How to Get a Tourist Passport

A tourist passport is an important thing that everyone should have, whether you plan to travel internationally or not. A passport is a document that allows you to cross international borders, as well as grants you access back into your own country when your trip has ended. It is recommended that everyone have a passport, because if you were to ever need one in a hurry, it may not be possible to get one processed fast enough. Several steps need to be completed if you are getting a tourist passport for the first time.

• 1

  Visit your local United States Postal Service office. You will apply in-person for a tourist passport.

• 2

  Fill out form DS-11, which is the application for a U.S. passport.

• 3

  Submit evidence of United States citizenship to the representative helping you apply for your passport. The options you have for using as proof include a certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship. You only need to submit one of these documents and the document will be returned to you when you receive your passport.

• 4

  Provide primary identification with your application. You may use a valid driver's license, current government ID, current military ID or naturalization certificate.

• 5

  Provide a photocopy of your identification documents that you submit. Photocopy must be submitted on plain, white 8 ½ by 11-inch paper and must show the front and back of the identification.

• 6

  Pay the fee associated with getting a passport. This fee varies on whether you want to receive a passport card, passport book or both. As of 2010, the fee for receiving a passport book is $110, plus a $25 execution fee.

• 7

  Allow the representative helping you to take your photo that will appear on your passport. Your passport will be mailed to you when processed and completed.