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Can I drive into Canada with just my ID?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.



No, you cannot drive into Canada using just a standard state-issued ID or a regular driver's license. To cross the border by land, U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport, a U.S. Passport Card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). It is a common misconception that a "REAL ID" is sufficient for international travel; while a REAL ID allows you to board domestic flights, it is not an international travel document. Only five states (New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and Washington) currently issue the Enhanced Driver's License, which specifically denotes both identity and citizenship. If you do not have one of these documents, you will also need a NEXUS card if you are a member of that trusted traveler program. Children under the age of 16 are generally allowed to present just a birth certificate when traveling by land, but all adults must have one of the aforementioned WHTI-compliant documents to satisfy both Canadian entry requirements and U.S. re-entry laws upon your return.

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U.S. citizens may present a valid U.S. passport; Passport Card; enhanced driver's license; Trusted Traveler Program card (SENTRI or Global Entry); U.S. military identification card when traveling on official orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or Form I- ...

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U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents may use their I-551 (Green Card) -- instead of a passport -- for travel between Canada and the United States, by air, land, or sea. The I-551 is accepted for entry to Canada, from the U.S.; a U.S. permanent resident does not require a visa to visit Canada, regardless of citizenship.

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U.S. citizens must present a valid U.S. passport book or card, in addition to an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM) issued by Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM). Travelers should be sure to enter Mexico with valid proof of automobile registration, even if remaining in the border zone.

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Generally, it is necessary to have a valid passport if you want to travel abroad. Depending on the country and your citizenship, you may also need to show proof of a valid eVisa, online visa, or visa.

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Canada requires proof of citizenship or resident status to enter the country under §§14(3) and 14(4) of the Passport and Travel Documents section of the Immigration Regulations of Canada (enclosed). A birth certificate is one form of proof.

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