Passport vs Certified Birth Certificate

[MomMaestra]

Did anyone travel with only a certified birth certificate to Mexico from the US? I'm not sure my passport will be here in time and to expedite it will be another $182 !! Rather not spend it if I don't have to!

[mstrigs]

I have heard people who forgot their passports and still got through. Although you dont have a passport a certified birth certificate is certainly better than just a driver license. I agree with you $182 to expedite it is not worth it. When did you apply? They always say 6-8 weeks but it is usally about 4 max.

[ShandyLeigh11]

I travelled to Mexico approximately 3 years ago and did not have a passport but coming back in the states, customs told me if I ever travelled outside of the US again I had better have a passport. I had my DL, birth certificate, and marriage license.

[Gibson_girl]

I just came back from MX with just a Drivers license and certified birth certificate. They sternly asked me why I didn't have my passport. I truthfully told them it is both lost and expired. We were through in about 5 min. The time is a perk of being in the medical lane.

[DebbieD]

On 5/12/2013 my husband and I came back across the border with our certified birth certificates and driver 's license. Dr. Kelly was with us and said they would certainly let us back but depending on the officer would have more/less hassle about it. We got a good guy. Said if we came back to be sure and have a passport. We were through in less than 10 min.

[kiely98]

Good to know. I'm just starting to research, and haven't even applied for a passport yet.

[MarshaD]

Definitely get your passport or passport card.

[MomMaestra]

I've been and back already. I did just have my driver's license and birth certificate. Told the border security guy I had applied but it hadn't gotton there yet. He looked it up and said he sees the app but its not approved yet... so they checked but he just gave me a hard time for about 2 minutes because he saw I was from New mexico and he liked the green chile! So, I woould advise applying for your Passport like 2 months in advance. I did 6 weeks and that was too late.

[MarshaD]

I ended up paying the expedited fee. I just didnt want to take the chance. I was so paranoid already. I could have saved hundreds of dollars

[DebbieD]

I found logs of folks who just had a birth certificate - even if they didn't like it I knew they won't keep us! Guess I was too cheap to pay the extra bucks.

[Rox]

Am applying for Passport Cards for my husband and myself, from what I understand, getting into Mexico is no big deal, but coming back is the problem. I have also read that Passport Cards usually take about 2 wks.

[AmyInOrlando]

My passport expired, so I filled out the renewal form, sent for a passport card, which was only $30.00 and the guy at the post office said I should have it in about 4 weeks. Susan, from Dr. A's office said as long as I have the certified mail receipt, in case it doesn't get here in time, that will get me through. I had to send my expired passport, so I don't even have that. I sure hope she's right. Actually... I hope it gets here in time.

[Jigglypuff]

I got my passport card, which was cheaper than the book. Only because I hate flying and I know I'm not likely to go flying across the ocean anytime in the next 10 yrs. My suggestion is to get it as soon as possible. There are so many things to worry about with regards to having WLS, the last thing you need to worry about is getting back into the United States. Believe me, the 4 or 5 wks it takes to get it will fly by. (they say up to 6 wks, I got mine in 4)There is so much to do to get ready for this life changing event. You won't know where the time went.

[AmyInOrlando]

I got an email from them saying it's "in process". I'm 3 1/2 weeks out, so my fingers are crossed that it gets here in time. I don't want any problems.