Quick question about entering Canada.?

Question

I was wondering if when you cross the Candadian border (when driving) do they accept a copy of birth certificates? I dont want to bring the originals with me.

PLEASE HELP!!

Answer 1

It's my impression they want an official copy...What you have in your possession is actually a copy, and if you just leave it in your wallet or the glove box of your vehicle, you won't lose it.   I don't know that they always ask for it, but you don't want to be turned away and have to go home because you're missing your documents.

If you get a passport card, it serves the same purpose of a passport and it's a lot less expensive to get.  The only caveat is that you cannot fly with it.  I don't understand the difference, but that's what they say.

Answer 2

The real question should be " what do I need "to get back INTO the USA ?

The USA border inspectors are 100 percent more "by the book " than we are, here in Canada.

Get a passport. It is proof positive of your citizenship.

Jim B . Toronto.

Answer 3

That depends what you mean by "copies".  If you mean photocopies, then no-they are not acceptable.  If you mean registered copies issued from Vital Statistics, then yes.

A photocopy isnt worth the paper it is printed on to a border guard.  They are too easy to fudge details on it.  A "real" birth certificate has fraud prevention measures in them like water marks, shadows, special lighting will show other things etc.

I can understand not wanting to bring a birth certificate....that is why most people get a passport.  Passports are much easier to get sent to you if you lose them on holidays than a birth certificate.

Answer 4

we go over often.  they don't even always ask for birth certificates... just ID.

but, i would bring originals just to be sure.

make copies and put originals in glove box.  if they won't take the copies then you have the real ones right there and you will know for future trips.