YOU DO NOT YET NEED A PASSPORT TO DRIVE TO MEXICO

New rules went into effect on January 23, 2007 that require U.S., Mexican, and Canadian residents to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States only at airports. THESE RULES DO NOT APPLY TO TRAVELERS WHO ENTER THE U.S. FROM MEXICO BY MOTOR VEHICLE.

Effective January 31, 2008, U.S. citizens age 19 or older who are entering the U.S. by land or sea must present a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth or naturalization certificate(or passport). People 18 and under must present proof of citizenship only. Trusted traveler program cards --SENTRI, NEXUS and FAST-- are also acceptable. The federal government has plans to require passports eventually, but a specific date has not been announced.

HOW TO GET A PASSPORT:

• WHERE TO GO: Passport applications can be made in person at U.S. post offices and passport centers. Locations and information about post office locations and the hours for passport services can be found at www.usps.com/passport
• WHAT YOU NEED: First-time applicants must fill out an application and provide proof of citizenship and a photo identification, such as a valid driver's license or government or military ID. Two color two-inch by two-inch photos are also required. Many post offices that take passport applications offer photo services for a fee.
• HOW MUCH IT COSTS: Application fees for those 16 and older total $97.00. For those under 16, the fee is $82.00.
• HOW LONG IT TAKES: The State Department promises that passports will be issued within six weeks There is an expedited service to obtain a passport within two weeks; it costs an additional $60.00 plus overnight delivery fees.
• FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORMS, see www.travel.state.gov/passport