OK....so ...now what???

[scylla]

What was no longer valid?
My polish id is and was valid, so is my passport and Canadian driver's license - I just wanted to see if it works

The specific problem the OP has is that none of her ID is valid - it has all expired. So the question we've been discussing in this thread is whether you can board a domestic flight with ID that has expired. The OP would prefer to fly rather than take the bus. But in order to fly she needs to know if expired ID will be accepted by the airline. That's why I asked you if your ID was still valid (we are looking for people in similar situations to the OP - i.e. people who have tried to fly domestically without valid ID).

 

[Ponga]

So, I just called Air Canada (because I had a question regarding an upcoming flight later this month) and then also asked about this situation.

Foreign national that is already in Canada, and has applied for permanent resident status, flying from Victoria to Ottawa with expired identification:


The agent was less than friendly and was quite adamant that a VALID passport would be required, because the traveller is a foreign national.
Sometimes (I guess it depends on the mood of the ticket agent) a Canadian can travel domestically with an expired ID, but not those from other countries.
She went on to say that travelling commercially (including by bus) would likely be impossible.

Maybe she was wrong, because before making the call I was reading through this:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/canada/635909-expired-passport-photo-id-within-canada-ok.html
(granted many posts are a few years old, but...)

 

[keesio]

The agent was less than friendly and was quite adamant that a VALID passport would be required, because the traveller is a foreign national.

Not sure how accurate she is. My wife and I just came back yesterday from a domestic flight. My wife is a foreign national (American) and she didn't need her passport. She just used her NEXUS card to board.

 

[Mapleson]

Not sure how accurate she is. My wife and I just came back yesterday from a domestic flight. My wife is a foreign national (American) and she didn't need her passport. She just used her NEXUS card to board.

A nexus card is valid government issued ID. It's specifically designed to permit "easy" travel within Canada and US (domestic and transnational).

 

[Aquakitty]

Is part of the story missing? How did you get into Canada with no passport. If you are here legally (in-status) then you shouldn't have a problem getting a BC driver's license, but they might make you take the testing process again. Maybe you can just get a BC ID? You are legally required to get a BC license to drive after being here for 6 months (to clarify, you are not supposed to be driving with another country's license after the 6 month mark).

 

[Mapleson]

Is part of the story missing? How did you get into Canada with no passport. If you are here legally (in-status) then you shouldn't have a problem getting a BC driver's license, but they might make you take the testing process again. Maybe you can just get a BC ID? You are legally required to get a BC license to drive after being here for 6 months (to clarify, you are not supposed to be driving with another country's license after the 6 month mark).

I'd assume the OP came with valid ID that has since expired. To transfer from a foreign driver's licence to a Canadian driver's license, it needs to be valid.

 

[keesio]

A nexus card is valid government issued ID. It's specifically designed to permit "easy" travel within Canada and US (domestic and transnational).

I was just replying to the statement told to Ponga from the Air Canada rep that a passport is mandatory for foreign nationals. It is not.

 

[Ponga]

Is part of the story missing?

Yes.

The OP entered Canada legally and held a valid passport at that time. The passport has since expired and is now required to complete the PR process.

 

[Aquakitty]

Yes.

The OP entered Canada legally and held a valid passport at that time. The passport has since expired and is now required to complete the PR process.

Ok I see now, the way it was worded it seemed OP got in Canada with no passport.

She could possibly get BC ID if she is here legally with a birth certificate and a credit or bank card. It is on the list of primary ID's. They will not accept expired ID unless it is a BC drivers license under 3 years expired.

All my husband did back when he had no passport was bring his visitor record and birth certificate.

 

[VioletBlue]

Thanks all for your replies. As Ponga said I did have a valid passport and I entered Canada LEGALLY....However, that was 9 years ago...I am currently Out of Status but my Sponsorship application is in Process....I Need a New passport now to finish processing of my application...so I just wanted to Know If I can fly to Ottawa or do I need to take a bus or a train....I'm pretty sure you don't need ID for bus travel...but maybe that changed now too....I will go to the airport and ask...it seems like it depends on who you get to talk to and what kind of Mood they are in...Thanks Ponga for asking them!

 

[VioletBlue]

Also....if I'm a "resident" Enough to pay my taxes in BC I should at least get BC ID...just saying!

 

[Aquakitty]

Also....if I'm a "resident" Enough to pay my taxes in BC I should at least get BC ID...just saying!

I wonder if they might still let you get the ID with the expired status. My husband went in with an expired visitor record but he had the renewal in process. They phoned immigration while he was there and confirmed this so he could get his license. Perhaps that would work for you since you are in process?

 

[Ponga]

I wonder if they might still let you get the ID with the expired status. My husband went in with an expired visitor record but he had the renewal in process. They phoned immigration while he was there and confirmed this so he could get his license. Perhaps that would work for you since you are in process?

Unfortunately, in BC it doesn't seem possible.

 

[VioletBlue]

SO! Im happy report that I succesfully FLEW on Air canada w my ID. I called and asked if ID has to be Valid and they said "Yes"....So then I got my Bosnian DL, Bosnian ID (both expired last year) also my Birth Cer, and proof of citizenship and few other docs to the Air Canada counter at the airport ...I spread ALL documents in front of them and asked "Can I fly?" They said "Yes! You have more than enough documents here that prooves your identity" They ask for 1 photo ID, OR 2 NON photo IDs, whick I did have (My Birth cers and proof of citizenship) they just said to add a Note when booking my ticket that I will be traveling w my Country's documents. And that was It! No one Ever checken if ID was expired. all they check if the Name matches. So this "rule" about valid ID doesnt seem like a TOP priority requirement. as I did without any issues. WHEW! Im So happy I didnt have to take the train!