travel to mexico?

im going to mexico with my 18 year old sister. im a us resident but i dont know if i need a mexican passport. please help.

I really think you should speak with someone at a Mexican Embassy or Consulate so that you know the specifics.

I have always only needed a Drivers License but It may have changed...

No, just your ID.
Ifyou already have a passport, that's ok, you can take it.

By 2009 it will be obligatory a passport to visit Canada and Mexico.

Depends on what part of Mexico you are going to. If you're going to Baja California, then you don't need a passport. You will need a passport starting January 2007 (even for Baja) so I would recommend you get one now.

Get one - It the best of ID when traveling. It will be required as of January 2007


New Requirements for Travelers


The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State to develop and implement a plan to require all travelers, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike, to present a passport or other secure document, or a combination of documents, that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. Congress amended portions of the Act in 2006. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative is our proposed plan to implement this mandate.

The goal of the Initiative is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized, secure, and reliable documentation which will allow the Department of Homeland Security to quickly, reliably, and accurately identify a traveler.

Timeline

In the proposed implementation plan, the requirement will be rolled out in the following phases:

On January 8, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.

Great to have one. It cost about $70 and you can get the application at the main post office or

More info/ application
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_829.html#

You state that you are a U.S. resident, but are you a citizen? If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may have a problem getting back into the United States.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may also need a passport. If you are traveling to Mexico, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, or Bermuda by air after January 7, 2007, you must have a valid U.S. passport.