Children boarder crossing with no photo ID

[matsterrocks]

Anyone have troubles with boarder crossings with thier children that don't have Passports or photo ID?

TA says all we need is birth certificate for children as long as we are with them. My son has a school ID we can bring but our 2 year old dose not have any photo ID. I know they recomend Passports. We have our son's name in my wifes passport but not our daughters as they have stoped that now.

 

[talicskai]

No worries - children under the age of 16 only require proof of Canadian citizenship which is a birth certificate. Have a great trip!

 

[highland3]

We cross the border fairly often, using only birth certificates for the kids (4 & 8). Never had a problem.

 

[matsterrocks]

Thanks for the answers I'm supprized they don't require photo ID but I guess they train to know what questions to ask if they are suspisious.

 

[maryliz]

We actually got passports for all of us, and every time I went to show them (either at the border or the airports in Buffalo or Orlando) they specifically said they didn't want to see the kids. I think they should have just humoured me and looked at them anyway to make me feel good about the money I spent on them

You'll have no problems with just birth certificates.


Mary-Liz

 

[sandraB]

IF you are just crossing a border in a car there are no problems, but at christmas I was flying with my two sons, and had a very hard time at the NYC airport because I didnt' have passports. They claimed I needed them for boarding passes!

I had to really get upset , and then they wanted a letter of permission from their father (who would have been flying with us, but THEY messed up our flights, and he had to leave a day early!)

ANyway, it was a nightmare, and we had to run for our flight, after being security checked for the nth time!

FOr border crossings, you only need birth cert, but if you fly I would recommend passports!

 

[calena]

We go to the US about once or twice a year and have never had problems. We also have a funny nationality thing since I am a US Citizen and my hubby Canadian, so the kids are dual, but the only thing we take are their birth certificates.

 

[my3princesses]

We have never had problems with our kids and their b. cert. either - in Mexico or the US. However I did get them passports now as we are hoping to go to Europe someday soon and I hate carrying around b. cert for fear of loosing them (they are so small!). My expired passport had the kids listed in it so that was my backup, however they do not allow this anymore, so I have no backup.

I had a problem when I was in Texas last summer. My passport had just expired (a week) so I took it along anyway plus my birthcertifcate and I had my drivers license with picture. I was fine getting into the US however when I checked in at the airport to leave I had a very hard time. First convincing the agent that a birth cert was really all that I needed (he was convinced that I need a good passport) and that he should accept everything as I had 3 proofs of I.D. with me. After 10 minutes and several phone calls that he made he finally let me through!! (I was not impressed, but it also taught me to keep my passport up to date).

 

[anne]

I have heard if both parents are travelling with kids it's easier - it can be tougher if it is one parent with child...

 

[BLBCB]

Last time we flew to Orlando, they specifically asked to see the kid's passports. They even checked the picture. We were checked again boarding the plane. Made me glad I had our passports.

 

[totalia]

I've crossed into the states alot because my fiance is American. I've only ever needed my ID and birth certificate.

You need to have two forms of identification.

 

[matsterrocks]

No worries - children under the age of 16 only require proof of Canadian citizenship which is a birth certificate. Have a great trip!

Do you have a government web link that states this? Wouldn't mind printing it off and bringing it with me.

 

[talicskai]

CANADA – Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, and photo ID required. Minors (under 16) traveling alone or in someone else's custody must present written authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian. Visas are not required. Canadian immigration officials at ports of entry will issue persons planning to stay longer than 180 days a visitor's record. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must have a valid passport. For student or business travel, check with the Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001 (202/682-1740) or nearest Consulate General: CA (213/346-2701), MI (313/567-2085), NY (212/596-1700 or 716/858-9501), or WA (206/443-1375). Internet: www.canadianembassy.org

This is from the following link:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#c

Teresa

 

[momandseandodisney]

I have heard if both parents are travelling with kids it's easier - it can be tougher if it is one parent with child...

I do not have a father listed on my sons birth cert.

and I am in the process of getting both my son and myself a passport. I carry his birth cert. health card, and "long form" birht cert. with him.

We have been to the states 22 times in the past 3 years. NOT ONE PROBLEM