Do US citizens need a US Passport to get back into the US if traveling by VEHICLE?

Question

I know when I tavel via air I always need my passport, but what about if a citizen travels by vehicle. To get back into the US, will a US citizen need their US passport or will their birth certificate be enough when traveling in a vehicle.

Answer 1

Yes you do, birth certificates are not enough now.

Answer 2

i would bring your passport hun. just because it will save time, and their will be no questions.

Answer 3

D&G  is dead wrong. You may travel to and from Mexico or Canada by vehicle and re-enter the United States with your certified birth certificate and a gov't issued picture I.D.  In January 2008, you will need to have a passport to travel to and from Mexico and Canada by car also.  Currently you only need a passport to go to and from Mexico and Canada by flying.  You can read the Western hemishphere Travel Initiative ( which includes these regulations) for yourself at the website below.  It is always a good idea to have a passport, and since one will be need in a few months, and it takes several months to get a passport, you may want to go ahead and submit an application soon.  The 2nd website below gives all info you need to apply for a passport.

Answer 4

My understanding is that, if coming by land either on foot or by vehicle, that for now, you do not yet need a passport depending on the amount of time you have been gone, and how far you went. Try checking the U.S. Embassy website. There's lots of info there!

Answer 5

You need your passport.