Canada/USA border. What ID do I need?

Question

teenager without license or passport. Can I still get over the border with just a birth certificate? what other forms of ID can I take? I'm going with friend and friends parent, will I need written permission from my own parent?

Answer 1

Are you going by LAND or SEA then if you are over 16 you will need a photo ID and birth certificate.  Along with a permission letter from your parents.  If you are under 16 just a birth certificate and letter are fine.  

if you are going by AIR you will need a passport.

Answer 2

Yup yup yup, you need a passport deary. You can thank the U.S. and George Bush for that.

Answer 3

no u need a passport i just got one this year (the line to get one takes forever.)

and they take like 3 months to make

Answer 4

A Fake ID.

Answer 5

You can actually cross the Canadian-USA border without a passport as long as you can show that you have legal residence of either country.

I am assuming that you are a US citizen - then you can simply use your birth certificate. You'll also need to provide a government issued ID to prove that the person on the birth certificate is actually you. But you can check and find out if you will be allowed to use your school ID.

If you are under 14 you'll need written permission from your parent. But since you don't have a passport - then I'd suggest getting the written permission just in case.

Answer 6

Angel is right - you need photo ID and proof of citizenship if you are are a citizen of either the US or Canada.  A passport is not (yet!) necessary.  So birth certificate and school ID/driver's license or permit should be fine.  If you look younger than about 15 I'd suggest a note from your parent - not necessary, but just to be on the safe side, in case you end up dealing with a particularly cranky customs officer.