Original or copy of birth certificate will do?

Question

I live in New York state, and i'm going to Canada this weekend. But my girlfriend only has a copy of her birth certificate, and not the original. Will this be alright with driving across the boarder? Or will they deny us because her certificate isn't the original?

Answer 1

A copy will not suffice..."original" needs to be an authorized copy meaning not a photocopy/scan etc.  This is to help stop fraud.

Remember the other piece...a piece of government issued photo ID in addition to the proof of citizenship

Answer 2

I believe you need a U.S. Passport to go to Canada. To get that, she will definatley need the original birth certificate. I just went thru this to get a passport myself.  I don't think a birth certificate in itself will help. Sorry. Check with the U.S. State Department to find out.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbp...

Good Luck.

Answer 3

A copy will not get her over the border.  An original is not necessary, but a certified true copy with a raised seal is.  So, if she has a birth certificate with a raised seal, she is probably okay.