*** A PASSPORT IS REQUIRED TO TRAVEL TO CANADA ***
GETTING A PASSPORT FOR THE FIRST TIME:
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of the 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S. with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship and a a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license.
RENEWING YOUR PASSPORT:
You can renew by mail if: your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change. If your passport has been altered or damaged, you cannot apply by mail.
USEFUL WEBSITES:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html
PASSPORT APPLICATION:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html