Will my child need a passport for flight out of the US staying in the US?

[Applemomma]

I know my child won't need a passport yet to drive across the border (we did this in August; she's still under 15) but have the rules changed for air travel for flights that stay within the US? I'm thinking of a quick trip to see a friend in Tampa and the way airline prices out of Halifax are, it makes so much more financial sense to make a run for the border and fly out of Portland. I don't mind the drive...done it before. However, with the time line I'm toying with I don't think I could get a passport for her in time, though I'll apply anyway. She has a photo id, which the border guard when we drive across in August thought was a "neat idea" .

Any thoughts?

[jasmom]

They only wanted my husbands and my ID when we flew out of syracuse new york. You should be fine. We even had offered their passports and was told they only needed the adults id. Have a great trip

[lilmissie]

I thought everyone needed a passport to get into the US from Canada (even driving)? We went a few weeks ago with our three little ones (2, 2, 2) and they needed their passports.

[mlenz]

We drove in Jan and they asked for our kids (2,6) passports at the border we drove through the Vancouver/washington border.
I also thought everyone needed a passport to get into the states by I could be mistaken.

[crashbb]

Once you are in the US, neither of you will need to show a passport to fly and your daughter will not need ID of any sort.

[siobhan1997]

Children under 16 only need to present original b/c no passport required when crossing by land. When we crossed over in August we had our 2 grand children with us and only had their b/c no problems.

This is a quote from the US Customs and Border protection agency

Beginning June 1, 2009, ages 16 and older will be required to present documents from one of the options below when entering the United States at land or sea ports of entry. Children under may present an original or copy of his or her birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.

[tigger2on]

"Canadian citizens travelling by air to, through or from the United States must present one of the following valid documents:

* a passport; or
* a NEXUS card when used at a kiosk at designated Canadian airports and at all U.S. airports when returning to Canada.

This requirement applies to all travellers, regardless of age, including children.

U.S. entry requirements have not changed for Canadian citizens who are U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs). U.S. LPRs may continue to present their permanent resident card (Form I-551) or other valid evidence of permanent residence status in the United States.

Note: Under U.S. law, all travellers (including Canadians) departing the United States by air to any destination (including Canada) must present a valid passport (or a NEXUS card for return to Canada only). For example, if a Canadian citizen enters the United States by land by presenting acceptable documents other than a passport, and then plans to board a flight in the United States destined for Mexico (i.e. an international destination other than Canada), a valid passport is required for the air travel portion. Similarly, if a Canadian citizen drives to the United States and returns to Canada by air, a valid passport or a NEXUS card must be presented to board the plane. It is important to note that a passport is not mandatory for air travel within the United States.

Canadian citizens intending to fly to, through or from the United States should apply for a passport, keep it up to date and carry it with them when travelling. For more information about passports, please visit Passport Canada's Web site."

this was the website I got it from...
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/air-aerien-eng.html

[Eeyore's the Best]

No they do not, passports are not required for children to drive across the border, nor are they required for flights within the US. Flying from US to Canada, or Canada to the US, they are required. We decided to get them just in case...I can't think of a scenario where a flight might be re-routed to Canada ?!? but you never know. Passports are always the best form of identification.

[Applemomma]

Similarly, if a Canadian citizen drives to the United States and returns to Canada by air, a valid passport or a NEXUS card must be presented to board the plane. It is important to note that a passport is not mandatory for air travel within the United States.[/I]

this was the website I got it from...
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/air-aerien-eng.html

Perfect! There's my confirmation that things hadn't changed! Thanks!!

I thought everyone needed a passport to get into the US from Canada (even driving)? We went a few weeks ago with our three little ones (2, 2, 2) and they needed their passports.

We drove in Jan and they asked for our kids (2,6) passports at the border we drove through the Vancouver/washington border.
I also thought everyone needed a passport to get into the states by I could be mistaken.

We went in August and crossed in Southern Quebec. The border guard was surprised to see the kids provincial id's (same type as a drivers licence) and was just expecting to see birth certificates. Some guards may be in the habit now of just asking for passports but would except the kids other id's.

Thanks everyone for your responses!

[Alderbrook]

You don't need passports for your kids, but for peace of mind I have one for my son (3.5 years). It cost me $25 I think last year. It is recommended but not required yet. I always feel better with everyone having passports.