Yes, you do need a passport to enter the United States, even if you are a U.S. citizen
Even though the U.S. State Department spent several years publicizing a law that requires everyone to have a valid passport to enter the country, we still answer calls about it every day. The requirement became effective June 1, 2009.
Air travel
All international visitors, regardless of country of origin, who are traveling by air are required to present a passport book to enter or re-enter the United States. You may also need a visitor visa if you are not a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program.
Land or sea travel
U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling by land and sea are required to present a passport book or passport card, or state-issued enhanced driver’s license to enter or re-enter the United States.
The following Canada provinces are, or will soon be, issuing enhanced driver’s licenses/ID cards: British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.
Other options for U.S. and Canadian citizens
In addition to a passport card or a state-issued enhanced driver’s license for land or sea travel, U.S. citizens and Canadians can use Trusted Traveler Cards. NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST can only be used if the card carriers are traveling by land or sea into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region, or Bermuda.
NOTE: The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory.
Children
The only exception is for U.S. and Canadian children younger than 16 years old traveling by land and sea. U.S. citizen children can enter the United States using only a U.S. birth certificate or another form of U.S. citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate. Canadian children can enter the United States using a Canadian birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Naturalization Certificate, or a Canadian Citizenship Card. (The original birth certificate or a copy may be used, but it is always wise to have the original or a notarized copy).
NOTE: If you are traveling with a child, make sure you have a letter from both of the child’s parents or legal guardians giving you permission to have custody of the child. The letter should also include the dates you’ll be in custody of the child, where you are going, why, and contact information for the parents. This is true even if you are the parent of the child, but traveling without the other parent or legal guardian. It’s a good idea to have the letter notarized.
For more information, visit: U.S. State Department
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