Do you need your passport to cross the border (Canada to US) nowadays? Or Driver's ID still good enough?

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Danelady

I cross nearly every day, and just use my driver's license.

xX.jess.Xx

You don't need a passport to cross the border by land until 2008, and I think they are trying to stop that from happening.

You should always bring as much ID as possible, but a Driver's License will work.

U.S. Department of state:
"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."
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

exj132

Technically you are supposed to provide documentations that proves your citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport) as well as something that proves your residency (such as a drivers license or picture health card). If they let you through with a drivers license it is a courtesy, and remember just because you get across with a drivers license, you can be pulled in to immigration on the way back to Canada if you cannot prove that you are supposed to be living in Canada and are doing so legally.

If you decide to cross with just a drivers license, good luck and I hope you didn't hit anyone that's having a bad day.

Cariad

If you are driving you will need a proof of citizenship (original birth certificate) and a piece of government issued photo ID. (drivers license) This is until January 2008 when you will then require a passport. (same as flying, which has required a passport since January 23, 2007)

Do I need a passport to travel to the United States?
Since January 23, 2007, a new American law requires everyone entering the United States BY AIR to have a valid passport.

Canadians can continue to use such documents as their birth certificates and driversâ€™ licence to cross the Canada-U.S. border BY LAND AND SEA for at least another year.

For further information, visit the Canadian Border Services Agencyâ€™s Web site.

pogo_mama

till the year 2008 your is and birth certifacat is all you need with a ss card.

Alan A

i am against this passport to canada crap. I suggest that there should be a Schengen Agreement like they have in europe between the usa and canada for BOTH land and air travel and there must be a common visa system between those 2 countries. There is no difference between the usa and canada and they are best of friends

nightowl_2134

Flying, yes a passport is needed.

Driving and by sea, a passport is optional still. However, that being said...I would bring as much ID as humanly possible if you aren't getting your passport. That includes any bill that comes in your name (such as visa bill, power bill, etc) and has your most recent address...that matches your Driver's Liscence ID. Border guards can be cranky, so just be prepared.

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