Do you need a passport to go through the USA by car?

Question

Do you need a passport to go through the USA by car? If you live in Canada?

Answer 1

No, Canadian citizens do not need a passport to cross into the US.  You can cross the border with your government issued photo ID such as your provincial driver's license and your birth certificate to prove country of birth.  You will probably need a passport by the summer of 2009.  If you are living in Canada but not a Canadian citizen, then you will most likely need your passport and you will have to check the visa requirements for citizens of your country visiting the US.

Answer 2

You only *need* it to cross the border; but should carry it with you just in case of mishap.  A lot of places won't take a Canadian ID, so you might need the passport to cash a check.

Answer 3

The requirements for passports/ID relate generally to crossing the border between Canada and the US.  The requirements to enter the US are as follows:

By Land:  A valid passport OR government issued photo ID (i.e. driver's license) and your birth certificate.

By Sea:  The same as for land.

By Air:  A valid passport

The US Department of Homeland Security had proposed to make a passport a requirement for crossing the border effective as of January, 2008.  They postponed this until July, 2008 and it was then further postponed by Congress until 2009.

If you plan to drive into the US then you will not require a passport.  If you plan to fly into the US then travel around the country you will require a passport.  A passport is still the best form of ID however it is not a necessity except for travel by air.  I use my passport to cross the border as it makes things easier however many of my friends do not and they cross the border regularly.

Answer 4

not right now but maybe later

Answer 5

No, not yet. probably will in the near future though.

Answer 6

If you are a Canadian citizen, you don't need a passport when traveling by land or sea until June 2009.You need a government issued photo ID such as a driver's license and birth certificate. You need a passport when traveling by air