The thread about CBP agents in the BWCAW brought this question to mind.

What do you carry for ID while in the BW? Do you carry proof of citizenship? Copy of birth certificate? Passport or Passport Card?

To tell you the truth, I hadn't thought of needing a government issued ID while in the BW. I don't carry my DL as I don't want the hassle of needing to replace it if it should fall to the bottom somehow. I certainly don't think I need to carry a passport or passport card.

What do we need to carry? How about for our children? Copies of birth certificates?

When I traveled in Quetico or Woodland Caribou, I carried a passport. This was before REAL ID. But in the BWCA, I carry my driver's license (REAL ID) in case I am ever challenged by a conservation officer about my fishing license. I realize that the likelihood of needing it is low, but since I have to carry the one I might as well carry the other.

You shouldn't need any more identification in the BW than you would if you're traveling in any other state. Certainly no passport and certainly no copies of birth certificates. If you were spending the majority of your time on the border route, it might be worth having copies of those documents.

I think it would be prudent to have your drivers license with you, or at least a copy of it. We do most of our canoe trips in Quetico - occasionally the BW - and I always have my wallet in a waterproof zip lock bag in the bottom of my pack. We've never been checked for anything in 40 years, but one never knows when the first time would be. Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

I've always carried my driver's license just in case I get checked for fishing license. Keep it in a ziploc in a pants pocket or in my waterproof map case or PFD along with my entry permit.

Another thing to think about is if you end up injured and unresponsive or (hopefully not) deceased it helps emergency services get in touch with your family more quickly if they can ID you right away. This is something I've thought about when solo tripping.

DL is with permit mostly if I were incapacitated or dead to know who I am. Glad I never needed it.

Driver’s License

Passport and DL, however I am always tripping north of the border.

I carry my DL mostly in case I get stopped for not having a registration sticker on my boat. AZ no longer requires it and MN allows me to go with my home state rules.

I keep my DL, fishing license and permit in my map case attached to the thwart.

There is nothing saying you have to have an ID on you, but an officer checking your fishing license could escort you out of the boundary waters to verify your identity if you don't have it. It's not likely but I'm not going to risk it.

I've never carried an ID beyond my FS permit. Not going to risk losing it. The way I look at it, everything we bring could potentially end up at the bottom of the lake. Last year was the first year I even brought a phone since the new satellite features have replaced our Garmin inReach.

portagerunner: "I keep my DL, fishing license and permit in my map case attached to the thwart. "

Same for our 3 canoes.

I always carry my at least my drivers license in the BWCA. If traveling close to or on the border route, or in Quetico I also be sure to carry my passport card and RABC permit. Carrying ID is for reasons others have mentioned. I’m usually solo so it would help to identify me if the worst happens. And I’ve also always believed I should have it with me if an officer/ agent of a state or federal government agency wants to see it. Much easier if you can present ID when asked.

I also always carry copies of my dogs’ rabies certificates.

My DL, passport card and rabies certificates are kept with my permits inside 2 layers of waterproof ziplock bags, inside a dry bag secured to a canoe thwart for the duration of the trip. All are easily accessible if needed and I feel they are safe from getting lost.

soundguy0918: "I've never carried an ID beyond my FS permit. Not going to risk losing it. The way I look at it, everything we bring could potentially end up at the bottom of the lake. Last year was the first year I even brought a phone since the new satellite features have replaced our Garmin inReach."

Lost my billfold once in one of our mine pits in like 400 feet of water-it had my scuba diving license, etc.

Now often with my fishing license I have a old driving license in a folder. I do take my regular license sometimes just because worried if left it in the vehicle, someone will steal it.

If not in the BWCA, I still think it is an offense if I have to carry it just to ID myself.

I really try to refrain from being political on this site, but this answer involves getting political. Minneapolis is only 5ish hours away. With what is happening there, I would suggest anybody of color to carry your papers with you. DHS, border patrol, and ICE are detaining citizens; some of their crimes are simply just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Be safe, be cautious.

I keep my wallet in a waterproof Pelican or Otter box.
Passport too if Q, didn’t feel comfortable leaving it with the outfitter.
Otherwise passport is at home because I don’t live in a “Your papers please” environment, at least not supposed to.

I carry my DL, usually in the front pocket of my PFD. It's waterproof, always with me, and it will be the first place anyone checks when they find my body...

...just sayin',,,

Mike

I always bring my wallet because I don't like leaving it my car. It's pretty light and compact.

I bring my driver’s license (real ID) fishing license, health insurance card, and keep them in a ziplock with my keys, or waterproof case with my phone, which I keep in a thwart bag attached to the canoe so I always have it with me.

DL and permit in a zip lock bag in a zipper pocket.

ForkyKnifespoon: "I carry my DL mostly in case I get stopped for not having a registration sticker on my boat. AZ no longer requires it and MN allows me to go with my home state rules."

I love your screen-name

Whenever I travel over the border remotely, I have my passport card on me (looks like a DL but is passport accepted for Canada, Mexico, Caribbean--when I got my passport the person helping said that would be way better than lugging my passport out in a canoe--only $20 extra), permit, and RABC.

