Anyone who is entering Canada must have proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid passport or passport card will be adequate for a U.S. citizen who is crossing the border. If a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada does not have a passport or passport card, she must show government-issued photo identification, like a driver's license, as well as proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Children under 16 years of age who wish to cross the border need only show proof of U.S. citizenship.
When crossing the border from Canada to the United States, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid passport in order to enter the country on an airplane. To enter the United States by car or boat, U.S. citizens must present either a passport or passport card. The exception to this rule is for U.S. citizens who are under 16. These travelers only need a birth certificate.
If you are traveling with a minor who is not your child or who you do not have custody over, the Canadian Border Service Agency may ask you for proof that the child is allowed to be traveling with you. This proof may consist of a notarized consent form from the child's parents that states the dates of travel, parents' names and copies of their identification cards.
