do we need a passport to travel to mexico from california?

the whole family is going mom dad and 3 kids

Yes all of you

No, unless traveling by air. Although a passport would make it easier, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative)-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

I beleive the rules are changing February 1, so you'll have to check the new info if you're traveling after this month.

If you are FLYING to Mexico , you Must have passports. If you are travelling by LAND or SEA passports are not yet required. This phase of the law will not go into effect until a "later" date that has not yet been set, but which will be after next summer. See site below and read top half of the page for the current info. New info is always posted here first, so it is the place to check periodically for new updates.

passports will be needed .

If you FLY anywhere out of the country you will need a passport, but when driving i do not belive it is required. I drove from CA to mexico and i didn't need one, but that was about five years ago so the requirements may have changed.

I agree with the previous answer.

No, unless traveling by air. Although a passport would make it easier, U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative)-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

This question has been asked and answered many times. Yes, you need a passport, the rules keep changing but its a valuable ID. It was announced last night on the local TV that you will need some form of ID with a photo by the end of the this week. Its hard to keep up.

not if you are visiting border towns,yes if you are traveling by air. or you are visiting for bussines but it is bether to have one.

Long story short if you are flying YES, if you are driving NO. You need a birth certificate for EVERYONE and a birth certificate and driver's license or ID for those over 19.

Read this just released Customs and Border Patrol statement
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/chnge_in_proced.xml