Can my 16 and 17 yrs olds drive to and from Canada without passports?

Question: Can my 16 and 17 yrs olds drive to and from Canada without passports if accompanied by parent and sister with passports. They each have birth certificates and valid drivers licenses?

Answer: According to the entry and exit requirements for Canada listed by the U.S. Department of State, all American citizens who travel to and from Canada are required to present a valid U.S. passport or other WHTI-compliant document.

The only exception are minors under age 16 who are only required to present a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate.

Since your children are 16 and 17, they both require valid passports to travel to Canada.

Note, it is also recommended that a parent traveling with minor children take a notarized consent to travel form from the non-traveling parent.

Also, that a passport card is acceptable for land travel to Canada.

For complete instructions on how to get a passport for your children, click the link below.

How to Apply for a New Passport

Comments for
Can my 16 and 17 yrs olds drive to and from Canada without passports?

Click here to add your own comments

16 yr old need updated passport for Canada?
by: Anonymous

Question: My daughter obtained a passport 2 years ago at age 14, but never used it. Now there is a family emergency and our entire family wants to drive to Canada next weekend. Will she have a problem using her old passport?

Answer: Your daughter should have no problem using her passport. Passports issued to minors are valid for 5 years.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Passport for Travel to Canada

Latest Passport & Travel Updates

Passport Requirements
List and description of documents required for citizens of the United States to obtain passports.

Passport Book vs. Passport Card
Learn the similarities and differences between the traditional passport book and the newer passport card.

Rush Passport Expediting
Requirements, fees and processing times for getting rush passport expediting.

Multiple Entry Visa Information
What is a multiple entry visa and how do you apply for one. Get the general requirements for obtainings visas with multiple entries.

A Day in the Life of a Tourist in San Juan
You wake up at your resort and look at the stunning view of Condado Beach. Even though it's early, children are already playing in the sand. The waves ...

Playa del Carmen, Mexico - The Perfect Tropical Paradise for Your Vacation
Discover why Playa del Carmen is such a popular vacation spot for any season of the year. Find out what to do and see as well as where to stay in this lush tropical paradise of Mexico´s Mayan Riviera.

Ein Bokek at the Dead Sea Israel
Ein Bokek - A fabulous oasis in the desert and a magnet for health seekers and tourists alike. Ein Bokek is located on the southwestern shore of the ...