Can I travel to Canada with a real ID and birth certificate?

No, you cannot travel to Canada with just a REAL ID and a birth certificate. A valid passport or other approved travel document is required regardless of how you enter the country.

What Is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a form of identification that meets standards proposed by the United States Congress, which are federally compliant. It comes with a corner star and is issued by your DMV in your state. But, the REAL ID is not an option for travel that is international nor does it cover Canada so you will still need your passport or travel document.

Starting May 7, 2025, a REAL ID (or another TSA-approved ID) will be required for all domestic flights within the United States.

Entering Canada by Air

Whether you fly to Canada, U.S. citizens and most of the foreign nationals have to enter the country with a valid passport. Travellers can not use the REAL ID to board a plane to Canada; additionally, entry officers in Canada will not accept a birth certificate as an alternative to a passport. You must present:

A valid passport, or
A NEXUS card (for approved travelers), or
A valid e-passport (biometric passport), if applicable

If you show up at the airport without a proper travel document, you will not be allowed to board the plane or enter Canada through immigration.

Travel to Canada by Land or Sea

Canada is more flexible with entry by land or sea. U.S. citizens traveling directly from the U.S. to Canada by land may use an original or certified copy of their birth certificate together with a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license) to prove both citizenship and identity.

Important: This rule does not apply to air travel.

For U.S. citizens, acceptable travel documents for land and sea entry include:

A U.S. passport
A passport card ( for not international air travel)
An Enhanced Driver License (EDL) issued by a few states
A Trusted Traveler Program card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)

A passport could still replace a birth certificate for children under 16 while traveling with parents, or guardians. However, adults cannot use a birth certificate as a primary travel document.

REAL ID and a birth certificate do not meet these criteria.

REAL ID vs. Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)

REAL ID vs.ENHANCED DRIVERS LICENSE Both are state-issued IDs, but only EDLs (available in Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington) will let you into Canada by land or sea.

Meanwhile, a REAL ID can only be used for domestic U.S. needs and will be mandatory for domestic flights starting May 7, 2025.

What Happens If You Show Up Without the Proper Documents?

Refused entry to Canada if you don't have a valid passport, passport card or other travel document

Denied entry by Canadian authorities
You may face delays, questioning, or be returned to the U.S., but typically no fines are issued for lacking documents.
If you arrive at the border without the proper documents, you may be refused entry to Canada, face delays, and be returned to the U.S.

This applies whether you're traveling for tourism, business, or family visits.

Conclusion

Although the REAL ID is a worthwhile document to be used to travel within the United States, it is not sufficient to be used alone- neither alone or even when other records like a birth certificate are added- to travel to Canada. The best way to make your way smoothly into Canada is to always travel with a valid passport or proprietary alternative travel document. You should also ensure your travel documents are in order way before your departure to facilitate a smooth entry into the country.

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