Passport

[chillincarp870]

Do I need a passport this year to drive into canada? And to get home? Or will a birth cirtificate do?

[delcecchi]

From travel.state.gov

ALL PERSONS traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND AND SEA TRAVEL

The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s HSOforum.

* CURRENTLY:

U.S. citizens need to present either (a) a passport, passport card (scheduled to be in full production beginning in July 2008), or WHTI-compliant document; or ( a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

* LATER:

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or WHTI-compliant document.

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so it looks like you are ok until june1. Apply now and avoid the rush.

[KTapper]

Yeah I would just get one. Its always a nice thing to have.

[welfedted]

what about minors?

[welfedted]

anybody there?

[Wild Thing]

Minors MUST have a birth certificate, and that will NOT change next June. No passport requirement for age 17 and under.

If they do not belong to you, or you are traveling without your wife, bring a signed letter form the other parent or the parents that state the child is authorized to travel with you.

It's a good idea to know where those parents will be and a phone number in case they (customs) decide to check it out.

Usualy not an issue, but you never know.

FYI

[welfedted]

thanks wt.

[Royal Dutchman]

I'm not giving up yet. They've moved it forward several times already & what with the new administration and all...?

In the past, the deadline changes came shortly after Jan.1,so we may hear something then.

[Ed Carlson]

On minors, be sure you have complete documentation. And if it is a joint custody deal, be darn sure you have a release signed and notarized by the custodial parent with a witness saying it is OK for you to travel with the minor child.

This can be a real mess in separations or divorces, so dot the eye's and cross the T's on that issue.