I.D. for travel ling from Canada to the US?

Question

Ok, I am aware that this is a long shot, but here goes. I am planning on going to New York this weekend, it was a last minute weekend get away planned by my friends. We are driving from Quebec, Canada to New york. My problem is, I can not find my birth certificate, with a large family things get lost, my little sister put my important papers somewhere but thats gettig off track because I am pretty frustrated. Ok, so this is all the I.D. that I have,
An expired passport, it expired in 2001
An expired Medicare card, new one is in the mail, but wont be here before friday
My LEARNERS driving permit (it has my photo on it, it allows me to buy cigarettes)
My social insurance card
A letter head note from my work stating that I have worked there more then six months (I needed this to renew my medicare card because I lived in the states for one year in 1999)

I recently flew from Quebec to B.C. and for the plane my learners permit was enough I.D. but this is from Canada to the U.S.

If someone could let me know if this would be enough, or give me a number where I could call and find out if this enough it would be very much appreciated THANK YOU IN ADVANCE :)

Answer 1

The purpose of a birth certificate or a Passport is to prove citizenship. Crossing into the U.S. it is important to be able to do this.

In your situation, where you are traveling with a group of friends, who all presumably will have the required I.D., and ofr just a weekend visit, you should be okay.

I suggest taking:
1) your photo learners permit, this is acceptable I.D. to prove who you are.
2) your expired passport ... this will show your citizenship, even though it is long expired.
3) the letterhead note from work, might come in handy

You might have a bit of hassle getting in to the U.S., but should be okay. Should have no problem getting back in to Canada. And for the future ... get that passport renewed!!

Have fun!!

(For air travel, a passport is a MUST)

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure you need either your birth certificate or a current passport. You could check with Passport Services and ask. They have a website with explanations on what you need to travel where, it's at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html There's an entire section dedicated to travel within North America. Hope that helps!

Answer 3

According to this Canadian gov't website you should be ok without your birth certificate. Bring that expired passpoert a long just in ase, and your drivers permit with photo.

Answer 4

your gfovernment issued learner's driving licence will be ennough, providing that you are driving to the USA.