What identification do Canadian children need

[scrap_heaven]

What identification do I need for my 6 year old to fly within the the US?

We are Canadian and driving over the border into Canada

 

[keaster]

I believe for children that age all you really need is a certified copy of their birth certificate. But I would play it safe and get a passport, it really is the only universally accepted document that won't get any hassles.

We've had one for our DD since she was 5.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

What identification do I need for my 6 year old to fly within the the US?

We are Canadian and driving over the border into Canada

I second the advice given above - get a passport. The application process is simple & painless.

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[hockey mom]

You need a passport. I had to get a passport for my grandson.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

I'm curious as to what documentation you had the last time you crossed the border into the USA as passports have been required of all Canadians entering the USA since January 2007.

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[photofreak]

I'm curious as to what documentation you had the last time you crossed the border into the USA as passports have been required of all Canadians entering the USA since January 2007.

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Children under 16 only needed a birth certificate to cross border, but rumor has it this is changing soon if it hasn't already. Passport isn't needed to fly within the USA but it would save you loads of hassle if you got one. Kids passports are cheaper than adults and with the application and what you need to do all online, it's super easy.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

Children under 16 only needed a birth certificate to cross border, but rumor has it this is changing soon if it hasn't already. Passport isn't needed to fly within the USA but it would save you loads of hassle if you got one. Kids passports are cheaper than adults and with the application and what you need to do all online, it's super easy.

I have read the birth certificate requirement (certified birth certificate) in many non-government travel websites, but not on a US embassy, border protection, or immigration website. I don't find any value in trying to argue with US Border Protection folks that "I read on TripAdvisor that my kid could cross the border with her birth certificate" when all the US government websites I've found indicate Canadians require a passport or NEXUS card to enter the USA.

Our 13 year old daughter has had a passport since she was 4 years old. It gets her across the border into the USA, gets her checked in at the airport, gets her through TSA check points & gets her boarded on the plane. It's an invaluable document.

Neil

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[RoyalCanadian]

Just found the information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative website - http://getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html - still interesting this information is contradicted on other US governmental websites.

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[photofreak]

I have read the birth certificate requirement (certified birth certificate) in many non-government travel websites, but not on a US embassy, border protection, or immigration website. I don't find any value in trying to argue with US Border Protection folks that "I read on TripAdvisor that my kid could cross the border with her birth certificate" when all the US government websites I've found indicate Canadians require a passport or NEXUS card to enter the USA.

I spoke from experience crossing into the USA multiple times with children under 16 who are not my own, no passport.. Not just from "reading on Trip Advisor"
That being said, I find it easier with a passport, hence why I suggested to OP.

Here's a website for further info:
http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/travelling-with-children/

 

[RoyalCanadian]

I spoke from experience crossing into the USA multiple times with children under 16 who are not my own, no passport.. Not just from "reading on Trip Advisor"
That being said, I find it easier with a passport, hence why I suggested to OP.

Here's a website for further info:
http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/travelling-with-children/

As I pointed out in my subsequent posting, I was able to find similar information to your own experience at http://getyouhome.gov/html/lang_eng/eng_sa.html, however that information is contradicted on other US government websites, including some put up by the same agency.

My wife & I read through the requirements listed for groups of children crossing into the USA as our daughter may take part in a trip with her Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadron and the squadron CO suggested this as an alternative to getting passports for everyone. Having travelled with large groups of minors in the past, I think it's much simpler to just make sure everyone has a passport.

I agree, the passport is the simplest document.

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[KateDrake]

We're US citizens, so it may be different for Canadians, but we have never been asked for ID for our daughter when flying within the US. Adults have to present ID to get on the plane, but we've never needed anything for our daughter (though we always carry her passport, just to be safe.)

Where you are going to run into issues is at the border (it sounds like you are driving down to the States and then flying, correct?). I would FOR SURE get a passport in that case, because it is just not worth getting turned away. US citizens can't cross the border without one, and while it may be different for Canadians, I think it would save you a lot of time and hassle.

This is a big enough issue that we have a baby due on Oct. 4, and we are going to have to send away for her passport pretty much the day she is born and expedite it so that we can take her to the States for Christmas. Our aunt got passport cards, instead of the full-blown passport, for her kids, and they are basically useless. She was able to use them when we went on a Mexican cruise that departed from California, but if she wants to come visit us up here, she has to get them actual passports.

