classicmds

I'm trying to find a definitive statement about the fact that a US Enhanced Driver License (i.e. from one of the states that issues such, namely Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Washington, Vermont) is acceptable to for land entry into Canada.

I know they are. But I want to find it written down!

I've found it written on unofficial websites. But I'm looking for it on either a US or Canadian government website. But I've had no luck.

I've found US Government websites that affirm they are are good for entering the United States: https://www.dhs.gov/enhanced-drivers...-what-are-they

But I can't find either a US or Canadian government website that affirms they are good for entering Canada.

Anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks

Nutmegger

You need to check Canadian government sites, not US.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration...ml#us-citizens

classicmds

Yes, as I said I have been looking at Canadian sites as well as US ones. I had looked at the Canadian site you linked to and it doesn't mention anything about enhanced driver's licenses. It says "U.S. citizens must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport." Follow the link to "proper identification" and there's no mention of it, except to say you should not use a enhanced driver's license for air travel.

Nutmegger

I agree it isn’t mentioned, which seems to indicate that it isn’t acceptable.

classicmds

Maybe but there's so many statements out there on (non-government) websites that says it is valid. To take a sampling:

https://covertrip.com/trip-planning/...m-us-to-canada
https://lovethemaldives.com/travel-p...hanced-license
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...s_Ontario.html
https://www.canadaduientrylaw.com/en...rs-license.php

So I'm pretty sure you can. I just want to see it in writing.

lansbury

This is a Canadian government page that says it is, https://travel.gc.ca/returning/customs/entering-canada. But they can only be used a land or sea points of entry as far as I am aware.

Nutmegger

But on this page: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-v...c-rnc-eng.html

it specifies (my underlining):

Identification requirements for U. S. citizens and permanent residents

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. If you are a U.S. permanent resident, ensure you carry proof of your status such as a U.S. Permanent Resident Card.

For members of a Trusted Traveller program

U.S. citizens

U.S. citizens who are members of the NEXUS program can use their membership card as proof of identification and citizenship when entering Canada by land, air or water. This applies when you are using either conventional or NEXUS-only lanes. U.S. citizens who are members of FAST may use their membership card when entering Canada by land or water only. When travelling by air, FAST cards will only be accepted as proof of identification when you are travelling to Canada from the U.S.

U.S. permanent residents

NEXUS and FAST members who are permanent residents of the U.S. must still travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence. You may be asked to present these documents to the Border Services Officer (BSO) when you arrive at the border.

No matter your mode of travel, we recommend you carry a valid passport for all travel abroad, including visits to Canada from the United States. A passport may be required by your airline or other transportation authority, since it is the only universally-accepted identification document.

classicmds

Yeah, this page doesn't say it. It mentions enhanced driver's license, but only in a list of items that Canadian citizens should not use if entering by air (or at least, if they do use them they might encounter delays).. You could imply from that that you could use them to enter by sea or land but it's not stated.

"Canadian citizens may face delays or may not be allowed to board the plane or other conveyance if they present other documents such as a:

• Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)/Enhanced Identification Card (EIC)"

Nutmegger

In the immortal words of Dirty Harry, I think it comes down to, "Do I feel lucky?"!

lansbury

The confusion I think is that an enhanced license can be use to enter Canada, a driving license which is described as Real ID cannot.

States which border Canada or Mexico have enhanced driving licenses, most others have Real ID. The Real ID license are sometimes mistakenly call enhanced, Oregon did this at one time. Which is probably why there is a shortage of official guidance, as such instructions would need to define those States which have enhanced ones.

robin1234

I’ve been using my enhanced driving licence to enter Canada for years. I’ve never looked for any official documentation to confirm it, though.

classicmds

A-ha - I think I've found the confirmation, which is in the Canadian Government's "Guide to Transporters" (somewhere I guess you'd never think to look unless you ran a transportation company!).

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/trans/guide-eng.html#s4c2

Although exempt from document entry requirements, U.S. citizens must satisfy a CBSA officer of their status and identity. Documents that can be used for proof of U.S. citizenship are:

• U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Card (for land and marine travel only)
• NEXUS card (see Part 6 for more information)
• Enhanced Driver's License (for land and marine travel only