it in—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or changing name [3].
• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Use DS-64 to report it, then DS-11 (in person) or DS-82 (mail) depending on age and issue date [4].
• Child Passport (under 16): Always first-time process with DS-11; both parents/guardians must appear or provide consent [5].
• Name Change, Data Correction, or Additional Pages: May qualify for mail-in with DS-5504 if recent; otherwise, in-person [6].

If unsure, use the State Department's online wizard: Passport Application Wizard [7].

Step-by-Step Checklist: Gather Your Documents

Incomplete applications are rejected 40% of the time, especially for min

ors or during peak seasons [1]. Prepare everything before your appointment.

1. Complete the Form: Download and fill out DS-11 (first-time/child/replacement) by hand in black ink—do not sign until instructed. For renewals, DS-82 [2][3].
2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (WV issues via Vital Records), naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport. Photocopy front/back on standard paper [8].
3. Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license (WV DMV), military ID, or government ID. Photocopy [9].
4. Photo: One 2x2-inch color photo, taken within 6 months, white background, no glasses/headwear (unless religious/medical). Common rejections: shadows, glare, wrong size—get at CVS/Walgreens or USPS [10].
5. For Minors Under 16:
   • Both parents' IDs and citizenship proofs.
   • Parental consent (Form DS-3053) if one parent absent, or court order [5].
6. Fees: Check/money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Application fee ($130 adult/$100 child first 36 pages); execution fee ($35 at facilities) paid separately to facility [11].
7. Photocopies: One set of all docs/pages.

Pro Tip: WV birth certificates cost $12; order expedited from WV Vital Records if needed urgently [12]. Scan everything digitally as backup.

Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Star City

Star City lacks its own facility, so head to Monongalia County options in Morgantown (10-15 minute drive). Book appointments online—slots fill fast during spring/summer peaks and WVU breaks [13].

• Morgantown Main Post Office (252 Leroy St, Morgantown, WV 26508): Mon-Fri 10am-4pm by appointment. Call (304) 296-2855 or book via USPS Locator [14].
• Monongalia County Clerk (243 High St, Morgantown, WV 26505): By appointment; handles executions. (304) 291-7236; County Website [15].
• Cheat Lake Post Office (2690 Green Bag Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508): Limited hours; check availability [14].

Regional backups: Preston County Clerk (Kingwood, 30 min drive) or Fairmont Post Office. Use State Department's finder: Acceptance Facility Search [16]. Arrive 15 minutes early; no walk-ins typically.

Step-by-Step Checklist: Apply In-Person (DS-11)

For first-time, children, or replacements:

1. Schedule Appointment: Use facility websites 4

-6 weeks ahead, especially pre-summer/winter travel surges. 2. Arrive Prepared: Bring all docs from checklist. Parents/guardians for minors. 3. At Facility:

• Present docs; staff reviews.
• Sign form in their presence.
• Pay execution fee ($35 cash/check to facility).

4. Submit to State Department: Facility mails your app. Track via email [17].
5. For Urgent Travel: If departing in 14 days, request in-person at facility; they forward to Pittsburgh Passport Agency (2.5-hour drive from Star City)—appointment required via 1-877-487-2778 [18].

Renewals and Mail-In Options (DS-82)

Eligible renewals skip facilities—mail from Star City:

1. Fill DS-82: Online or PDF [3].
2. Include: Old passport, photo, fees ($130 check to State Dept), name change docs if applicable.
3. Mail to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [19].
4. Track: Online with confirmation number [17].

Expedited Service and Urgent Travel

• Expedited (2-3 weeks): Add $60, select at application. Still mail delays possible [20].
• Urgent (within 14 days): Life-or-death only for immediate relatives gets priority without fee; otherwise, Pittsburgh Agency appointment [18]. Warning: No guarantees during peaks—plan 10-13 weeks routine [1]. Avoid relying on last-minute; high demand in WV's travel seasons overwhelms agencies.

Costs (as of 2023; verify [11]):

• Routine adult book (36 pages): $130 + $35 execution.
• Expedited: +$60.
• 1-2 day delivery return: +$21.36.

