The Cancun Airport website states that U.S. travelers can enter Cancun with alternate forms of ID, such as a birth certificate and a driver's license. However, to return to the U.S. from Mexico, you must have a passport.
Flying Into/Out of Mexico
US citizens of any age flying to or from Mexico must have a US passport book, no exceptions. You should be aware that the US passport card cannot be used for international air travel. The Passport Card is designed for frequent travelers by land and sea to Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.
Puerto Penasco, on the coast of Sonora state, and Rosarito just across from San Diego, already are favorite weekend destinations for many U.S. travelers.
If you have a valid driver's license for any U.S. state, you can legally drive across the border to Mexico. Like your passport, your driver's license should be valid for at least another six months, just to be safe so you have no issues crossing the border into Mexico.
U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
In the past, U.S, citizens could enter with any official proof of citizenship document such as birth certificate or a green card, however this is no longer the case. Without a passport that is valid for at least 180 days after you arrival date, you will not be allowed into the country.
In most countries, you can travel anywhere within your nation's borders without a passport. The only exception is when you leave your home country to enter a foreign nation. However, even if you travel nationally, you will always need photo ID, such as a driver's license or National ID card to board a flight.
The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are both located in the Caribbean, making them popular hot spots for U.S. travelers. The other three U.S. territories that you can visit without a passport are all located in the Pacific Ocean; American Samoa, Guam, and the latest addition, the Northern Mariana Islands.
As of April 1, 2022, you will have to fill out an electronic precheck with personal and immigration information to enter Mexico. Learn more on how to do the precheck. After completing your precheck, the system will send you a QR code and the FFM form to your email.
No. U.S. Citizens must enter and leave the United States on valid U.S. Passports, even if they hold a passport from another country.
Traveling By Land
Upon reaching the Mexico border, you can present your US passport, a passport card, or a SENTRI Card. Furthermore, minors can travel without a passport. However, children under the age of 16 must have a birth certificate (or a naturalization certificate) to re-enter the United States.
If you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer officers' questions. Officers may not select you for questioning based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
Best way to apply for your passport
If you need to submit extra documents, the ten days processing time starts when we receive them. If you have already submitted a paper application, you cannot apply online. Passport Online is the fastest way to apply for or renew your passport.
You don't need an international driving permit if your driver's license from your country of origin is in English (from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand), or in Spanish, it's sufficient.
You will also need to bring along proof of your identity. You can prove your identity with a previous US passport, a naturalization certificate, or a current (valid) US driver's license, government ID (city/state/federal) or military ID (military/dependents).
Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.
U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) must present a valid passport, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, a photocopy, or a certified copy.
Answer: You need to call 1-877-487-2778 to possibly pay the 1 to 2 days delivery fee. Please note, however, that expedited service takes 5 to 7 weeks excluding the time it takes for the application to arrive at the processing center and for the passport to arrive at your door.
You must submit your completed application, including citizenship evidence, photocopy of ID, photo, and fees, in person at a passport acceptance facility. You may be eligible to apply in person at a passport agency if you are traveling soon. Please see Get My Passport Fast for more information.