Passport needed to drive across border?

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mexpost

Hi! None needed! Don't pay the high rush fees for this and it takes 3-4 weeks anyway when getting the expedited passport. (The normal service takes about 6-8 weeks now, and the Post Office even charges a $30 commission) The new rules requiring passports don't go into effect until after January 1, 2008 that apply to Mexico when you drive in and out. So you can just all bring your birth certificates - but be sure they are certified (this means they have the original usually raised stamp of the department of health, etc. that issued them) - not simple photocopies. That proves your nationality. If anyone has an expired passport, that works just as well as a birth certificate to get back in the US from Mexico, and Mexico doesn't require the passport, either for your trip.

Besides the birth certificate, you need another government issued photo ID. Driver's License is easiest (Social security won't work since there's no picture).

Everyone has to prove nationality and identity because it has nothing to do with the car - it's the US making sure you are who you say (identity) and you are a legal resident (nationality).

Important: From the US State Dept. Site: If anyone is a minor (under 18) not traveling with parents: Minors: Mexico requires you to carry original notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s). The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The child must be carrying the original letter â€“ not a facsimile or scanned copy â€“ as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) â€“ and an original custody decree, if applicable. Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican Consulate for current information.

Getting into Mexico is no problem for Rocky Point. To return through US immigration, truthfully, if someone doesn't have a birth certificate, etc., remember you guys are all legal residents and I am thinking US citizens. Of course your country will have to take you back in eventually. So expect to make it back in anyway after several hours' holdup and intensive questioning. If you really need to do that (if not, don't!), just bring lots of statements like bank accounts statements, school ID's and statements, even report cards, etc., social sec, etc., even things like your school newspaper if you are in it. And your Mom can bring electric bills, phone bills, etc, if they are in her name. So if you can't get the birth certificate or passport on time, Mexico lets you in with the driver license, then to get back the more stuff you have
the less painful the delay will be.

The car is a separate deal. You need to bring a paper title and registration. If it is in your Mom's name and paid off, she'll be fine. If it isn't paid off or not in her name, she'll need a notarized letter of permission from the loan company and also one from the person who's name the car is in, if not hers. You can get the notarized letter eith right from the loan company, or the notarized permission from the owner by going to any notary public in the phone book.
Good Luck.

stella39

Your mom needs to have a valid photoID license plus her birth certificate. You all need 2 forms of ID. PhotoID and birth certificate is good. You don't need a passport yet. Next year. The rules are if you drive, go by bus, or depart and return to a US port by ship no passport needed for 2007.
have a great trip and stay safe.
s

Big Kat

Hi,
A passport is not required. A Passport is only required on re-entry if you Fly or come in by Cruise ship.
You will need a valid photo ID on your return to the USA. A Birth Certificate will work with an ID. If you are in school your school ID and BC will work.
The border patrol is part of Homeland Security are really hard. Almost rude. When you return just wait in line answer all of the questions. Don't joke around or get smart with them and you'll be just fine.

redhawk

connor

unfortunately, yes. all people in the can have to have passports and they ask you all these questions.

ctumaven

Everyone crossing the border should have a passport:

"ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. Citizens traveling by air to and from Mexico must present a valid passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Land or sea travelers must have a valid U.S. passport (or U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy or facsimile) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable along with photo identification, such as a state or military issued ID).

Some U.S. citizens have encountered difficulty in boarding flights to Mexico without a passport. Driver's licenses and permits, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship for readmission into the United States. Mexican immigration and airlines may not recognize these documents as travel documents. All passengers with the exception of legal permanent residents in possession of their I-551 Permanent Resident card must present a valid, unexpired passport to board flights to the U.S. Airlines may deny boarding without the proper documentation. In the event of an emergency or change of itinerary requiring air travel, U.S. citizens will be better prepared if they are traveling with a U.S. passport."

I notice that you say your mom is driving you and friends across, you should note the following:

Minors: Mexican law requires that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s). The State Department recommends that the permission should include travel dates, destinations, airlines and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The child must be carrying the original letter â€“ not a facsimile or scanned copy â€“ as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) â€“ and an original custody decree, if applicable. Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican Consulate for current information.

The Spiv

Just get a passport anyway. At the moment you don't need it to cross the boarder, but you will and the sooner the better i think. Drivers licence at the moment, getting a passport makes you want to travel more. Get the travel bug, it's great

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