Citizens of the United States, Canada and Mexico, along with Bermuda residents, will need to present passports on entering US territory starting January 23, the Homeland Security and State departments announced on Wednesday.
Until now, identification such as a driver's license was sufficient for these nationals to enter US territory.
Limiting the types of documents accepted "will result in a more efficient border," they said in a statement.
"The ability to misuse travel documents to enter this country opens the door for a terrorist to carry out an attack. We cannot continue to allow loopholes that could facilitate access to the United States through false claims of citizenship or fake identities," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
"This initiative strengthens our border security by designating verifiable secure documents that may be used at our air ports of entry," Chertoff said.
The only alternative documents to a passport for air travel will be the Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) and the NEXUS Air card, they added.
Another proposed rule on land and sea travel will be published later, with requirements for travellers entering the United States through land and sea border crossings.
"As early as January 1, 2008, US citizens travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda by land or sea will be required to present a valid US passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security," the department said in a statement.