Does anyone here know if a passport is absolutely required since the flight will be local? Has anyone went to MX without a passport? If so, did you have any issues?

You need a passport. You didn't used to, but you do now.

You can get a Passcard. It is an Enhanced Drivers License.

You can get the application on line and take it to your local post office along with your birth certificate. It takes about 10 weeks and you can pay a little extra and get it expedited.

Hope this helps

Annie

Thanks Ladies!!

Some people have reported that they got through just fine with a birth certificate and ID, but when my friend drove into TJ last week, the officer/agent (?) was very "by the book" and told her she needed a passport or passcard and that BC and Driver's license aren't enough. I would imagine 90% of people get through fine, but it's just not worth the risk. I would be furious if I got down to the border and had to delay because I didn't get my passport renewed!!

Oh and my husband and I opted for the passcards too. Cheaper (much cheaper) and they're good for land border crossing into Mexico!!

I am not going to get a passport. There is another thread on this issue. I have seen several people say they were fine with birth certificate and ID. My coordinator even said I would be fine.

The coordinator also told me that the BC and ID SHOULD be fine. I would just hate to risk it and get stuck with a " by the book" Agent. I may look into the passcard since I have some time before I leave. That would be one less worry. Thanks guys

I took the application in for my passport today and they told me the pass card would be fine. It was much cheaper and she said the turn around time was 3-4 weeks right now.

When I applied for my passport they said it might be 6 weeks but I received it after three and a half.

The coordinator also told me that the BC and ID SHOULD be fine. I would just hate to risk it and get stuck with a " by the book" Agent. I may look into the passcard since I have some time before I leave. That would be one less worry. Thanks guys

Yeah, I was also told it "should be fine." But if I'm going through all of this, I'd rather be safe than sorry. All the documentation I can find says that a passport or passcard are required as of July 2009. I can't find anything official saying that a BC and ID are approved ID to cross the border. I know I would probably get through fine, as many have posted here at VST, and they may be more lenient since we're driving with a surgery transport, but it would be just my luck to get a guy like my friend got!! Lol I'm waiting until May. That gives me plenty of time to get our passcards delivered and to try and lose some more weight before surgery!! Every pound now, is one less later, and gives me a better chance at an easy surgery!!

When do you leave?!

The Passcard was only $55, application fee included. That is far better than a mess trying to get across the border.

The Passcard was only 55' date=' application fee included. That is far better than a mess trying to get across the border.[/quote']

Way better. In fact, I had an old passport that I was able to "renew" and mail in (really just needed a name change), so I didn't have to pay the processing fee ($25), so I only had to pay $30 for mine!!! The husband lost his though lol so his was $55.

@ Kristina J...I'm looking to go the latter part of May or 1st week of June.

@ Kristina J...I'm looking to go the latter part of May or 1st week of June.

Exciting!! I'm going May 11th, so if you end up a little early, maybe I'll see you there! Lol Congrats!!

Alma told me that I only need Birth certificate and driver license.