Do I really need a birth certificate to cross into Mexico for lunch?

Question

My boyfriend's sister offered to take us into Mexico (within that border zone thing, just for lunch and walking around), but I didn't bring my passport or birth certificate...didn't really think I'd need it, ya know.

I have my Virginia driver's license, and my military ID. The photos look almost identical, and my birth date is on both.

Will these two forms of ID suffice? I don't want to get stuck and/or not able to go.

Answer 1

no, your screwed

Answer 2

i crossed the border last oct just to shop and i only took my drivers licence, i really dont know if laws have changed in the last months but i would think youll be ok with just a drivers license.

Answer 3

Yes, you need to present either a US Passport OR a government issued ID along with a birth certificate.  They don't care why you're going to Mexico or how long you're going to be there...the law is the law.

Answer 4

Not any more!  As of January you now must have a passport from the United States.

Answer 5

Travel by air

The U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires travelers entering or re-entering the United States by air to present a passport. Even though the Mexican government does not require a passport for U.S. citizens visiting Mexico as tourists, they'll need to present one to go back to the United States by air.

Travel by land or sea

Those traveling by land or sea must present two forms of valid identification such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate and a driver's license or other identification issued by a state or official agency. These travelers will not be required to present a passport until 2009 (date yet to be determined), and there is a PASS card (Passport card) in the works that will be credit-card sized and cost less than a passport, which will allow travel in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

A passport is the best form of ID

It's a good idea to get a passport if you're planning to travel to Mexico, whether or not it is an official requirement. A passport is the best form of international identification and having one may help you avoid hassles. See the link for information on applying for a U.S. passport.