Do I need a passport for Canada?(driving)?

Question

Im a new yorker and my family is planning a two day trip to Canada next month. So far Im getting mixed answers about needing a passport when we're using the bridge.

Some tell me I just need a government issued ID and birth certificate, though what are some examples of a government issued ID? Or do I honestly need to fork out the cash for a two day trip?

Answer 1

No you don't need a passport when traveling by land/sea but you must present your driver's license and birth certificate. Passport is needed when traveling by air

Answer 2

I just went to Niagara Falls on the Canada side 4/14/08 and had asked those questions before the trip.  You need a passport if you are crossing by sea or air.  You don't YET need a passport if you are driving.  To get back in the U.S., you will need your birth certificate and the "government issued ID" which can be your current driver's license.

Answer 3

Passports are not needed to travel to and from Canada by LAND.  You do need a gov't issued photo I.D. like a drivers license or state I.D. card, or  military I.D. card and a proof of citizenship...EITHER a passport OR a birth certificate.  See below to read the CURRENT regulations.

Answer 4

Any ID containing a photo issued by a state government or the federal government should be fine.  Please note that if you are 18 and under you may not require a photo ID, only your birth certificate, although if you have one (any type) it is a good idea to bring it.  If you are 18 and under and not travelling with both your parents you will require a letter of consent from the other parent(s) authorizing the person you are with to take you across the border.

The basic rules for crossing the border are as follows:

The strictest regulations regarding crossing the border relates to crossing into the US from Canada.  These rules were put into place by the US Department of Homeland Security as a result of 9/11 and subsequent events.  The rules for crossing into Canada are not as strict however as these rules generally are adjusted to coincide with US regulations they can be taken as requirements for crossing both ways.  Currently the rules for border crossings are as follows:

By Air:  A valid passport only

By Land:  A valid passport; OR; valid government issued ID (i.e. a Driver’s License) and an official birth certificate.  If you are a naturalized citizen then you should also bring your Citizenship Card (if you do not have your passport that is).  If you are a landed immigrant then you should bring identification certifying that you are legally in the country.

By Sea: Same requirements as for land

If you have a passport this is the best form of ID and should be the only ID required to cross the border so, if you have one, I would suggest that you use it.

The Department of Homeland Security had proposed to make a passport the only acceptable form of ID effective as of January, 2008.  This regulation was postponed by them until July, 2008 and has been further postponed by Congress until 2009.  Although several dates have been proposed there is no set date for the implementation of this regulation.  Based upon various reports the likely implementation time period will be sometime from March to July, 2009.  In addition to this other forms of acceptable ID are in process or being tested.  This includes a passport card (in the US) and enhanced Driver’s Licenses (current being tested in parts of Canada and the US) which may be acceptable in place of a passport for travel.