I believe enhanced ID now work for travel into Canada or back? Remember though not every state adopted Enhanced ID. They are still in the conversion process so a DL or real ID will not be good enough if you are stopped at the border.

This isn't meant to be political but I can tell you first hand a DL or Real ID are not good enough even in the Twin Cities...so definitely not good at the border. Only enhanced ID, passport card or paper passport can prove citizenship.

T

I only carry my permit, but I probably should start carrying my DL.

I probably have my Driver's license somewhere deep in my pack. Not that I intentionally carry it while tripping but that I would feel at risk leaving it in my car back at the entry point.

I figure with the permit process as it exists, the permit itself would be as much info I'd need to provide in any situation inside the BWCA.

timatkn: "Whenever I travel over the border remotely, I have my passport card on me (looks like a DL but is passport accepted for Canada, Mexico, Caribbean--when I got my passport the person helping said that would be way better than lugging my passport out in a canoe--only $20 extra), permit, and RABC.


I believe enhanced ID now work for travel into Canada or back? Remember though not every state adopted Enhanced ID. They are still in the conversion process so a DL or real ID will not be good enough if you are stopped at the border.

This isn't meant to be political but I can tell you first hand a DL or Real ID are not good enough even in the Twin Cities...so definitely not good at the border. Only enhanced ID, passport card or paper passport can prove citizenship.


T"

According to the TSA, Real ID cannot be used at any international border.

TSA Real ID FAQ Page

Michwall2: "

timatkn: "Whenever I travel over the border remotely, I have my passport card on me (looks like a DL but is passport accepted for Canada, Mexico, Caribbean--when I got my passport the person helping said that would be way better than lugging my passport out in a canoe--only $20 extra), permit, and RABC.

I believe enhanced ID now work for travel into Canada or back? Remember though not every state adopted Enhanced ID. They are still in the conversion process so a DL or real ID will not be good enough if you are stopped at the border.

This isn't meant to be political but I can tell you first hand a DL or Real ID are not good enough even in the Twin Cities...so definitely not good at the border. Only enhanced ID, passport card or paper passport can prove citizenship.

T"

According to the TSA, Real ID cannot be used at any international border.

TSA Real ID FAQ Page "

Thanks for confirming, Real ID or DL also cannot confirm citizenship. That's why they aren't good enough. That's why I have enhanced ID now, before I had the passport card.

Children I carry copies of Birth certificate or Enhanced ID when they are older or passport card.

T

T, my DL is an Enhanced ID as well. I had a heck of a time getting it since I live off grid and had little proof to show residency. Luckily I had a passport and that made it easier.

I carry DL and my MN permit to carry. Both in a small zippered wallet that gets put in a Ziploc sandwich bag and placed in a secure pocket somewhere in my pack. Have never needed to produce either but better safe than sorry.

I got an enhanced DL before the pandemic, so I'm good to go.

I've never thought about carrying proof of citizenship. When I got my enhanced license I did have to present my birth certificate as one form of ID. I do take my DL along with my fishing license and permit.

LindenTree: "T, my DL is an Enhanced ID as well. I had a heck of a time getting it since I live off grid and had little proof to show residency. Luckily I had a passport and that made it easier."

I have a Real ID driver's license, but I have not heard of "Enhanced ID". What is that? Who issues it?

Michwall2: "

LindenTree: "T, my DL is an Enhanced ID as well. I had a heck of a time getting it since I live off grid and had little proof to show residency. Luckily I had a passport and that made it easier."

I have a Real ID driver's license, but I have not heard of "Enhanced ID". What is that? Who issues it?"

It's basically a Real ID that costs a little more. Allows you entry into Canada/Mexico without a passport. Issued by MN DVS, same who issue Real ID.

... and that being said, I carry my Enhanced ID/Wallet with my car keys and any necessary permits inside a waterproof pouch, and store it in my waterproof pack.

Michwall2: "

LindenTree: "T, my DL is an Enhanced ID as well. I had a heck of a time getting it since I live off grid and had little proof to show residency. Luckily I had a passport and that made it easier."

I have a Real ID driver's license, but I have not heard of "Enhanced ID". What is that? Who issues it?"

Michwall,
This link has Minnesota's requirement for an enhanced ID.
I don't remember the cost, but it requires alot more paperwork to prove citizenship. It functions as an alternative to a passport card for land or sea travel, allowing for easy re-entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel.
Enhanced ID

Deeznuts: "I really try to refrain from being political on this site, but this answer involves getting political. Minneapolis is only 5ish hours away. With what is happening there, I would suggest anybody of color to carry your papers with you. DHS, border patrol, and ICE are detaining citizens; some of their crimes are simply just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Be safe, be cautious. "

If you believe they are only checking for proof from people of color you are incredibly misinformed. In todays world I would advise always carrying some identification while out in public.

I like the idea of carrying an old driver's license. Never thought of that.

