Can I cross the US/Canada border without a birth certificate?

[Musicat]

I haven’t travelled out of the U.S. for a long time, and then it was courtesy of the U.S. government, so I never got a passport. When people in this thread say you have to show a birth certificate, do you mean an original document? Or is a xerox/photocopy adequate?

[Tapioca_Dextrin]

Athena, proof of citizenship is legally required for travel in both directions. See my first post which is information from the US Sate Department. It may be selectively enforced, but it’s still the law.

[Johnny_L.A]

Just some anecdotal evidence to add.

Before 9/11 I was able to easily pass through the Peach Arch POE in both directions with only my driver’s license. On the first trip post-9/11 I got into Canada with no problem. On the way back, the U.S. border guard asked me for my birth certificate. I told her I didn’t have it with me. She asked me why not, and acted as if I were an idiot for not having it. She let me through though, after berating me a bit.

Another time, still not having my birth certificate (which I had forgotten and left in L.A.), I had my driver’s license, pilot’s certificate, PADI card, a stamped metal copy of my Social Security card, and my expired passport. My friend had his driver’s license and birth certificate. Going into Canada we were directed to the Candian Customs office where we were cleared. (The woman there said that I really should have a current passport, but my expired one still proved U.S. citizenship.)

I’ve made two trips now that I’ve finally gotten off my arse and have received a new passport. No problems either time, either direction.

[JohnGalt]

No, you don’t need a passport OR a birth certificate for proof of citizenship. A voter’s registration card (properly issued/stamped etc.) suffices. This may be easier for you to obtain on short notice.

[Tapioca_Dextrin]

From the Canadian Consulate website

The following documents are acceptable as evidence of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence for travelers entering directly from the United States:

U.S. CITIZENS:

· A VALID U.S. PASSPORT; or

· AN ORIGINAL U.S. BIRTH CERTIFICATE PLUS PHOTO IDENTIFICATION;

…

Other documents such as a driver’s license or voter registration card will NOT be accepted as proof of U.S. Citizenship.

From the Washington State Department of Transport

To enter either the U.S. or Canada, one of the following is needed as proof of citizenship:

Valid passport
Original or certified copy of birth certificate or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States AND photo identification
Valid military selective service or draft card
Naturalization certificate and photo identification
All U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport
Alien permanent residents of the U.S must present their Alien Registration Card (commonly known as a Green Card), or
Minor children without a birth certificate need an original copy of hospital or baptismal certificate stating the country where the child was born
Important: A driver’s license, voter’s registration card, or social security card are not proof of citizenship.

This information is provided by U.S. and Canadian Immigration and Customs and is subject to change. Visas are not required for U.S. tourists entering Canada for less than 180 days.

Hope this clears things up once more.

[Tapioca_Dextrin]

If you’d prefer, here is the same thing from the USCIS

Entry of Citizens of Canada
Citizens of Canada are exempt from the visa and passport requirement of Immigration and Nationality Act section 212(a)(7). To enter the United States, a Canadian citizen must be able to establish both identity and citizenship. Documents that may establish citizenship are: birth certificate, citizenship certificate, and passport. Although the Immigration Inspector may accept an oral declaration of citizenship, it is recommended that a Canadian citizen carry a document that establishes citizenship. Under current procedures, all travelers may be required to present photo-identification. NOTE: A Canadian citizen arriving from outside the Western Hemisphere is required to present a passport. Canadian citizens classified as Treaty Trader, Treaty Investor, or Fiancé(e) require a visa.

passport or original birth certificate + government issued photo ID

no photocopies, no SINs, no voter registrations, no credit cards.
That’s the (selectively enforced) law.

[chappachula]

I went to Niagra Fallls, and was told by the US border guy that my American drivers license is not proof of cititzenship–its only proof that I passed a drivers test 30 years ago. He required my US Passport. This is a major tourist area, of course, so they probably dont bend the rules like rural areas.

[netscape_6]

if your sneaky certainly you can.

[Horrifying_Howler_Monkey]

First, thanks all for all the information (and many thanks Tapioca Dextrin for doing all that research for me)

I just read your pdf about the guarantor, but yikes! I don’t know anyone like that. I guess I am never leaving the country!

[Tapioca_Dextrin]

*Originally posted by Magayuk *
**I just read your pdf about the guarantor, but yikes! I don’t know anyone like that. I guess I am never leaving the country! **

I don’t if it’s possibe in your case, but your parents can apply for a new certificate. Do they know any of those professional types?

[Northern_Piper]

*Originally posted by JohnGalt *
**No, you don’t need a passport OR a birth certificate for proof of citizenship. A voter’s registration card (properly issued/stamped etc.) suffices. This may be easier for you to obtain on short notice. **

That assumes we have such things in Canada. We don’t, certainly not at the federal level. I’ve never heard of a province issuing one, but I’m open to correction.

[Horrifying_Howler_Monkey]

That’s an idea, thanks again Tapioca Dextrin, I will give them a shout tomorrow. Also my dad has an engineering degree, but he isn’t an engineer by profession (if that makes any sense), so I wonder if that would be acceptable to them. Who knew this would be so complicated, I’ve got to get more organized and start keeping track of things like this. Fortunetly I found someone who does have a b/c who can make the trip to Ohio for me, so the situation is no longer urgent.

Thanks again!