Passport or New Driver license?

[jgilliam1955]

To travel into Canada do we need a passport or will the new style driver's license work?

[GOB]

Pretty sure you will need a Passport. We did when we went to Alaska a few years back.

[FlyGuy]

Get a Passport. Too many benefits over even an "Enhanced" Drivers License (if those even still exist).

[Rory B.]

Either a traditional Passport or a US Passport card. With the passport Card you can go by land or sea to Canada but not by air.
Both take about the same time to get. Pass-Card is a bit cheaper and looks like a driver's license.
The new Real I.D won't work.

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by jgilliam1955

To travel into Canada do we need a passport or will the new style driver's license work?

You need a passport. The Border Patrol people like it when you have it ready for them. With all the fake stuff today they want a passport. It is also good to have it in case of future needs. If you were to lose your driver's license at least you would have some proper ID. We even carry our passports in the US when we travel just in case.

[Jim Bennett]

I travel around Canada daily without a passport, but always take one for entering the US. Once in I keep it hidden away.

[Glenn Baglo]

There are also counterfeit passports.

[Jim Bennett]

I have deleted a couple posts. Please stay on topic and keep anything political out of this.

[Darwin Maring]

Originally Posted by floyd

In Virgina you must prove you are a citizen to get that special Drivers License with the Star on it. Me, I used my Passport.

Note about US Passports: They contain a chip so any place that is capeable of reading that chip will know it is fake.

[Raz]

In Derby Line, Vermont the border runs through the town library. The fire trucks are across the border in Stanstead, Quebec and crews come from both sides. Nobody worried about passports. 9-11 made things very complicated.

When I wanted to travel to Canada I had three choices. An enhanced drivers license was available because Vermont was a border state. There also was a passport card, good for Canada, and Mexico, and a standard US passport. I went with the card as that was the cheapest. I have used it many times and never had a problem. My current drivers license required lots of documentation to get including proof of citizenship. I think it is required to get on a plane but I don't believe it will get me into Canada.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Raz

My current drivers license required lots of documentation to get including proof of citizenship. I think it is required to get on a plane but I don't believe it will get me into Canada.

That is the question here, and I'm hearing different answers. I did a quick Google search, and it looks like the Real ID enhanced driver's license is only accepted in place of a passport or passport card if it was issued by Washington, Michigan, New York, or Vermont. All others will need a passport or passport card. The latter is a lot cheaper, but it's only good for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean islands.

They have postponed the Real ID requirement for domestic flights several times due to the difficulty of getting the upgrade during the pandemic. It is currently scheduled to take effect on May 3, 2023. You already need a full passport for all international flights.

[AlanKilian]

Originally Posted by Slim

I would not accept a document that can be used by people who break the law.

Convicted felons can get a drivers license it's not really a problem with undocumented immigrants like you imply.

[Cynthia in Montana]

Husband just returned from November hunt in Saskatchewan. Not only did he need his Passport, he needed his Vac card to drive across northern border. Home to Montana only asked for Passport. He needed his Vac card to get into restaurants everywhere across Sask. He had to wear a mask until seated in the restaurant.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Cynthia in Montana

He needed his Vac card to get into restaurants everywhere across Sask. He had to wear a mask until seated in the restaurant.

Is this not a safety standard everywhere right now? I know it is in AB and BC and other Canadian provinces. Around the world some too.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Is this not a safety standard everywhere right now? I know it is in AB and BC and other Canadian provinces. Around the world some too.

For better or worse, no. Proof of vaccination requirements in the US vary widely by state and even city. Not trying to start a debate about the politics or science of the matter, just stating how it is. It's important information for anyone intending to travel.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

For better or worse, no. Proof of vaccination requirements in the US vary widely by state and even city. Not trying to start a debate about the politics or science of the matter, just stating how it is. It's important information for anyone intending to travel.

Thanks for the info, Jon. Up here it is mostly a provincial decision, with the federal government controlling border stuff.

[Paul O.]

I would definitely get the "real" thing - the passport. Why bother with those "in between" documents?

[Raz]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

I would definitely get the "real" thing - the passport. Why bother with those "in between" documents?

Because the only place I wanted go was Canada. Can't take the dog to Europe.

[oldwave]

We renewed our passports this year, it took a long time. The government is going to institute a new system next year that will make it an online process. Just be aware if you don’t have one and/or renewing build in a few months or more to get it.
I got both the conventional and card.

[Dave Fish]

My son goes into BC all the time (girl friend is up there) with his Washington Enhanced ID issued by the DOL. No passport is required if traveling by vehicle, bus, train, or pedestrian. I think it may be required for flying.

The hardest part right now is getting the COVID test within 72 hours and getting the test results back before he reaches the border.