# Passport has expired. Can I use a birth certificate to get into Canada? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 30, 2005, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918 "2005-07-30T18:50:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/1 "2005-07-30T18:50:52Z")
I’m going to Montreal in eight days, and I was told by a coworker that I could use a birth certificate in lieu of a passport. Does anyone know if he’s correct? I’m scared that I’ll be turned away at the gate. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/2 "2005-07-30T18:57:21Z")
Driving or flying? It makes a difference. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/3 "2005-07-30T20:04:08Z")
If you’re an American citizen you don’t need a passport to get into Canada. Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identity (current driver’s license, military ID, etc.) will suffice. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/4 "2005-07-30T20:19:48Z")
I hate to say this but appearance counts a lot in this instance. Make an effort to have the appearance of a fine upstanding young american, answer any questions directly and politely and it should be okay. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/5 "2005-07-30T20:23:00Z")
Are the rules different for day-trips? Because I’ve never had to show more than my driver’s license to go in and out of Canada. Even the week after 9/11. ---
**Author:** ![Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Tapioca\_Dextrin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tapioca_Dextrin)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/6 "2005-07-30T20:37:24Z")
This information is good at them moment, but things are [changing](http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html). > [@](#): > > **What is the new travel document requirement?** > > All travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Canada or Mexico will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. This is a change from prior travel requirements. The goal is to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors. This new requirement will be known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. > > **Who does this requirement affect?** > > All United States citizens traveling within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports will be affected. > > Certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States, namely most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and Mexican citizens will also be affected. > > **When will the new travel initiative requirement be implemented?** > > The travel initiative requirements will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline is as follows: > > ``` > * December 31, 2005 – Passport or other accepted document required for all travel (air/sea) to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central and South America. > * December 31, 2006 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air and sea travel to or from Mexico and Canada. > * December 31, 2007 – Passport or other accepted document required for all air, sea and land border crossings. > > ``` > > **Other than a passport, what types of documents will be acceptable under this initiative?** > > The passport is the document of choice because of the incorporated advanced security features. Individuals traveling to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico or Canada are encouraged to obtain a passport. > > For land border crossings, other documents that we anticipate will be acceptable under this Initiative are SENTRI, NEXUS and FAST program cards. These are current international frequent traveler programs. > > We anticipate that the Border Crossing Card (BCC – also known as “laser visa”) will also be acceptable as a substitute for a passport and a visa for citizens of Mexico traveling to the United States from contiguous territory. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/7 "2005-07-30T20:59:12Z")
As mentioned in other threads, it’s not getting _into_ Canada that’s the problem, it’s getting back into the US that can be a hassle. A birth cert is fine for now, but get your passport renewed. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/8 "2005-07-30T22:26:17Z")
While Customs officials on both sides must currently accept birth certificate + photo id as proof of citizenship, I do believe that most airlines flying between US and Canada won’t let you on without a passport. If you’re flying, contact the airline and ask. ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/9 "2005-07-30T22:57:41Z")
My husband and I just came back from Montreal earlier this week. We had NO problems whatsoever with our state-issued IDs and birth certificates. None. Zero. Zilch. We flew US Airways, by the way. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2005, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/10 "2005-07-30T23:59:51Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > Are the rules different for day-trips? Because I’ve never had to show more than my driver’s license to go in and out of Canada. Even the week after 9/11. Some border guards are okay with a driver’s license, but technically you must carry proof of citizenship, and sooner or later you’ll probably be asked for it. As we always say in this thread; Technically you need a birth certificate and photo ID. But, a passport makes it a lot easier. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/11 "2005-07-31T00:05:17Z")
> [@friedo](#): > > If you’re an American citizen you don’t need a passport to get into Canada. Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) and proof of identity (current driver’s license, military ID, etc.) will suffice. This information has changed. See post #6 above. \*\*Tapioca Dextrin’s \*\* information is correct. You _may_ be required to present a valid U. S. passport at the border for re-entry to the U.S. I have a Brazilian friend who was here in the U.S. legally as a resident alien. He went to Canada in May and didn’t take anything but his Illinois driver’s liscense with him. He is still there. How harsh they would be with a U.S. citizen I don’t know, but I doubt if you want to try it out. If you are flying it probably would be easier than driving over the border. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/12 "2005-07-31T00:42:29Z")
I drove to Montreal last summer. The lady at Customs asked me a few questions, then motioned me through. She didn’t ask to see any i.d. whatsoever. Nothing. ---
**Author:** ![flodnak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/838e76/32.png) [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/13 "2005-07-31T06:54:28Z")
The law states that US citizens need both proof of citizenship and proof of identity to enter Canada and return to the US. This isn’t a new thing, it’s been the case for decades. The fact that sometimes you’re waved through without having to show ID at all, or only asked for proof of identity, doesn’t change the law. You’re taking a risk by not having documents to meet both requirements (and a passport neatly fulfills both functions). The “new thing” is what **Tapioca Dextrin** described - soon you will need a passport, period, and other documents won’t help you. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/14 "2005-07-31T09:06:17Z")
I second what **flodnak** said. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/15 "2005-07-31T12:35:40Z")
We discussed this [less than two weeks ago](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=326108&highlight=passport). Methinks it’s time for a sticky. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/16 "2005-07-31T14:55:51Z")
> [@Kolak of Twilo](#): > > I have a Brazilian friend who was here in the U.S. legally as a resident alien. He went to Canada in May and didn’t take anything but his Illinois driver’s liscense with him. He is still there. How harsh they would be with a U.S. citizen I don’t know, but I doubt if you want to try it out. Of course - a driver’s license isn’t proof of anything but identity and authorization to drive, and it’s certainly not proof of eligibility to enter the U.S., much less remain here permanently. The part that doesn’t make sense, though - why is it taking him so long to document his permanent resident status? Doesn’t he have something that someone could mail to him in Canada, so he can come home? Like his green card and/or passport, for example? ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2005, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-has-expired-can-i-use-a-birth-certificate-to-get-into-canada/314918/17 "2005-07-31T21:37:01Z")
In response to **Eva Luna’s** very good question, what I have been told is that he did have a friend bring his passport to him and then the border people started hassling him about that. Apparently along the lines of, “Well how is it you have this now but you didn’t have it before?” type questions. Yeah I realize the explanation is simple and obvious. I’ve gotten the impression that at this point he wants to try to stay in Canada for now.