New Proof of Citizenship Requirements to Cross America's Border

My family and I have been traveling to Canada for years. We love visiting the science center in Vancouver, British Columbia, and partaking in high tea at the Tea House in beautiful Stanley Park. It's always been so simple. We stop at the border, answer some routine questions: Why are you coming to Canada? Are you carrying any weapons? How long do you plan to stay? And repeat the whole thing on the way home. For decades you could pretty much answer these questions any way you wanted. If you looked decent and didn't act irrationally, you were almost guaranteed to be on your way in minutes. Thanks to the new guidelines set by the Homeland Security Department, as of January 31st of this year, everything has changed.

Gone are the days of flashing an expired Washington state driver's license at a pleasant but disinterested border patrol agent. These days, if you want to cross into the U.S. you'll need to proffer a lot more than just a smile.

The most important bit of advice I can offer is to be prepared. When I left the country last year on a trip abroad, I found it was quite easy to get into Italy: The hard part was getting back into the US. So, if you don't want to offer up your first born, be sure you have all the necessary paperwork before you leave home.

When you arrive at the border, be prepared to present photo identification along with proof of residency. U.S. Customs and Border Protection have five preferred methods of identification: Trusted Travel cards such as NEXUS, SENTRI, and the FAST card; a US Passport Card (not avail until later this spring); a US passport; an Enhanced Tribal Card which must incorporate a photo and show citizenship of a recognized tribal nation; and an Enhanced Driver's License. The Enhanced Driver's License is available in most border states and many others. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles for more details. Washington State charges $40 for this license which includes a variety of citizenship information.

Other acceptable forms of identification include: military id card (must be accompanied by official orders); US Merchant Mariner documents; National American Tribal photo id card; I-872 American Indian card; and the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card. If you do not have any of these documents, you will be required to show at least two different forms of id. For example, if you are using a driver's license as your photo id, you must also provide a birth certificate. This rule applies for any alternative photo id. A photo id is required regardless of supporting documentation. For all minor children under the age of 18, a birth certificate is required. Lawful permanent residents will be asked to present a Permanent Resident Card or a valid passport and a B-1 or B-2 non-immigrant visa, or a Border Crossing Card.

At first glance, these new requirements may leave you feeling quite defeated: especially if you have special citizenship circumstances. But, if you make sure you are prepared before leaving home, your trip across the border should be a breeze. And if you're heading up to Stanley Park, have a cup of tea for me.