Two Official IDs Required For Drivers Entering Canada

Oct 26, 2001 12:00 PM

The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency has asked that both United States and Canadian truck drivers carry two forms of identification - a CDL and another official, government-issued document that shows citizenship, according to information from the American Trucking Associations.

While US Immigration and Naturalization Service laws do not require either US or Canadian citizens to carry passports or visas, an INS official said bringing along either a passport or a birth certificate when crossing the border would be wise to avoid possible delays.

Under the continuing Level 1 Alert at the border, INS officials are interviewing everyone entering the United States at the northern crossings.

If a commercial truck driver is asked by US border officials to provide additional proof of citizenship and has none, the driver will likely be delayed for a lengthier face-to-face interview with INS. To be on the safe side and avoid the possibility of delays, INS headquarters officials advised that drivers be prepared by bringing along, in addition to their CDL, one of the following: a birth certificate, a passport, a naturalization certificate, a military-issued DD214, a government issued license such as a pilot's license (must show citizenship), or any other official, government-issued document that shows proof of citizenship.

Company-issued identification cards will not be accepted as proof of citizenship by US or Canadian immigration inspectors. For many residents of Canada who have a provincially-issued wallet-sized birth certificate, this document is acceptable. Some US states also issue these wallet-sized certificates. Also, US commercial truck drivers can obtain a US passport through the US Department of State. Some US Postal Service facilities can process passport applications. The applications usually take several weeks to process. Expedited service is available for an additional charge.