Although passports will not be required until June 2009 (or later) for land travel across the US border, US border officials will begin asking for proof of citizenship on January 31, 2008. Proof of US citizenship can be provided with either a Passport or with a Birth Certificate. Original Birth Certificates are preferred, but a photo copy will also be accepted for the time being. All people 19 years or older who do not have a passport will be required to show a photo ID such as a US Drivers license. Minors 18 or younger will not need a photo ID, but will need a Birth Certificate or Passport.

US citizens who do not have a Passport or Birth Certificate will not be refused from crossing back into the US, but border officials will write up a warning to alert travelers to bring their Birth Certificate or Passport next time they cross the border.

The new Birth Certificate requirement is part of the transition period leading up to June 2009 when passports will start to be required. US Border Officials will be lenient in the first few months. They do not wish to increase border wait times, so they will only be giving verbal and written warnings to travelers for the first few months.

Read this excellent article which explains the new border rules and quotes many border officials on how the rules will be implemented >>

Quick Summary:

• January 31, 2008 - A Passport or Birth Certificate will be required for US or Canadian citizens crossing by LAND into the US from Mexico.
  
  
• If you already have a Passport, you do NOT need to bring your Birth Certificate. Adults 19 years or older will need a government issued photo ID (Passport or US Drivers License).
  
  
• People 18 years or younger will need a Birth Certificate or Passport. A photo ID will NOT be required for US or Canadian citizens under the age of 19.
  
  
• During the first few months, US Border officials will not deny access into the US for US or Canadian citizens who fail to provide a Birth Certificate or Passport. Verbal and written warnings will be issued to US and Canadian citizens who fail to produce either a Passport or Birth Certificate. (This is a transitional period meant to educate and prepare travelers for June 2009 when Passport will be required).
  
  
• A photo copy of your Birth Certificate will be accepted, but the original is preferred.
  
  
• June 2009 - Passports will be required for land travel from Mexico into the US.
  
  
• If you do not already have a Passport - get one!
  
  
• January 31, 2008 - The US Government will start accepting applications for the Passport Card. The Passport Card will be a wallet sized ID card that can be used for crossing into the US by LAND & SEA ONLY. (Not for air travel). This Passport Card will be less expensive than a regular passport, and the smaller size (credit card size) will make it more convenient to carry. Read more about the Passport Card in this article >>