I know this has probably been covered before but I couldn't find it using the search feature. We have gotten conflicting information about this from different sources. We plan on traveling from Missouri up thru Michigan, across Canada, then back into the US by Niagara Falls. I have a passport but my gf doesn't. Can she use her drivers license and an original birth certificate?

Short answer, no.https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g153339-s602/Canada:Crossing.The.Border.html

According to the Canada Border Services Agency, a birth certificate and photo ID is enough to enter Canada, but be aware you both will need a passport, passport card, or enhanced drivers license, to re-enter the US. Anyone with a criminal record (including misdemeanors or alcohol-related driving offenses) may not be able to enter Canada without first obtaining an approval for rehabilitation.

Here are the new laws. She can get into Canada, but she probably won’t be able to come home

Never travel internationally without a passport...

Dutch_12078 wrote:According to the Canada Border Services Agency, a birth certificate and photo ID is enough to enter Canada, but be aware you both will need a passport, passport card, or enhanced drivers license, to re-enter the US. Anyone with a criminal record (including misdemeanors or alcohol-related driving offenses) may not be able to enter Canada without first obtaining an approval for rehabilitation.Dutch has it in one!The problem is southbound, NOT northbound.

Do I need a passport to drive into Canada? | Good Sam Community

Optimistic_Para
Explorer
Jul 01, 2018
Acdii wrote:
What about the kids? If I take the family to Canukland and the wife and I have passports, do the kids need them too?

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/requirements-minors-crossing-canadian-border-61519.html
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Jul 01, 2018
You can enter Canada and Mexico while driving and return to the USA while driving with an enhanced DL.I do not know which states issue them . Mine in a Michigan enhanced DL. you cannot fly and use an enhanced DL. to re enter the USA.
Acdii
Explorer
Jul 01, 2018
What about the kids? If I take the family to Canukland and the wife and I have passports, do the kids need them too?
myredracer
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2018
never mind...
down_home
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2018
Huuum! She should have said she was an Illegal from Mexico seeking asylum.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Jun 26, 2018
I read a article recently about a woman that accidentally crossed over the boarder from Canada into the US while she was on a hike.

She spent 2 weeks detained before the let her out.

It makes me scared to leave the house.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/23/jogger-held-us-authorities-accidentally-crossing-border-mexico/
JaxDad
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2018
Grit dog wrote:
Typical rvnet thread......yes you need a passport or an Enhanced drivers license.
Can close the thread now.......

Typical indeed, armchair experts make definitive statements without basis in fact.

https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/canada-travel-requirements.html

“Canadian law allows all American citizens entering Canada to show government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver's License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport to enter”
Grit_dog
Navigator
Jun 25, 2018
Typical rvnet thread......yes you need a passport or an Enhanced drivers license.
Can close the thread now.......
JaxDad
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2018
SoundGuy wrote:
Mmwtdh wrote:
Last month I accidentally went into Canada with an expired passport (2 weeks) which is perfectly legal.

SoundGuy wrote:
Don't know where you got the idea this is "perfectly legal" - in fact CBS has every right to refuse you entry into Canada if your passport is within 3 months of expiry.

JaxDad wrote:
Not true. Canadian law requires proof of US citizenship, you can enter Canada with a US birth certificate, the problem as stated is getting back into the US.

The OP said he entered Canada with an expired passport so yes, CBS had every right to refuse him entry and no, this entry was not "perfectly legal" as he claimed. An expired passport is invalid, period. :R

As far as the passport expiry date is concerned many countries apply the 6 Month Validity Passport Rule ... it's nothing but stupid to attempt to travel internationally with a passport that is due to expire within this time period. :S

I think in your rush to reply you missed my point. “Canadian law requires proof of US citizenship, you can enter Canada with a US birth certificate...”

An expired US passport IS proof of CITIZENSHIP, it’s just not a valid passport.

The same is true in Canada, you need all sorts of documents to prove you’re Canadian when applying for a passport, OR, just an expired passport and a signed form.

While it’s not necessarily the best course of action, it’s certainly legit and doable.
Bobbo
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2018
Dutch_12078 wrote:
ljr wrote:

I’m just quoting what a bunch of highly paid suits told a room full of charter pilots 30+ years ago. If you think it’s silly that’s your business. I took their word for it.

A lot has changed in the past 30 years or so. Especially since September 11, 2001 when it comes to border crossings.

Yes, but as a rule, things got harder, not easier.