With all the confusion and questions about what documents are needed to regain entry into the USA I wanted to take a moment to review these requirements. Passports are NOT required to gain re-entry into the USA. The passport requirement date is set for June 2009, at that time passports will be required for all people looking to gain re-entry into the USA.
What is currently required to gain entry into the USA? If you have a passport, this will be the only form of identification needed to come back across the border. If you do not have a passport, you will need a valid form of Government issued ID such as an ID card or drivers license AND a birth certificate that is original or a certified copy (notarized copy) If you are under the age of 18, you need to have only an original birth certificate or certified copy.
As mentioned above, these requirements will change in June 2009 to a hard requirement for passports. If anything changes to the projected date, I will make sure to note it.