In general, travelling between the US and Mexico, in both directions, requires a passport, not just a driver's license, because they need proof of citizenship, not just proof of identity.
What are the requirements to enter the US from Mexico?
Mexican nationals are required to present a valid passport and visa or BCC when traveling to the United States by land. For travel by sea, Mexican nationals will need to present a valid passport and visa or a valid passport and BCC.
What do you need to return from Mexico?
Requirements to Reenter the U.S. from Mexico by Land
- US Passport book.
- Passport card.
- SENTRI or Global Entry.
- Enhanced Driver's License.
- Enhanced Tribal Card.
- FAST – for commercial drivers.
- NEXUS – for crossing the US/Canada border.
- Military Identification Cards (for members of the U.S. armed official maritime business)
What do I need to get back into the US from Mexico?
All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options – see the Traveling with Children section.
Can I enter Mexico with my US ID?
All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors. Stays less than 72 hours within the border area, do not require an Official Entry Immigration Form (FMM).
Can I come back from Mexico with just my ID?
What can I use instead of a passport to get into USA?
Entry Into the United States by Land and SeaPassport Card (see below) Enhanced Driver's License (see below) Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST) U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
Can I cross the border with my real ID?
No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
Can a U.S. citizen enter the US without passport?
U.S. nationals, including U.S. dual nationals, must use a U.S. passport to enter and leave the United States. U.S. dual nationals may also be required by the country of their foreign nationality to use that country's passport to enter and leave that country.
Can you cross the border with just your ID?
Can I go into Mexico with only my driver's license or state ID? No. You need a valid passport from your country of origin as with any other country. Depending on where you're from, you may even need a visa.
Is there anything you can use instead of a passport?
The NEXUS card can be used in place of a passport for travel across any US border by land, air or sea. Travelers must be pre-approved by Customs and Border Protection and must provide fingerprints and if using the pass for air an iris scans.