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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wt-kids-land-border-birth-certificate

A US child under 16 crosses into Canada by car. Which document can they use?

A birth certificate works by land or sea for kids under 16.

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  1. An original or certified birth certificate ✔
  2. Only a US passport
  3. A Social Security card

Why: At a Canadian land border, a US citizen can prove identity and citizenship with documents such as a birth certificate. Air travel has stricter document rules.

Huh, didn't know that: A passport card is not valid for international air travel.

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Why did the car get a library card? It wanted to check out the open road.
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References

Answer: An original or certified birth certificate. At a Canadian land border, a US citizen can prove identity and citizenship with documents such as a birth certificate. Air travel has stricter document rules.

  1. Travel and identification documents for entering Canada (Canada Border Services Agency) www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/td-dv-eng.html
    Examples of valid documents These include, but are not limited to: birth certificate
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. Mexico Travel Advisory (US Department of State) travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html
    You need a passport book to fly to Mexico. You cannot use a U.S. passport card to board a plane.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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