What documents can I use to return to US if I don't have a passport?
I am an American citizen born in the United States. I am in Mexico at present. Can I use my birth certificate and drivers license to cross the border by foot if I don't have a passport?
Best Answer
By law, U.S. citizens are supposed to enter and leave the U.S. with a valid U.S. passport, with some exceptions. The exceptions include if you have a U.S. passport card, an "enhanced driver's license" (very few states offer these) or trusted traveler program cards (e.g. NEXUS), etc., or if you are a child under 16 you can use just your birth certificate.
As a U.S. citizen, you should be able to go to a U.S. consulate at any time and get a U.S. passport (and there are U.S. consulates in most major Mexican cities on the U.S. border) at anytime. Even if by some chance the U.S. has something really against you and don't want you to travel internationally (e.g. Edward Snowden), they will still issue you something for the purpose of returning to the U.S. (even if it's so they can prosecute you).
As a U.S. citizen, even if you do not have the documents that they want, if you were to arrive at the U.S. border and can satisfactorily prove your U.S. citizenship (your U.S. birth certificate and a photo ID should be a good start), you cannot be denied entry. They may detain you for a while to check it out, and give you a stern talking, but once they are convinced you are a citizen, they have to let you in.
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Quick Answer about "What documents can I use to return to US if I don't have a passport?"
- U.S. Passport.
- Passport 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 you return to the US without a passport?
All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa.Can I come back to the US with an ID?
You will also need to bring along proof of your identity. You can prove your identity with a previous US passport, a naturalization certificate, or a current (valid) US driver's license, government ID (city/state/federal) or military ID (military/dependents).What documents do I need to present to reenter the United States?
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) of the U.S. must present a Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card", Form I-551), a Reentry Permit (if gone for more than 1 year), or a Returning Resident Visa (if gone for 2 years or more) to reenter the United States.Can I travel back to the US with my birth certificate?
U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 (or under 19, if traveling with a school, religious, or other youth group) must present a valid passport, birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. The birth certificate can be original, a photocopy, or a certified copy.Do You Need To File a US Tax Return Abroad? (Probably) | File US Taxes From Abroad
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