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If you don't have the proper identification when you cross the U.S./Mexico border, you might be spending more time in Mexico than you originally planned!
Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. citizens will need to show a passport denoting both citizenship and identity when entering the country by land or sea from Mexico or Canada.
If you have a U.S. passport already, you are covered. If you plan to just cross the other border countries, the less expensive U.S. passport card might be just what you are looking for. It fits easily in a wallet and it is not as bulky as the passport book.
There has been some confusion regarding having to get a passport card AND a passport book to reenter the U.S. from Mexico. Basically, you need just one of them, not both. The main thing is that you don't want to forget to cross the U.S./Mexico border without one of these documents!
Just to be clear, proof of identity includes: a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST), State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available), Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available), U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders, U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business, Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card, and the Form I-872 American Indian Card.
There are a number of locations in San Diego that are processing both the passport book and card applications. The general rule is that if you already have a passport, you can renew by mail. If you do not have a passport, you must apply in person.
Passport Book Cost for First Time Applicants:
$100 for adults/ $85 for minors under age 16
Cost for U.S. Passport Book Renewal: $75 for adults
Passport Card Cost for First Time Applicants:
$45 for adults/$35 for minors under age 16
Cost for U.S. Passport Card Renewal: $20 for adults
A Note About Children: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.