Question for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol people.

[dynastar666]

I have a quick question for you regarding border crossings. My production company is shooting a commercial and video series in Montreal this weekend. We will be traveling by car. We were hired for this shoot quickly and cannot cancel it, it's a huge opportunity for us and we're doing everything possible to make it happen. It turns out two of the guys on my crew only have drivers licenses and birth certificates, no valid passports. We spoke with Canadian immigration and they said we would have no problem getting into Canada but we may run into issues getting back. What issues we might face trying to enter the US without a passport? This shoot is a once in a lifetime opportunity so we're willing to get detained, etc.


**I realize this isn't the brightest idea but please, don't flame me.**

 

[unlisted]

Heh, I hope you have all the permits/filming authorizations/permission to work in Canada before you try entering... If not, there is a good chance Canada will not permit you to enter.

 

[dynastar666]

Heh, I hope you have all the permits/filming authorizations/permission to work in Canada before you try entering... If not, there is a good chance Canada will not permit you to enter.

Oh don't worry, we do. We spent what felt like HOURs creating our A.T.A. Carnet. F-that!

 

[r1ms12]

Not sure how soon you are looking to go, but some states (NY for instance) have an "enhanced driver license" or you may also be able to get a passport card faster than you can get a passport.

 

[dynastar666]

Not sure how soon you are looking to go, but some states (NY for instance) have an "enhanced driver license" or you may also be able to get a passport card faster than you can get a passport.

We're leaving in 6 hours. Typically, I would try and find replacements if this was going to be a huge issue but these guys are my director of photography and camera operator and they're good, r e a l l y r e a l l y good.

 

[unlisted]

I'd recommend calling USCBP and asking...


Failing that, I have a friend in Buffalo, US born. She had some grief when she forgot her passport last year when visiting.. After some hassle, she was permitted back into the US. I THINK she got a fine for forgetting her proper ID... But than again, you gotta remember, if you are born and a citizen of the US, I believe you cannot be barred from entering your country... (again, I'm a canuk, so I may not be fully correct on that last part..)

 

[Respondcode3]

Its better to call customs or check the website. Asking on a message board my get you the wrong answers. When it is in regards to legal issues its best to go to the source

 

[dynastar666]

We called, they said it was hit or miss on how we would be handled. They said it helps that they have an gov't issued I.D. and birth certificate. I'm not too worried but I thought I'd just see what you guys thought.

Its better to call customs or check the website. Asking on a message board my get you the wrong answers. When it is in regards to legal issues its best to go to the source

Done. There are quite a few Border Patrol and Customs people on this board I thought it would be an appropriate place to ask and thus the question was directed towards them.

 

[mfdbenji]

Richford Crossing is unmanned after 10pm I hear...

 

[ffjwhite]

One of our Assistant chiefs is a CBP officer. He said just as long as you have your DL and your Birth Certificate you should be all set. Just keep in mind that you might get what they call Secondary. This means you will have to park your car and get your Identity checked out.

 

[FireEMSPolice]

Next thing you know, we will see a thread that says, "If you have any deals pending with dynastar666..."


:lol:

 

[ParkPiggy]

Hahah!! Have been checking back, to see if he made it across the border home!!

 

[dfuzz78]

Oh don't worry, we do. We spent what felt like HOURs creating our A.T.A. Carnet. F-that!

LOL. Chances are that if he was also presenting a Carnet with his ID, he'll be let in. But it is very hit and miss. A Carnet will get him secondaried anyway, then they would kill two birds with one stone.