From Kathleen Crislip,
Your Guide to Student Travel.
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Mar 31 2008

The US Department of Homeland Security, perhaps not unexpectedly, has proposed a change in passport rules affecting minor student travelers: while those over 18 must begin presenting passports at land and sea border crossings between Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the US in 2009, 15-under teens are to be exempt from the new requirement if traveling with parental consent, and 16-18 year olds will be exempt if traveling with public or private school groups, religious groups, social or cultural organizations or teams associated with youth athletics organizations and under adult supervision. Under the new proposal, all US teens under 18 entering the US without passports from the countries in question would only need to carry official (with embossed state seal) birth certificates, as has always been possible but would be changed under the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative as it stands now (which is different than the proposal being discussed).

Currently (and historically), US citizens under 18 may cross land and sea borders to and from the affected countries while bearing only a government-issued ID (like a driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a US birth certificate) but must carry passports for air travel entry into the US. US territories are exempted from new passport rules that became effective January 23, 2007 requiring passports from those traveling by air.

The proposed teen passport exemption will eventually be open for public comment as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at www.regulations.gov.

If you're way under 18, like under 14, then read up on what to do (with your parents) on the US government's passport site.

Please go on to the next page to read about PASS cards and passport substitutes.