Do I need a passport to travel to Mexico by ground?

I've researched online and I read you don't need a passport to travel by ground until January 2008, but one of my friends told me they resently traveled to Mexico by ground and they were asked for their passport.
Has anyone traveled out of the country by ground recently?

You need a passport.

That's correct, you don't need a passport when you return from Mexico crossing the border into the US until January 2008.

Yes, you need a passport, Because a passport is a universal I.D meaning thats what they would ask you for if you would ever visit a U.S embassy. If you had a california I.D it wouldent be enough. U.S passports are harder to get and I.D's are easily replicated.

Go the the website below to read for yourself for your own peace of mind. This is the official U. S. government passport website. The regulations say that you do not need a passport for land travel to and from Mexico until Jan. 2008. It does not hurt to have one, but it is not required. Be sure to have a certified copy of your birth certificate and a photo I.D. I am an American living in Mexico and have travelled bck and forth and not been asked to show ANY I.D....but you should be prepared. Also...don't wait any later than October to apply for a passport to be ready for next year.

well if your only travailing across the border like to baja California or Mexicali then you good with out a pass port but if you go way deep into Mexico then yeah you need a pass port check with the Mexican consulate they should be able to tell you how far you can travel with out a pass port

I just got back 2 weeks ago... I'm sure they asked her, but she still got back, right??

Passports are better- it gets you through faster with less hassle. A license and a birth certificate is acceptable at the moment.

Here are the scenarios...

If you're flying... yes, no exceptions.

If you're driving... no (but you will in 2008)

If you're going by cruise/boat... no (but you will in 2008)

Hope this helps...

You don't just make sure you take your I.D and social security card

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Now, having said all this, apply for your passport, laws change and you never know. Better to be safe than sorry. It's only about $115.00 and good for 10 years. It's a good investment.