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Travel ID confusion: How do you get back from Mexico?

Posted at 3:13 PM, Dec 07, 2018
and last updated 2019-06-25 21:18:55-04

Rocky Point beaches... just a few hours away.

Unless you're kept there!

I received an email from a couple who drove to Mexico.

They say they didn't have to show ID going in.

The problem; coming back into Arizona.

They say they were told they couldn't get back into the United States because they didn't have the proper ID.

They had Enhanced Driver's Licenses.

Those are used by some states as proper border ID, but Arizona doesn't recognize them.

I've also heard people say that Real ID's, also known as Travel IDs, would work.

They won't work either.

They are for use at TSA security checks starting in October 2020, when current Arizona drivers license ID won't be enough.

You could use what's called a "Trusted Traveler Program Card" if you're driving and if you pass the background checks.

They cannot be used if you're flying.

Bottom line, get a passport.

It covers all transportation and costs about $150 total.

The only downside... the usually bad photo!