We want to make sure you can get painlessly in and out of Canada, so please review these regulations:

Passports

If you will be flying into Canada and then traveling to Richmond, YOU WILL NEED A PASSPORT. You can get up-to-date information here. There is also a new, limited-use, wallet-size Passport Card now available; click here for details on that program. Be sure to plan ahead as the whole application process can take four to six weeks.

Driving to Canada
If you will be driving (or boating!) into Canada, A PASSPORT IS NOT YET NECESSARY as the “passport required” regulation won’t take effect until June 2009 (see here for details). However, as of January 31, 2008, you can no longer “orally declare” your citizenship at the border. US and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate (a complete list of acceptable documents is available here). Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Passports and trusted traveler program cards (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST) will continue to be accepted as well.

Washington Residents
If you are a Washington resident, a third option is also available with the new “enhanced drivers licenses”, which will be good for border crossing identification by land and sea from Canada and Mexico in lieu of a passport. To get one of these licenses, applicants will be photographed and interviewed. They must bring identification and proof of citizenship and residency to the interview. The specifics are available at the DOL Website.

After double-checking the documentation through databases, the WDOL will issue an enhanced license. Processing might take a week or more. The extra cost of the new “super” license will be $15 more than the regular renewal cost of $25. Identification cards will be available for nondrivers. Also, be aware that not every licensing office offers the enhanced license. You can get a complete list of participating offices here.

The Bottom Line...
If you are flying into Canada, you will need a passport. If you are driving from the US into Canada, a passport is not required, but you must have your drivers license and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. Washington residents also have the option of getting a new "super license".

We hope this clears up some confusion. And see you all at SET!