New and Improved Border FAQ's
DISCLAIMER: Although I believe this information was correct when I wrote it, and may still be correct when you cross the border, you have to watch out for what I call the "Red Clown Nose Contin...
Forum Discussion
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION
You will need to prove two things, who you are, and where your citizenship is.
To do this, one of the following documents should be presented to prove both identity and citizenship.
Acceptable Documents as of January 31, 2008
* Frequent Land Border Crossers- To expedite processing into the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends using one of the above asterisked documents.
The one exception is the States that have complied with the WHTI guidelines, the drivers license from these States is also a proof of citizenship. These licenses are called “REAL ID”. Currently the only states that I know of that issues WHTI compliant driver's license are Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington. Arizona signed the “REAL ID” Act of 2005 agreement in 2007 but I don’t believe they are issuing the REAL ID yet.
A forum member informs me that, in Washington state, you have to ask for the REAL ID, otherwise you just get the usual drivers license. It also costs more.
The way it's supposed to work, is you request the REAL ID, they process you, take whatever you are using for proof of citizenship, and issue you a temporary drivers license. The REAL ID is mailed to you in about 3 to 6 weeks. This also acts as a verification of your address.
NOTE; REAL ID is NOT valid for international air travel!
CHILDREN UNDER 18
Minors travelng with persons other than parents (like grandparents) need to have valid passports and letters from parents that are translated and notarized to Spanish by the Mexican Consulate.
This has to do with child abductions and child trafficing, it also applies to a child traveling with only one parent, the other parent needs to give permission and have the document translated and notarized!
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INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION
You will need to prove two things, who you are, and where your citizenship is.
To do this, one of the following documents should be presented to prove both identity and citizenship.
Acceptable Documents as of January 31, 2008
- • U.S. or Canadian Passport
• U.S. Passport Card (Available now)*
• Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)*
• State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available - this secure driver's license will denote identity and citizenship.)*
• Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)*
• U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Document
• Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
• Form I-872 American Indian Card
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Card
* Frequent Land Border Crossers- To expedite processing into the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends using one of the above asterisked documents.
The one exception is the States that have complied with the WHTI guidelines, the drivers license from these States is also a proof of citizenship. These licenses are called “REAL ID”. Currently the only states that I know of that issues WHTI compliant driver's license are Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington. Arizona signed the “REAL ID” Act of 2005 agreement in 2007 but I don’t believe they are issuing the REAL ID yet.
A forum member informs me that, in Washington state, you have to ask for the REAL ID, otherwise you just get the usual drivers license. It also costs more.
The way it's supposed to work, is you request the REAL ID, they process you, take whatever you are using for proof of citizenship, and issue you a temporary drivers license. The REAL ID is mailed to you in about 3 to 6 weeks. This also acts as a verification of your address.
NOTE; REAL ID is NOT valid for international air travel!
CHILDREN UNDER 18
REVISED REGULATION
Minors travelng with persons other than parents (like grandparents) need to have valid passports and letters from parents that are translated and notarized to Spanish by the Mexican Consulate.
This has to do with child abductions and child trafficing, it also applies to a child traveling with only one parent, the other parent needs to give permission and have the document translated and notarized!
Return to Index
