Will I need a passport to get back into the US after going to Canada?

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Poutine

no you will not need a passport while driving across the border in 2007 (You do need more than you driver's licence)
you will need one (or the other approved IDs) in 2008 (if things go according to schedule)

passports make travelling easier and boarder crossings faster

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/alerts/whti/documents_needed.xml

# As of January 23, 2007, ALL persons*, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
# 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. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.

*
U.S. and Canadian citizens are strongly encouraged to carry a valid and current passport to help minimize questioning and delay. A passport is proof of both citizenship and identity. *
A driver's license alone is NOT sufficient, and voter registration cards, baptismal certificates, etc. are not accepted as proof of citizenship. *
Compliance with these requirements doesnâ€™t guarantee entry into Canada or the United States . Customs and Immigration will deny entry into either country for passenger not in compliance.

United States Citizens
United States Passport (strongly recommended), or
Naturalization Certificate, or
Birth certificate (original or certified) or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States PLUS unexpired government-issued photo identification* such as a state driver's license (this documentation may subject the passenger to additional questioning at the border).

Canadian Citizens

* Canadian Passport (strongly recommended), or
* Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, or
* Birth certificate (original or certified) or Canadian Certificate of Registration of Birth Abroad PLUS unexpired government-issued photo identification* such as a provincial driver's license or provincial health insurance card (this documentation may subject the passenger to additional questioning at the border).

Just Me Alone

The current requirement is by air only but if you have a passport, it's much easier to go through the border using one. Entry via land or sea will require a passport next year. From the US State Department -

"The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

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. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries."

Willster

Probably not... especially if, as you said, you are driving as supposed to flying.

That's the theory. But in practical terms, it seems to me that your ability to cross the border easily and quickly will be much enhanced by having a passport.

American officials have said there is no firm date by which people entering the US by land must have passports. The requirement for them will be put in place as soon as all the border crossing posts have the proper scanning equipment. So I suppose that this could become a requirement with only three or four months of advance notice.

If I were you, I would definitely applied for a passport or one of those newfangled pass cards that either are, or soon will be, available through US post offices.

bebop_groove_bonanza

not specifically, a birth certificate or ssn card should work, too. you should take something, especially with the increased border security I keep hearing about. bottom line, better safe than sorry, eh.

jsawgirl

Any time you enter another country no matter how you are travelling you are required to produce a valid passport. You will need it to get back into the U.S. also, to show you are a citizen of that country. Birth certificates are not valid proof as you could have immigrated to another country. Anytime you travel, you should carry your passport.

Mr. Knowledgeable VI

As of this year, you need a passport if you leave the Continental United States. This includes going into Canada, the Caribbean, and into both Alaska and Hawaii.

Mike R

Yes

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