I found an article saying that as of June 2009, you need a passport or a drivers license plus to cross the border. This same article listed canadian provinces crossing into a bunch of states naming most of then aside from Vermont. Now my question is, do any of you know if I can still cross to VT with only a normal driver's license and a birth certificate? thanks for any help
I doubt it. I am almost positive that it is a national law that requires any non-resident entering the US to have a passport.
Yeah that's what i'm thinking. I guess i'll call tomorrow to be sure but I wanted to see if people here knew anything about this.
Passport or enhanced DL. Enhanced DL is cheaper (~$40 vs. ~$100+ for passport) and you get a temp certificate you can use the same day, the real deal in the mail in 2 weeks vs. 6-8 weeks for the passport and no temp.
Called the customs today. Their answer was, The U.S now has a law that only accepts passports, enhanced drivers license. She also told me that this was at the discretion of the border patrol and that he will choose whether you pass or you turn back. Like when you get arrested for going too fast. You might get the ticket or a simple warning.
I think what she meant about discretion was that even if you have a valid passport, they can turn you away at their discretion.
Just FYI, I got lucky once when I had two kids in my vehicle when we were doing a day trip to help their economy... I had an enhanced ID but it had been expired for over a year. They let me through with a valid driver's license. Unlikely to get you through, but they do have discretion if you play stupid
Get a passport. And cross at a minor border post, like Rousse's Point. The lineup is smaller and the agents have more tolerance. But don't abuse the system or they will come down hard on you.
