Can I travel to Mexico with a REAL ID and no passport?
Q: Do I need a passport if I have a REAL ID? If you are traveling internationally you will still need your passport. If you are traveling domestically, you will only need one valid form of identification – either your REAL ID or another acceptable alternative such as a passport, not both.
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U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.
If flying to Cancun (or any Mexican airport), both adults and children must travel with a passport book (not just the passport card or other form of government identification).
Additionally, American citizens can visit Mexico by land without a passport granting them access to other sections of the culturally vibrant country, including Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende. However, remember that you will need a passport card if visiting the country by car.
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.
Do you need a passport to enter Mexico? Yes, Americans need a passport (or appropriate alternative travel document) to visit Mexico. In the past, visiting Mexico with just a driver's license or birth certificate was possible.
Mexico requires that young adults show photo identification, either a passport or driver's license, as proof of age when buying alcohol. Be prepared to have your ID at most resorts, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, even though most are not strict in their practice of checking.
A passport is strongly recommended. However, citizens of this country may enter Mexico presenting their original birth certificates (assuming they were born in the same country) plus valid-official photo I. D.; or citizenship card; or certificate of naturalization.
If you try to enter Mexico without a valid travel document (i.e., your passport), authorities may deny you entry into the country. This is true for all forms of travel. Border authorities will likely check that you meet the entry requirements before allowing you to enter Mexico.
In place of a passport, you can use WHTI-compliant documents like passport cards, trusted traveler's cards, and NEXUS cards. While these allow you to travel to these regions by sea and road, they are not acceptable for international flights.
Q: Can I use my REAL ID card to cross the border into Canada and Mexico and for international travel? No.REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel.
What Happens If I Travel Without a Passport? If you try to travel to another country that requires a passport without one, you will not be allowed to enter. The most likely scenario is that you will be prevented from boarding transport by the staff on duty.
As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.