What kind of photo id is accepted when crossing border from canada to us?

Question

A friend of mine will be coming with me, he has abirth certificate but no government issued photo ID. Is it alright if he uses a highschool studen card (he is under 18 and in high school) as a photo ID?

Answer 1

I don't think that will be sufficient. You can still travel into the States on land with any government issued ID and birth certificate according to the following website. That would include a driver's license but not a student ID. There is probably some form of ID that he can obtain without having to do the driving test. They extended the deadline for needing passports for car travel from Canada.

Answer 2

He needs his original birth certificate for proof of citizenship, and if he has any other form of id it is a good idea to have that ready just in case,  since he is under 18 he will also require a letter from his parents/guardians stating he has their authorization to cross the border, where he will be going and staying and with who, how long he will be gone and when he will be back, the letter will need all their contact info including a phone number they can be contacted at if there are any questions at the border, as well it should be notarized(signed and stamped by a notary public, commissioner of oaths etc..

Answer 3

Documents for entry into the United States



Land ports of entry

As of January 31, 2008, Canadian citizens entering the United States by land must present one of the following valid documents:

a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s licence, PLUS a birth certificate or citizenship card; or

a passport; or

a NEXUS card; or

a Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card; or

a British Columbia (B.C.) enhanced driver’s licence (EDL); or

a Certificate of Indian Status card; or

for those aged 18 years and under, only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card, is required.

There will be a transition period during which time travellers who do not present the appropriate documents may be delayed while U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity. Travellers may also be given an information sheet explaining the new procedures. The intent of this transition period is to raise awareness of the change, educate travellers and allow ample time for them to obtain the necessary documents.

The transition period will continue for approximately 12 months until the full implementation of the WHTI document requirements for entry into the United States by land and water takes effect June 1, 2009.

Answer 4

He will need a passport & a visa to get in the US.