I am taking my 7 year old son into Quetico this summer. When we return to Ely, I know I need to present a passport at Customs, but do I need a passport for my son or will a birth certificate work instead?

If a birth certificate will work, can it be a copy, or does it have to be an original?

US Customs & Border Patrol

Give them a call and report your findings here for others who may have the same question.

You will need a certified copy of the birth certificate. You should also have a written letter from their mom stating she agrees to the trip. Depending on the age the custom agents will talk to the children to make sure everything is o.k.

quote Jackfish: "US Customs & Border Patrol

Give them a call and report your findings here for others who may have the same question."

Called today all original birth certificate is needed no passport for a child.

took my under aged son in 2 years ago and all I needed was a certified copy of his birth certificate. The letter from his mother is a good idea. I am divorced and i brought a letter even though they didn't know i was divorced. I didn't want to take any chances.

I assume he will be on your RABC? I think crossing into Canada - like at IF or Pigeon River - they may be a little more particular about the parental permission thing, but more lax about age oddly.

A passport card or passport is recommended, but not required. All that is legally required is an official state birth certificate. Either with or without a passport, a notarized letter with the travel dates and destinations, from his mother stating permission is highly recommended since Canada officials sometimes tend to be suspicious of single parents crossing with their youth (think custody child grab). Most banks will notarize for free if you are a customer. Hope it's a great trip!

If you asked for advice I would suggest just getting passports for all your kids as early as possible and keeping them up to date. Much easier to renew than get new and easier with no time pressure. Around $60 at the post office and it's done. It's never easy later when in high schol or college and an opportunity arises.

quote BillConner01: "If you asked for advice I would suggest just getting passports for all your kids as early as possible and keeping them up to date. Much easier to renew than get new and easier with no time pressure. Around $60 at the post office and it's done. It's never easy later when in high schol or college and an opportunity arises."

I tend to agree with "BillConner01" on this subject. It's probably best to just get it done, and then renew as needed.

Passport Application Info

Hey Snowy Owl, where are you planning on going? We are going into Q also....Belching Beaver

quote fishscales: "Hey Snowy Owl, where are you planning on going? We are going into Q also....Belching Beaver"

Winged Mammal,

Heading to Man Chain July 11th with pops and son

Heading to Lake One area August 7th wife, two kids.

Sincerely Crouching Perch

Crouching Perch,

We're going up to McIntyre area on May 29th. Call me when you can.

Winged Mammal

The NOTORIZED letter is a must as I understand it, I had a friend who just took a note or letter from his wife and they let him in because his father in law was with him and his sons, but not the norm.
He said they wanted a NOTORIZED letter from his wife.
SunCatcher

Sooooo much easier to go the the post office (With your wife. Its required) at your convenience get a passport card for any minor and your golden. One less thing to worry about and go wrong.

I have crossed into Canada with certified birth certificates in the past few years and most recently last summer with passports for all 3 kids. Both worked equally well. I am sure the passport cards would be smooth sailing as well.

However, the one thing I have ALWAYS had with me for any border crossing (Canada/Mexico) is a notarized letter signed by my husband saying he authorizes my international travel with the boys. We have never had an issue with that letter in hand and it was so easy to get notarized for free at the bank. I used a format that I found on the internet as my template.

From the Canadian Government website...

If a minor child is travelling with one parent only:
The child should have a copy of his/her birth certificate as well as a letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, signed by the parent who is not travelling with him. The letter of authorization should give the address and telephone number of the non-accompanying parent. A photocopy of the passport or national identity card of the non-accompanying parent, with the bearer’s signature, should be attached.

In addition:

•If the parents are separated or divorced, and they share custody of the child, the parent travelling with the child should carry copies of the legal custody documents. It is also recommended that they have a letter of authorization from the other custodial parent to take the child on a trip out of the country.
•If the parents are separated or divorced and one of them has sole custody of the child, the letter of authorization may be signed by that parent only and a copy of the custody decree presented.
•If one of the child’s parents is deceased, a copy of the death certificate should be presented.
If a minor child is travelling with a legal guardian or adoptive parents:
If the child is under guardianship, a copy of the guardianship papers should be presented.
If the child has been adopted, a copy of the adoption papers should be presented.

If a minor child is travelling with a person other than his/her parents or legal guardian:
If the child is travelling with an adult who is not his/her parent or legal guardian, the adult should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the child. The permission letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or legal guardian can be reached.

Note: These documents are not always requested upon entry to Canada, but they may be. We therefore strongly recommend bringing them in case they are required by the immigration officer at the point of entry (airport or border crossing). A minor child will not be admitted to Canada if the officer is not satisfied that his parents or legal guardian have authorized his stay.

It is not necessary for the letter from the parent(s) described above to be certified, but a certified letter is acceptable. A photocopy of the parents’ or legal guardian’s passports or national identity cards bearing their signatures should be attached to the letter.