Family is travelling to Canada We all have our birth certificates but some are old and worn does this matter?

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kingstonedanes

You do not need a passport to make a land crossing. If your birth certificate is in really bad shape, they may give you a bit of a hassle. My dog ate my wallet a few years back and took particular interest in my birth certificate. It was in really bad shape - I only got grief from one customs officer about it - most times, all I was ever asked for was my driver's licence.

curious24

Dont you need a passport?
As long as you can see that this is an original certificate. i dont think it matters...

shalease17

I live in Detroit and I know that sometimes they (Canadians) give us Americans a hard time coming back into the US. I'm pretty sure that a Birth Certificate and ID is all you will need, however to be on the safe side, I would have the people with worn BC's apply for new ones and keep the receipt so that if you're questioned, you can show them proof that you've applied for a new one. They're not that expensive (certainly not as much as a passport).

becky b

I believe if you are flying you need a passport but if you are driving a birth certificate and possibly photo i.d. is good. I would think as long as all the information is readable, a worn one should be just fine! Good luck!

Cariad

If you can, get new birth certificates before you come to Canada. It "can" cause your grief. A worn and old birth certificate may not pass security checks. The reason is this: birth certificates have imbedded security features in them; other than the raised seal. Things like water marks, "shadow" security features, being able to be detected under an ultraviolet light etc are all important to be able to detect if the birth certificate is legit or not. (incidently, that is why many birth certificates-Canadian & American- state "void if laminated" on them-they won't pass a security check and cannot be used, even just to get a passport)

jimobasa

Provided your birth certificates remain legible, you will be okay. However, if they are falling to pieces, you really should get replacements

Digital Haruspex

I wouldn't think it would matter much. The official "seal" is what's important. It may also help to show that they're real by the way they look. I would guess that they've seen far worse looking than yours.

If it's a real concern you can always get another copy.

Gerald

Call the Canada border patrol and ask. SEAL--is a raised seal made by a machine. Not a stick on. Ask about that pass port. If you are going next month you may not go. You got to have papers. Papers please. Papers. Reminds me of a old Black and White Nazi movie.

tyler

if your a white family i dont think u need to worry

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