Is just a Driver's License OK to cross the US/Canada border?

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Man.With.A.Plan

an original of your birth cert - not a photocopy
it can be a royal pain

cotopaxi

U.S. Department of State.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html

"CANADA _ Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required. Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else's custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian. Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor's record. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel."

apersonwholikescheese

I think you would need an American citizenship, green card, or VISA

drf412415

yes and birth cert for young children

utnip123

You might also need to have your passport and tell if you are a citizen, permanent residense, and visiting.

NickDaWuick

yeah, just throw it over in the woods

wise owl

I just ran into this same situation, and I am so glad you asked. NO, a drivers license is not enough. you need a passport or birth certificate. My BF and I were pulled aside and questioned (and lectured to) by immigration. They were not going to let us through, but eventually did. Then, when we tried to RETURN to the US, it was worse. They detained us for a long time and I really thought we were not going to get home. Again, the agents were like, "how could you travel out of the country without your passport?"
It was a scary experience and you can avoid it by having the right paperwork.

thebabydingo

It's better to be on the safe side, GET THE PASSPORT. That way, you won't have to worry. Plus, if you should hit Lotto and want to go traveling to Europe, you can just hop on your new jet and go!! :)

Lewicia

All you need is a Driver's License and Birth certificate until the end of 2006 if traveling by plane or boat, if by car, you have until the end of 2008. As long as you have both of these you will be able to go to and from Canada. Also, they need to know you have a sufficient amount of money (I believe it is $75 a day) but that does not have to be cash. Enjoy your trip!

Leigh

no you need more

CimarrÃ³n

Yes, just like going to Mexico.

Xoni

nah need VIA

coloradohurricane

You can get away with just a birth certificate and driver's license- at least until the end of 2006, I believe. After that, you will need a passport.

Actually going into Canada, I don't think you need a birth certificate. Coming back into the US, you will need a birth certificate.

tomcut2000

I think you will need more as it is tighter in security due to Sept 11...

babyjenks1784

I heard it depends on where you enter from because I went to Canada this past summer and all I needed was a license and my birth certificate. I went in from Maine.

dpacman

Here is a link with the information. It looks like you need proof of citizenship (birth certificate) and a recognized photo id (driver's license).

http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#c

CANADA _ Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required. Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else's custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian. Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor's record. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. HIV testing required for resident applicants who are over 15. A temporary resident applicant requires immigration medical examination if stay exceeds 6 months or seeking to work in Canada. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202/682-1740) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2701), MI (313/567-2085), NY (212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1375). Internet: www.canadianembassy.org

Jen

no you need a valid drivers license and a birth certificate.

longneck242002

All I ever needed was drivers license, photo i.d.
No law passed yet where you need passport.

lion_heart_20032000

i think for canadians you have to have a passport to get in to the US but i think if your a citizen you dont need a passport but for sure i know canadians need passports. the best way to find out i think would to go on government sites and check legislation. or go to your local goverment office if you have one.

sweetsally623

I have crossed the border several times just having my dr.lic with me. As long as you have a gov. id of some kind, you should be fine. But if you are the nervous type, bring your birth cert for reassurance. You do not need a passport to go to Canada. My best friend is from Canada and she gave me this info.

ericn88

A recent law now requires that you have a passport to enter Canada.

bulletproofmonk57

No baby, you need a passport

nikkicolea

You do not need a passport, I think people should know what they're talking about before that answer these. You only need your drivers license and birth certificate to get into Canada. You don't need a passport until 2007, when the law comes into affect. I know this for a fact.

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