Travel Documents
Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Information on how to obtain a passport can be found at: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If you need to locate a passport office near you, use the zip code search on: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov

To find a post office near you:http://www.switchboard.com/bin/cgidir.dll?Mem=1355&PR=138&CSF=LocatorPostOffice&CID=1222

Note: Non U.S. citizens must consult with the appropriate consulate to determine if any visas are needed. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in denied boarding.

If you are traveling to Dominican Republic with a minor, under 18, who is not your biological child, you will need NOTORIZED authorization from both of the child parents and/or legal guardians in order to bring that child with you to Dominican Republic. (for example, your taking the grandkids, nieces & nephews, your kids best friend, etc.)

See the Dominican Republic Info sheet, linked above if you missed this bit of info. As the sheet will tell you, this is needed to protect children from international child abduction.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/dominican_republic.html

Once you have actually booked your trip outside USA or Canada, go here to register your trip with the US Government. It is totally free, takes only a few moments, and in the event of a natural disaster, act of war, terrorist attack, etc. they will know exactly where you are an make provisions for getting you back home safely and if you are a victim, they will be able to notify your next of kin expeditiously.

US Citizens go here: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp
Canadian Citizens go here:http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp