
Welcome to the Dis.
Birth Certificates are still okay. We always use our passports though because there's never any question.
Here is some info. on the new rules coming into effect.
Crossing the border
Q. I recently heard that I now need a passport to travel into the United States. Is this true?
A. Although you currently do not need a passport to cross the border, the recent announcement of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) by the United States government means that by the end of 2007, you will. Born of the 9/11 Intelligence Bill, the WHTI is designed to strengthen border security and expedite entry into the United States for legitimate foreign visitors. The WHTI will be implemented in three phases as follows:
December 31, 2005 - If you are travelling in the United States en route to or from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Central or South America you will need your passport.
December 31, 2006 - If you are travelling to, from or through the United States by air or sea you will need your passport.
December 31, 2007 - If you are travelling to, from or through the United States by air, sea, or land you will need your passport.
So get into the habit of grabbing your passport even for short hops across the border. WHTI aside, as the most widely accepted proof of Canadian citizenship, it is always a good idea to have it anytime you are outside of Canada. And unlike other forms of identification, a passport can be replaced if it is lost or stolen while abroad.