Can I cross the Canadian US border without a passport or birth certificate?

Question

I live in Windsor and I like to drive over to Michigan but I just had my purse stolen with my birth certificate in it. I don't have a passport because I can cross the border by showing them my license and birth certificate. I've been trying to find out whether I can get across by showing them some other form of ID but I can't seem to find this info anywhere. Please inform me if you know.

Answer 1

You only need a drivers license to cross the US/Canadian boarder by car. There was never a requirement to show your birth certificate, and in fact it's not an acceptable form of ID. There was no need for you to carry it around in the first place. As you have found out, only bad things can happen from carrying your birth certificate on you.

Answer 2

It's funny how you say you have been crossing the border without a passport, THEN all the people who still insist on telling you that you can't do that.

The other thing is keep an eye on the recent announcement of only having to prove you applied for a passport. When first announced, it applied to AMERICANS ONLY. NO announcement on if they will extend such curtsies to Canadians yet.

The minimum standard is you need to prove your citizenship and identity. A passport does both. Your way, a drivers license (official photo ID) proves your identity. But it doesn't prove your citizenship. Just because most people that have an Ontario Driver's License are Canadian, does not mean ALL that have a License are Canadian. Your Birth Certificate proves citizenship. There are very few other things that will pass. You need to apply for it. I would recommend a passport as you will need that next year for the same trip, but the wait time is obnoxiously long and you have a better chance of getting your birth certificate sooner.

You use to get through with just a drivers license, but since they are stepping up to passports only soon, they tend to demand both dl and bc as minimum.

Answer 3

I live outside Detroit and go to Windsor all the time since the drinking age is 19. If you dont have a passport, you need an ID and birth certificate since your traveling by car. YOU DONT NEED A PASSPORT UNTIL 2008 so dont listen to anybody.


ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: All persons entering Canda by air are required to present a valid U.S. Passport when entering or re-entering the United States. Land and sea travelers are also encouraged to have a valid U.S. passport. If they do not have a passport, they should be prepared to provide a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver's License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth or naturalization certificate..

IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION: As early as January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on applying for a passport.

Answer 4

This really is such a mess with the confusion. My Canadian son crossed with a birth certificate and photo ID in September. Until the end of the year that should be all that is necessary. However I would take other stuff, like bank statements, utility bills, additional ID like student card. Basically they just want proof that you are who you say you are, and the more support you can provide the better.

Answer 5

Canadians only need a birth certificate and a valid I.D. ( drivers licence, medicare card) issued by the government, If you travel by car. You only need a passport if you are travellng by plane! In January 2008 you will need a passport to cross the border.
I have never been asked for a birth certificate anyway. You need two forms of official I.D.

Answer 6

immigration laws are changing all the time, here is the latest news

since january, you have had to have a passport only if you are traveling by air, but just a week ago, they suspended that becuase of the backlog of passports being issued. So now you can travel by air without a passport from canada to the US, as long as you have record that you have applied for one.

by ground travel, as of now you do not need a passport, all you need is a 2 proof of ID, such as your drivers license and another proof of canadian citizenship. this will soon change to needing a passport whenever you travel to the US, so i recomend geting a passport now

Answer 7

Well, it getting to the point an American has to have a Passport to get back in, so .................... Think on this.
I ask the man at the Post Office here and he said, "You can go anywhere, the Passport is to get you back into the States".
I tried to find you something, I think this more for Americans entering Canada, but, they may be able to tell you something;
For further information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of Canada at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, tel. [phone], or the Canadian consulates in Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York or Seattle. The Canadian Embassy's website is: http://www.canadianembassy.org/

Answer 8

I think you will need your birth certificate for sure for your ID. You could phone a passport office and ask them though, they would know that for sure. Good luck!

Answer 9

No you can't. Since last January you have to have a passport to go to Canada or Mexico. The USA goverment has said last week that because of delays they are experiencing with the passports, you can go out of the United States without a passport as long a you have proof that you have applied for one. Other than that don't try it, you will be sent back...
Good Luck.

Answer 10

I think you should not go... With new regulations, you have to have at least birth certificate with government valid photo ID and/or passport (if fly into USA) to cross the border.