While a passport is not required at this time, I, as long as many others, feel that it will be necessary in the not too distant future. If you are using a birth certificate, it must have a "raised seal" on it, along with a photo ID, driver's license, etc. A driver's license by itself, or a photo copy of the birth certificate just won't cut it. If you think that you'll be traveling more, a passport is the way to go. We use it to fly domestically, and you have far fewer problems with it. Passports are good for 10 years, and renewable at that point. Have fun, and hope this helps.