It sounds like from what some others have said it isn't as strict if you are a Canadian citizen, but I'd still play it safe and go with the passport! Just so much easier!

 

[abdmom]

Children under 16 require only a birth certificate to cross the US/Canadian border.http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/ls-tm-eng.html No ID is required for flights within the US for under 18's. http://www.tsa.gov/contact-us

 

[MedicGoofy]

Children under 16 require only a birth certificate to cross the US/Canadian border.http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/ls-tm-eng.html No ID is required for flights within the US for under 18's. http://www.tsa.gov/contact-us

THANK YOU!!!! someone who has finally posted the correct links to get the ONLY accurate information.

for those that think that the US site is giving 'contrdicted' information. It is not. It is giving information for US citizens. Which, if you are Canadian, will not apply to you. If you are a Canadian Citizen, then you follow the Canadian rules on crossing. For land and sea, that would be, anyone under the age of 16, can utilize a birth certificate (ORIGINAL ONLY!!!).

as well, as an AMERICAN, children under the age of 16 can utilize a birth certificate (as well as 3 other forms of ID). They are not required to use a passport.

This, and the Canadian rules, fall under the WHTI....Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. While I can't post the links properly...just look it up. It's not hard information to find.

I have crossed several times with a child from newborn to 2 years. We have travelled with her. We have NEVER been asked for a passport, nor have we had an issue.

As well, any 'child', under the age of 19, travelling with a 'group', do not require a passport. Birth certificate is good as well. Read the rules.

This is not difficult.

 

[badiggio]

You don't need a passport to fly within the U.S. but you do need one to get into the States.You're going to need one,one way or another.

 

[scrap_heaven]

Thank you everyone for your help in this matter.

We know we absolutely DO NOT need a passport to DRIVE over the Canadian US border for our children. It was flying within the US I was unsure of.

Children under the age of 3 in Canada their passports are only good for 3 years, which I FORGOT until I went to look out our passports this weekend and realized that Myself, My husband, our son's passports are all still valid my daughter's has expired.

To guarantee to get her passport before we fly out I would have to pay a $110 service fee. I will pay it if she needed the passport but if I don't need it, which it appears clear we don't I don't want t pay a $110 fee.

Children under the age of 15 years do not need a passport to go my land or sea into the US, but they do need it to FLY into the US.

 

[scrap_heaven]

Children under 16 require only a birth certificate to cross the US/Canadian border.http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/ls-tm-eng.html No ID is required for flights within the US for under 18's. http://www.tsa.gov/contact-us

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I couldn't find it on a US website and I was feeling very worried about it

 

[abdmom]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I couldn't find it on a US website and I was feeling very worried about it

You're very welcome. Glad to help.

 

[KNovacovschi]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I couldn't find it on a US website and I was feeling very worried about it

Did this just a couple of months ago. My DD brought her 15 year old friend with us for a day of shopping in Buffalo and all they asked for was her birth Certificate, they even accepted a photocopy of it.

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[CKCruising]

Thank you everyone for your help in this matter.

We know we absolutely DO NOT need a passport to DRIVE over the Canadian US border for our children. It was flying within the US I was unsure of.

Children under the age of 3 in Canada their passports are only good for 3 years, which I FORGOT until I went to look out our passports this weekend and realized that Myself, My husband, our son's passports are all still valid my daughter's has expired.

To guarantee to get her passport before we fly out I would have to pay a $110 service fee. I will pay it if she needed the passport but if I don't need it, which it appears clear we don't I don't want t pay a $110 fee.

Children under the age of 15 years do not need a passport to go my land or sea into the US, but they do need it to FLY into the US.

I realize you don't need it, but I just did my sons last week (a renewal of a non-expired, but I don't think it matters as there isn't a short form for the kids). I dropped the form off, at a passport office, on Monday. I had the passport on Friday.

 

[djamesdisney1st]

Children under 16 require only a birth certificate to cross the US/Canadian border.http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/whti-ivho/ls-tm-eng.html No ID is required for flights within the US for under 18's. http://www.tsa.gov/contact-us

You have just eased my stomach. I was told this repeatedly even by Air Tran and Southwest as well as the fact we send the kids I work with all the time without passports but for some reason (maybe its my pending flight on Fri at 8am) that I made the wrong decision to not get passports.

I drive over to shop and have fun ALL the time with our kids with just birth certificates however I was worried about once IN the airport. Now you have just relaxed me THANK YOU