Beginning January 31st, 2008, United States and Canadian citizens over the age of 19 will no longer be able to provide an oral declaration of citizenship when crossing into the U.S. by land or sea. For a list of acceptable documents please visit the United States Customs and Border Protection. Travelers who are unable to provide one of the following documents can expect delays at the border while their citizenship is verified by Customs and Border Protection.

For individuals who need to obtain a passport you may visit the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page for all Houston passport acceptance offices. Be sure to bring two passport photos, proof of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate, and photo identification such as a driver’s license. If you are renewing your passport, please visit the United States Department of State.

For information on updating or renewing your driver’s license, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety. Certified birth certificates may now be ordered online.

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The State Department recently announced that beginning in January 2008, individuals will need to show proof of citizenship when entering the United States from Canada or Mexico. The Department of Homeland Security will no longer accept verbal declarations of citizenship as they have in the past. If you plan on traveling across the border you will need a certified birth certificate as well as your driver’s license or a United States passport to regain entry into the United States. Parents traveling with children under the age of 16 will need the child’s certified birth certificate. If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States, you will need to show your green card.

Individuals who have never applied for a passport will need to go to either the Mickey Leland Federal Building located at 1919 Smith Street, Houston, TX, 77002, or to one of the many passport acceptance offices in the Houston area. Be sure to bring two passport photos, proof of citizenship such as a certified birth certificate, and photo identification such as a driver’s license. If you are renewing your passport, this may now be done online.

For all Houston passport acceptance offices, information on obtaining a new passport and passport renewals, please visit the United States Department of State.

For information on updating or renewing your driver’s license, please visit the Texas Department of Public Safety. Certified birth certificates may now be ordered online.

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