Getting into Canada w/ no birth certificate?

Question

Ok. I know that to cross into Canada, a birth certificate and ID is necessary. But what if you don't have the birth certificate and you try to cross over? What will happen if 1 person does and the other doesnt?

Let me add a little more. The trip is this weekend. No passport and the person will more than likely be a passenger in the car as someone else is driving.

and it's London Ontario we're going to be going to.

Answer 1

I would get a passport for US. Right now they have clamped down on security and for now you can travel on land to Canada by auto and car and you can use birth certificate, but get your passport, unfortunately it will require a birth certificate. The reason I say this is january 1,2008 you have to have passport for all travel to Canada, Mexico, and Carribean by Land Sea or train. However contact your state birth records office and they will send a certified copy of your official birth certificate, there may be a way to expedite it. You will probably need to mail or fax a letter stating you need it and a copy of your drivers license, social security card, possibly your baptismal records or other school records transcripts.

Answer 2

A birth certificate is necessary because of a conflict between law's on government issued Id's in the US and Canada. In the US, most states do not require substantial proof of residency to get a drivers license whereas in Canada, a provincially issued ID requires a birth certificate. This is why the Canadian customs need a birth certificate or a passport (which you need a birth certificate to get).

If you want to be sure, you can contact the closest Canadian embassy or call the Canadian Border Information service at 1-[phone]

Answer 3

The Customs personnel (on both the US and Canadian sides of the border) have the right to ask ALL travelers for proof of citizenship and a photo ID. If one or the other (or both) cannot be produced, they have the right to not allow the traveler(s) to cross the border AT ALL, EVER.

It doesn't mean they actually enforce the law, but it's there.

At the moment, air travel REQUIRES the traveler to produce a passport to enter the US (therefore, if going to Canada from the US, you need one to enter Canada as well). Other forms - like automobile, train, and boat - do not need a passport ... but the proof of citizenship (which can ONLY be a passport or birth certificate) and photo ID (which can ONLY be driver's licence or passport) must be valid and readily produced on demand.

Answer 4

I have driven into Canada hundreds of times. No, you do not need a Birth Certificate. All you need is a Valid Driver's license from any US. State. or baring that a Non-driver ID issued by your State. Getting a Passport is a very good idea. Enjoy

Answer 5

If possible, could you exchange your plane tickets and just fly to Buffalo or Detroit, cross the border by bus or taxi or rental car, then fly or whatever to your final destination? I don't think the airline will let you on without the passport. You can call and ask them.. if they will let you fly to Canada without it...go ahead...then come back by land..or if your passport arrives at your home while you are in Canada, have a family member overnite it to you. Good Luck

Answer 6

I have crossed in Derby VT, Lincoln ME as well as Calais ME and was never once asked for my birthcertificate on either side of the border. A VALID DRIVERS LICENSE IS ALL YOU NEED.

Answer 7

No birth certificate - no entry, US or Canada.

Answer 8

we cut off your nuts and use them for DNA testing.


or one of the other answers.