Can I use driver's license instead of copy of birth certificate for traveling to Canada?

Question

According to the information found on travel.state.gov, this is what I have found:

Children 16 and under traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States as well as the proof of passport application status from the Department of State (DOS) for departure from the United States as well as re-entry to the United States. Acceptable confirmation of a passport application may be found at the Department of State’s website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.


Children older than 16 and traveling alone are required to have a government-issued photo ID in addition to the proof of passport application status.

I am 16, and will be traveling to Canada with the proof of passport by air, can I use a drivers licence instead of copy of birth certificate, even if I am in the 16 or under? Do they just mean a photocopy of the birth certifcate?

Thanks!

Thanks for any advice

Answer 1

Well You Must have Birth certificate no matter you go by air or car, since i travel to canada alot, and policies has been changed now, DL use to be good, but now u must have proof of citizenship or residency.

Answer 2

Yes. The Certified copy with the raised stamp, is exactly what you need. It is as good as the original, and millions of people use it. This is only good as you are driving. You cannot fly in/out of Canada with a birth certificate and drivers license any more. You don't need an SS card, that proves nothing. The Drivers license needs to have a picture - the real requirement is a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship.

Answer 3

Excellent question. I presume your only certified copy of your birth certificate has been turned in with your passport application. Do you have a baptismal record or hospital record of your birth you could take? i see the state dep't. info does not answer this question. Try calling your airline and asking how this situation is being handled. I hope someone who has already dealt with this also answers you. This info could help many people. If you are not flying for a few days, you could go to the local vital statistics office ( if you still live where you were born) and for a small fee, get another certified birth certificate. Hope all works out well for you.

Answer 4

All documents must be original, and yes a drivers licence will be ok for the time being, if you are crossing the border in a car, but that will change soon.
If you fly, the only thing you can use is a passport

Answer 5

This really IS a case of yes AND no.

YES, you can enter Canada that way, but if your mode of travel is air then NO, you cannot return to USA, as a passport must be presented for travel by air into USA.

You could fly into Canada, then return to USA by surface (car/train/bus) and re-enter with no problem.

Answer 6

Not anymore (Thanks Mr. Bush!)

You have to use your passport