Crossing into the USA

[Sharon]

Can you still cross over with a birth certificate? My husband can't find his passport.

[trimmer21]

AFAIK,everyone needs a passport. That's what the USBP officer told us the last time we went to my BIL's in NY. I sure hope hubby finds his. The gov't will crap if he can't. Lost and stolenCanadian passports are a very hot commodity with the terrorist networks.

[Sharon]

Thanks. I may have to go without him.

[yellow dog]

I forgot my passport last year crossing the Bluewater Bridge going over to Port Huron. They were not very concerned and asked for my birth certificate. I also offered my PAL which they accepted and swiped it and waited a few minutes and said I was good to go. On the way back into Canada they did the same thing (PAL)without any issues.

[Mdiddi]

I believe there is an enhanced drivers licence but it's only for driving over if I remember correctly. This is something I believe that is not standard and you have to apply for.

I don't think it's gonna help you as he would know if he had one.

[rick_iles]

It just depends on the guy at the booth !

[Sharon]

Many years ago we planned on going to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit. We took a 16 year old foster child. He looked WORN as he had been living on the streets for 2 years. No problem until the Officer looked at the boy and said , "Do you have a criminal record?" That ended the trip. We were turned around and sent home. LOL

[yellow dog]

Once your in the system by means of swiping in a driver license ,PAL, birth certificate it shouldn't be an issue. I am sure it happens more often than we think. I would think a person with a PAL and all the RCMP paperwork and course needed to obtain one would be as good as a passport.

[JoePa]

You should be ok with a birth certificate and a drivers license with a picture on it - last year came back from Canada with my grandson - he couldn't find his passport - if they give you a hard time - just tell them your a good friend of JoePa - if you want to make sure before you hit the road - call US customs -

[Bushmoose]

On the way back into Canada they did the same thing (PAL)without any issues.

We don't need a passport to return to Canada. The clowns at the border might prefer to see it, since they assume you have one if you are returning from the U.S., but you don't have to show it to them and they have no right to demand to see it.