US Citizen/Crossing Border

[jamesrwright3]

I think some new rules have gone into effect.
Do I need to have some other ID such as birth certificate in addition to a drivers license?

Jim

 

[mrscplus]

Not sure when you are crossing, but you'll need a govenment issued ID, as well as a picture ID now.

 

[Avatar]

I think some new rules have gone into effect.
Do I need to have some other ID such as birth certificate in addition to a drivers license?

Jim

I believe you need a passport to get back into the US.

 

[Breetai]

I believe you need a passport to get back into the US.

No you don't. Please don't go spreading false information around the internet by talking about things that you don't know about. Nothing personal, it's just very misleading!

Personally, I can tell you that first-hand that you do NOT need a passport to enter either Canada or America if you are a citizen of one of these countries. I crossed the land-border twice about a month and a half ago, and I have family that crosses every week. I'm from a border town, and pay close attention to the changing requirements.

You WILL need proof that you're a US or Canadian citizen when you cross (previously, an oral confirmation was good enough). By proof, I mean a government-issued photo ID. "mrscplus" was correct when he mentioned that.

Here is the official Canadian government's website where it talks about this: http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/rc4161-eng.html#P003, and here is the official American government's website: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/2007_news_releases/122007/12032007_4.xml

 

[Avatar]

Don't be so bloody rude, Breetai.

I was going by this:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/tourist-touriste-eng.html

Anyway, since you have no social skills I'm putting you on 'ignore'.

 

[Breetai]

Don't be so bloody rude, Breetai.

I was going by this:

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/tourist-touriste-eng.html

Anyway, since you have no social skills I'm putting you on 'ignore'.

That site you gave does not say that you will ever need a passport to enter the US by land. It also mentions other documents that are acceptable in lieu of a passport including a NEXUS card, a FAST card, or other unnamed documents.

Put me on ignore and keep calling me names if you'd like, but I'll still call anyone on it when they give false information. I expect the same to be done to me.

 

[Mark2010]

As long as I can remember, you need MORE than just a driver's license. Usually a birth certificate will do, but a passport is even better.

The US government wants to implement a rule that anyone coming into the US by land has to have a passport. Last I checked the date for this was pushed back to 2009. Canada, at least so far, has not announced plans to enact a similar rule. So, it will be easier to get into Canada than to get back into the US.

 

[StromRider]

You need a passport to enter the US via sea or air but not yet by land, that's coming later. I believe a birth certificate is needed as well as a drivers license. (I live in the US so I keep up with such things)

But since it's jamesrwright3 in question, I'll notify the Canadian authorities to be on alert

 

[selfintercession]

Technically, you are supposed to have a passport when you try to re-enter the US. However, for the time being, a driver's licence will do and CBP will simply give you the information about the new requirements and when they will start enforcing them.

I cross the border weekly by land and by sea.

 

[Blank123]

if you're flying grab your passport. if your coming across through any other means then a birth certificate *should* be enough.

 

[zoziw]

I just went to the US via a land crossing in BC.

On the way down they asked me for identification, I handed them my birth certificate and driver's license and also my wife's birth certificate and driver's license.

They waved us through without even asking for the birth certificates of my two children (we had the certificates, but the border guard stepped back into the booth before we could hand them over).

On the way back, the Canadian side asked to see ID for everyone (showed them everyone's birth certificate and my wife and my driver's license), then they just asked the customary questions about how long I had been gone, how much I was bringing back and waved me through.

Less than a minute at the US border, less that two minutes at the Canadian border.

 

[Allegory]

The passport only applies to flying. You do need picture ID though if you plan on taking a boat or driving.

 

[selfintercession]

Allegory is wrong. The current requirements can be found here.


Entry of Citizens of Canada


Citizens of Canada are exempt from the visa and passport requirement of Immigration and Nationality Act (section 212(a)(7).) To enter the United States, a Canadian citizen must be able to establish both identity and citizenship. Documents that may establish citizenship are:

• Birth certificate
• Citizenship certificate
• Passport.

Although a CBP officer may accept an oral declaration of citizenship, it is recommended that a Canadian citizen carry a document that establishes citizenship. Under current procedures, all travelers may be required to present photo-identification.
NOTE: A Canadian citizen arriving from outside the Western Hemisphere is required to present a passport. Canadian citizens classified as Treaty Trader, Treaty Investor, or Fiancé(e) require a visa.

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Picture ID is no longer sufficient on its own.