Processing Times and Realistic Expectations

Routine: 10-13 weeks (does not include mailing) [1]. Peaks (spring/summer/WVU breaks) add 4+ weeks due to volume. Track status online after 5-7 days [17]. For business/students: Apply 3-6 months early.

Common Pitfalls and Tips for Star City Residents

• Photos: Local Walgreens (Chestnut St, Morgantown) guarantees specs; DIY risks glare rejections [10].
• Minors: WV courts issue consent forms if parent unavailable—contact Monongalia Family Court [21].
• Seasonal Rush: WVU exchange students spike demand March-May/Dec; book January for summer trips.
• Business Travel: Company letters don't expedite; use private expediters cautiously (State Dept lists accredited) [22].

FAQs

How long does it take to get a passport from Star City?
Routine processing is 10-13 weeks from mailing, longer in peak seasons. Expedited: 2-3 weeks +$60 [1].

**Can I renew my passport at the

Morgantown Post Office?**
No—renewals mail in if eligible. Post office for new apps only [3].

What if my trip is in 10 days?
Schedule Pittsburgh Passport Agency appointment if qualified (travel proof needed). Routine won't work [18].

My child needs a passport—do both parents have to come?
Yes, or provide DS-3053 notarized consent from absent parent [5].

Where do I get a birth certificate in WV?
Order from WV Bureau for Public Health Vital Registration—allow 2-4 weeks standard [12].

Is my WV driver's license enough ID?
Yes, with photocopy, for most apps [9].

What if my passport photo is rejected?
Get new one; common issues: uneven lighting, smiles, dimensions. USPS offers photo service [10].

Can students at WVU get passports on campus?
Check WVU International Services for info, but official apps at county/post office [23].

Sources

[1]U.S. Department of State - Passport Processing Times
[2]Form DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport
[3]Form DS-82 Renewal
[4]Form DS-64 Statement Regarding Lost/Stolen Passport
[5]Passports for Children Under 16
[6]Form DS-5504 Correction
[7]Passport Wizard
[8]Proof of Citizenship
[9]Proof of Identity
[10]Passport Photo Requirements - USPS
[11]Passport Fees
[12]WV Vital Records
[13]Acceptance Facilities
[14]USPS Location Finder
[15]Monongalia County Clerk
[16]State Dept Facility Search
[17]Track My Application
[18][Passport Agencies](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast

[19] Mail Renewal Address (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/renew.html)
For Star City residents eligible to renew by mail (passport issued within 15 years, undamaged, and issued in your current name), this provides the exact mailing instructions. Practical tip: Print and use Form DS-82; include your most recent passport. Common mistake: Mailing to a local post office instead—always use the official U.S. address listed. Decision guidance: Choose mail if no urgent travel; otherwise, go in-person.

[20] Expedited Service (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/expedited.html)
Details how to add $60 for expedited processing (7-9 weeks vs. 10-13 standard) at acceptance facilities or by mail. Practical tip: Request at submission for Star City-area facilities; track status online. Common mistake: Assuming local clerks can waive fees—they can't. Decision guidance: Expedite if travel is within 3 months; for faster, consider private expediters.

[21] Monongalia County Courts (https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/county-law-libraries/monongalia-county-law-library)
Resource for Monongalia County (home to Star City) court info, including Circuit Clerk for name changes or birth certificates needed for passports. Practical tip: Check here first for local vital records guidance. Common mistake: Going to state level for county documents—start county-specific. Decision guidance: Use if you need proof of citizenship or ID changes; contact for certified copies.

[22] Private Expediters (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/private-expeditors.html)
List of authorized private services for faster processing (2-3 weeks) without appointment at State Department. Practical tip: Ideal for Star City urgent needs; they handle mailing/submission. Common mistake: Using unauthorized "agents" who charge extra without speeding up—verify via this list. Decision guidance: Select if standard/expedited too slow and you're unable to travel to agencies.

[23] WVU Global Services (https://global.wvu.edu/)
Support for WVU-affiliated Star City/Morgantown residents, including international travel docs and visa guidance. Practical tip: Great for students/faculty needing passports alongside study abroad. Common mistake: Overlooking university resources if eligible. Decision guidance: Use if WVU-connected; otherwise, stick to state/federal options.