Diane

If my son does not have a passport does he need an original birth certificate along with his drivers license to get into Mexico (Cancun)? Could we use a copy of his birth certificae? I am a bit nervous - we leave in 2 days and I forgot all about this!!

Mexico Specialist

He must have a state issued original or copy with a raised seal (not photocopy or hospital birth certificate) and his driver's license.

Dunbya

The above is correct. Also if he is traveling with just one parent and under 18 a notarized letter in English and Spanish from the parent who is not traveling, giving permission is required too.

Mexico Specialist

Thanks Dunbya. You are absolutely correct. I assumed both parents were traveling, but found on another post on this board they are not.<BR>You will need a notorized letter from both parents for you son's friend.

copy won't do

Not a copy, needs to be an "original" with a raised notorized stamp + drivers license OR a passport. Under 18, note the parental permission paperwork, as others have mentioned is also necessary.

Mexico Specialist

A Certified Copy issued by the state with a Raised Seal is perfectly acceptable<BR>I have 3 certified copies I put in different places so I always have one handy.<BR>For most states you can order at www.vitalchek.com

susan

California no longer issues "raised stamp" certified copies of birth certificates, but do put some type of stamp on them. We have travelled to Mexico with our children multiple times and have never had a problem with these documents.