SaganagaJoe: "I like the idea of carrying an old driver's license. Never thought of that. "

I don't understand that thinking. If I'm carrying an ID, it's going to be the current one. No reason to carry an old (expired) drivers license.

I carry my current driver's license with me in a pocket reserved for items I'll need when I get back to my car.

I know personally that an Old drivers license, Real ID DL, are not good enough...You need an Enhanced DL. If it doesn't say Enhanced on your DL it is not good enough for customs, then you need your passport.

Gadfly STFU...I am working really hard to stay non political. I have two eyes, two ears I know what I have experienced personally (like in my own car)...nothing will change people like you...but don't tell me what I've personally experienced is a lie.

"You can silence 50 scholars with one fact, but you can't silence one idiot with 50 facts"

T

i never used to carry anything until someone told me an ID was required along with a fishing license (if i was fishing).

LindenTree: "

Michwall2: "

LindenTree: "T, my DL is an Enhanced ID as well. I had a heck of a time getting it since I live off grid and had little proof to show residency. Luckily I had a passport and that made it easier."

I have a Real ID driver's license, but I have not heard of "Enhanced ID". What is that? Who issues it?"

Michwall,
This link has Minnesota's requirement for an enhanced ID.
I don't remember the cost, but it requires alot more paperwork to prove citizenship. It functions as an alternative to a passport card for land or sea travel, allowing for easy re-entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel.
Enhanced ID "

Thank you. I have looked and my state (Illinois) does not offer the Enhanced ID.

Michwall2: "

LindenTree: "

Michwall2: "

LindenTree: "T, my DL is an Enhanced ID as well. I had a heck of a time getting it since I live off grid and had little proof to show residency. Luckily I had a passport and that made it easier."

I have a Real ID driver's license, but I have not heard of "Enhanced ID". What is that? Who issues it?"

Michwall,
This link has Minnesota's requirement for an enhanced ID.
I don't remember the cost, but it requires alot more paperwork to prove citizenship. It functions as an alternative to a passport card for land or sea travel, allowing for easy re-entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. It cannot be used for international air travel.
Enhanced ID "

Thank you. I have looked and my state (Illinois) does not offer the Enhanced ID.


"

Odd because this is what I found. It is an enhanced Drivers License not ID.
2. Who is eligible to apply for an Enhanced Driver’s License in Illinois?
In Illinois, eligible individuals who wish to apply for an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) must meet the following criteria:

Enhanced DL

SaganagaJoe: "I like the idea of carrying an old driver's license. Never thought of that. "

Technically, this won't get you out of a jam and doesn't count as official identification, for what it's worth. :/

Willing to bet most reasonable rangers would accept it however.

LiquorPugs: "

SaganagaJoe: "I like the idea of carrying an old driver's license. Never thought of that. "

Technically, this won't get you out of a jam and doesn't count as official identification, for what it's worth. :/

Willing to bet most reasonable rangers would accept it however. "

FYI, the two years i worked with the USFS rangers we never asked for a driver's license one time. We only wanted the BW permit.
Many people forked over their fishing license but the rangers do not enforce state of MN fishing regulations. We would politely look at it but that's all.

LiquorPugs: "

SaganagaJoe: "I like the idea of carrying an old driver's license. Never thought of that. "

Technically, this won't get you out of a jam and doesn't count as official identification, for what it's worth. :/

Willing to bet most reasonable rangers would accept it however. "

FYI, the two years I worked with the USFS rangers we never asked for a driver's license one time. We only wanted the BW permit.
Many people forked over their fishing license but the rangers do not enforce state of MN fishing regulations. We would politely look at it but that's all. The gun toting federal LEO'S do enforce the fishing regs but not the BW rangers one encounters normally in the BW.

SaganagaJoe: "I like the idea of carrying an old driver's license. Never thought of that. "

Way off topic...but I have every driver's license that has ever been issued to me. Kinda nostalgic.

As for the BWCA, I have always carried my DL with me into the BWCA, along with permit and fishing license. See no need to alter that approach. If I lose any of them, it's on me and me alone. I will be angry with me and me alone (I will just add it to the list of other reasons I am mad at me). It's quite the list. :)

LindenTree: "

LiquorPugs: "

SaganagaJoe: "I like the idea of carrying an old driver's license. Never thought of that. "

Technically, this won't get you out of a jam and doesn't count as official identification, for what it's worth. :/

Willing to bet most reasonable rangers would accept it however. "

FYI, the two years I worked with the USFS rangers we never asked for a driver's license one time. We only wanted the BW permit.
Many people forked over their fishing license but the rangers do not enforce state of MN fishing regulations. We would politely look at it but that's all. The gun toting federal LEO'S do enforce the fishing regs but not the BW rangers one encounters normally in the BW."

This is correct, but it is not the same in Quetico. Park rangers will check both permits and licenses.

I always just take my permit and fishing license. Why do I need a drivers license to paddle a canoe. Some people don’t have a drivers license, I leave it in the truck.