This may be a stupid question, but where do I get a passport? Lol and I know that I can use the search field and look up past threads regarding this subject, but I don't feel like digging through all of them to find the info out... Guess I'm impatient. Thanks everyone!

I went to the post office. It came in two weeks, though they will say it can take up to six. It was cheaper than going through the online things. Some of them you need an appointment for though. I just called down the list that I googled til I found one that didn't require an appointment and went in.

Some post offices do the photos too, but I went to Walgreens. Walmart does them too as does Costco. Hope that helps.

Thanks soooo much!

If you are going to Mexico for your surgery you don't need a passport.

Go to Walgreens and ask for a Passport photo. Then bring the passport photo and all your IDs to the post office. Most post offices will also take the passport photo, but if you go to Walgreens first it will cost half as much money.

If you are going to Mexico for your surgery you don't need a passport.

I've read that some people just use their birth certificates. I was just gonna get one to be on the safe side.

I did not take a passport when I had surgery in August 2012.. I had my ID and DL and I had no problems.

I assume if they don't stop you there is no issue. What if they do stop you? Has anyone been stopped crossing the border back to the US? I got my passport because I didn't want to take the chance of dealing with any unfortunate issues on the way home.

Everybody gets stopped, the vast majority of the border guards just want to verify your citizenship.

However the actual regulation requires a passport. If you happen to get a hard ass or a rookie that is hellbent on the rules then they can detain you till they get positive identity or they could require you to get proper documentation from the American consulate.

We were stopped coming back in to the US and twice they checked our passports. Everyone in our van had a passport so I do not know what they do if you only have a birth certificate.

I wouldn't risk it. You are investing a few thousand dollars at least into the surgery, it's worth the peace of mind to spend an extra $100 on a passport. Besides, the passport is good for 10 years and after you lose all the weight you might want to treat yourself to an island vacation. lol

I just came back from Mexico in September. Regulations state that you do NOT need a passport. Going over they don't stop you it is coming back that they do. Contact your coordinator for specifics.

I just came back from Mexico in September. Regulations state that you do NOT need a passport. Going over they don't stop you it is coming back that they do. Contact your coordinator for specifics.

Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel into Mexico. While documents are not routinely checked along the land border, Mexican authorities at immigration checkpoints approximately 20 to 30 kilometers from the border with the U.S. will often conduct vehicle and document inspections and will require valid travel documents and an entry permit

Funny, the US government says differently.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

Since March 1' date=' 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel into Mexico. While documents are not routinely checked along the land border, Mexican authorities at immigration checkpoints approximately 20 to 30 kilometers from the border with the U.S. will often conduct vehicle and document inspections and will require valid travel documents and an entry permit

Funny, the US government says differently.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html[/quote']

Exactly