Entering Canada/Mexico with state ID rather than passport?

SnakeOilWilly

SnakeOilWilly

New member
I was wondering if it's at all possible to enter either Canada or Mexico with just a state ID as opposed to a passport. And if so would the US let me back in? I'm from California if that matters.
 
According to this site, you need a "passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an Enhanced Driver’s License." California doesn't offer enhanced IDs (pretty much an ID with extra security features including an electronic chip) so you would need to get a passport or passport card. A passport card is going to be cheaper but it only works if you're traveling by land (you can't fly with it).

That's just from doing a little bit of research so there might be another way but it seems like you're going to need at least a passport card.
 
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MolotovMocktail said:
According to this site, you need a "passport, U.S. passport card, Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or FAST), or an Enhanced Driver’s License." California doesn't offer enhanced IDs (pretty much an ID with extra security features including an electronic chip) so you would need to get a passport or passport card. A passport card is going to be cheaper but it only works if you're traveling by land (you can't fly with it).

That's just from doing a little bit of research so there might be another way but it seems like you're going to need at least a passport card.
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Thanks. I'm not planning on flying to Mexico so passport card it is (also fits in my wallet).

I've heard horror stories about getting deported from Canada (but also some strangely pleasant ones) so I don't want to be there illegally.

Thanks again.:D
 
I'm actually planning on getting my actual passport, so that I can hit up Canada, Mexico, Australia or Europe and not have to worry about ID issues.

In my opinion, it's worth the cost to get it.
 
just get an actual passport it makes things go much more smoothly. I know that you cant take a greyhound to mexico or canada with just a pasport card but I dont know how different it is for driving.
 
I have no record besides a jaywalking ticket...

If I can't do greyhound with a card then i'll get a real one. I'll have to look into that.
 
Canada's more slack than the US when it comes to cross border traffic when you have a record. You can get it permanently waived after a certain period of time passes, the US requires a special visa for every single trip, every time, forever, if you have a record.

EDIT: Depending on the crime of course.
 
skillpore said:
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Yeah well that guy had a criminal record... I've only got a jaywalking ticket charge.

However thanks for posting that video. I forgot how cool that series was. Aren't they doing another? What ever happened to that?
 
they supposedly shoot adrenaline then literally run across the US-Mexican border while getting chased by cops in the second one. if that's not jumping the shark I don't know what is.
 
Reviving a dead thread here but maybe someone will find it useful.

For canada you absolutley have to have your shit in order. Their generally cunts on the border. Theres a 0% chance of crossing legally without a passport.
If you have a passport, get ready for more bullshit. The border cops openly discriminate against us. I was stopped twice at crossing and held untill I could show them a bank statement with sufficient money to fund my stay. I had a valid 6 month visa from previous entries both times. I literally got a haircut, scored some yuppie looking cloths from a homeless shelter and put my pack in a suitcase to cross into VC one time. My friend got turned around at an airport once because they read through his entire fucking travel journal and found out he was poor as fuck. Seriously.
Experiences may very but yeah...

Mexico? Mexico dont give a fuck. You can walk across the northerm borders with nothing. There are military and police checkpoints throughout the country were they MAY ask to see your passport. Theres always the chance of a random stop too. But really, no one gives a fuck about some american hobo causing no problems. I’ve had my papers looked at 3 times in 7 months. And only once(a random check by mexican immigration while hitching in michoacan) did they actually seem to care. Most of that time I havent even had a valid visa.
 
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