Employment verification requires specific documents for the I-9 form, including proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Acceptable documents are divided into List A, which shows both identity and employment authorization, such as a U.S. passport or permanent resident card, and Lists B and C, which individually prove identity and employment eligibility, like a driver's license combined with a Social Security card. Employers must ensure that the documents presented are original and valid to complete the I-9 verification process accurately.
What Documents Are Needed for Employment Verification (I-9)?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card | A U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card serves as a primary document for employment verification under the I-9 form, proving both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure the document is unexpired and genuine to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. |
| 2 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | The Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) serves as a key document for employment verification under Form I-9, confirming both identity and authorization to work in the United States. Employers must examine the card's validity and ensure it matches the employee's information to comply with federal employment eligibility requirements. |
| 3 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serves as a critical document for employment verification under Form I-9, proving an employee's legal authorization to work in the United States. Employers must examine the EAD alongside other acceptable documents to verify identity and employment eligibility, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. |
| 4 | Foreign Passport with I-551 stamp or MRIV | For Employment Verification (I-9), a Foreign Passport with an I-551 stamp or a Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) is required to establish both identity and employment authorization. These documents serve as acceptable List A documents, confirming an employee's eligibility to work in the United States without needing additional documentation. |
| 5 | Driver’s License or State ID | A valid Driver's License or State ID serves as an acceptable List B document for employment verification under Form I-9, proving the employee's identity. This document must be unexpired and issued by a U.S. state or territory to meet the Department of Homeland Security requirements. |
| 6 | School ID with Photograph | A School ID with a photograph is an acceptable List A document for employment verification under the I-9 form, proving both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure the School ID is current, contains a clear photo, and is issued by a recognized educational institution to meet verification requirements. |
| 7 | Voter’s Registration Card | A Voter's Registration Card serves as an acceptable List A document for employment verification under Form I-9, proving both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure the card is unexpired and issued by a U.S. state or territory to meet U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements. |
| 8 | U.S. Military Card or Draft Record | The U.S. Military Card or Draft Record serves as a valid List A document for employment verification under Form I-9, confirming both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure that the document is original, unexpired, and authentic to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards. |
| 9 | Military Dependent’s ID Card | The Military Dependent's ID Card is an acceptable List A document for Form I-9 employment verification, proving both identity and employment authorization for eligible dependents. Employers must ensure the card is unexpired and corresponds to the employee presenting it to meet federal compliance requirements. |
| 10 | Native American Tribal Document | Native American Tribal Documents accepted for Employment Verification (I-9) include Tribal Enrollment Cards and Tribal Membership Cards that establish identity and employment authorization. These documents serve as valid List A documents, confirming both identity and employment eligibility under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidelines. |
| 11 | U.S. Social Security Card | A U.S. Social Security Card is a critical document for employment verification under Form I-9, confirming the employee's eligibility to work in the United States. Employers use the Social Security Number on the card to validate identity and work authorization through the Social Security Administration's database. |
| 12 | Birth Certificate (Original or Certified Copy) | A Birth Certificate (Original or Certified Copy) serves as a primary document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), providing proof of identity and employment authorization in the United States. Employers use this document to confirm the employee's U.S. citizenship or lawful status, ensuring compliance with federal employment laws. |
| 13 | Certification of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545 or DS-1350) | Certification of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545 or DS-1350) serves as a primary document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), proving U.S. citizenship and identity for employees. Employers must accept this certification to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements during the hiring process. |
| 14 | U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) | The U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) serves as a valid List A document for employment verification under Form I-9, establishing both identity and employment authorization for U.S. citizens. Employers must inspect the original Form I-197 to ensure it is genuine and relates to the employee presenting it. |
| 15 | Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the U.S. (Form I-179) | The Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the U.S. (Form I-179) serves as an acceptable List A document for employment verification under Form I-9, confirming both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure the Form I-179 is unexpired and authentic to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements during the hiring process. |
| 16 | Employment Authorization Document Issued by DHS | The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves as a key identity and employment eligibility document for Form I-9 verification, confirming the individual's legal authorization to work in the United States. Employers must review the EAD's original physical document, verifying its authenticity and expiration date to comply with federal employment verification requirements. |
| 17 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) | The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) serves as a valid document for employment verification under the I-9 process, proving both identity and employment authorization for U.S. citizens born abroad. Employers must ensure the document is original or a certified copy to meet the Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9 compliance requirements. |
| 18 | Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) | The Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570) serves as an acceptable List A document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), proving both identity and employment authorization in the United States. Employers must review this certificate carefully to confirm the employee's lawful status and maintain accurate I-9 records for compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. |
| 19 | Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) | The Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561) serves as a critical document for employment verification under the I-9 process, proving an employee's U.S. citizenship. Employers must examine the original Certificate of Citizenship to verify identity and employment authorization, ensuring compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
Understanding I-9 Employment Verification Requirements
The I-9 Employment Verification process is essential for confirming an employee's identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Employers must collect specific documents to comply with federal regulations and avoid penalties.
Acceptable documents are divided into three categories: List A documents, which establish both identity and employment authorization; List B documents, which establish identity only; and List C documents, which establish employment authorization only. Common examples include a U.S. passport (List A), a driver's license (List B), and a Social Security card (List C).
Key Documents Required for I-9 Compliance
Employment verification requires specific documents to comply with the I-9 form requirements. These documents prove identity and authorization to work in the United States.
- List A Documents - These include U.S. passports or permanent resident cards that establish both identity and employment authorization.
- List B Documents - Documents like a driver's license or state ID provide proof of identity only.
- List C Documents - Examples such as a Social Security card or birth certificate are used to verify employment authorization.
Acceptable Identity and Employment Authorization Documents
The Employment Eligibility Verification form (I-9) requires specific documents to confirm your identity and employment authorization. Acceptable documents are divided into three lists: List A documents establish both identity and employment authorization, such as a U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card. List B documents verify identity only, like a driver's license, while List C documents confirm employment authorization, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate.
List A Documents: Proving Identity and Work Authorization
Employment verification requires specific documents to prove both identity and work authorization, as outlined in the I-9 form instructions. List A documents fulfill this by establishing an employee's eligibility to work in the United States through a single document.
Examples of List A documents include a U.S. passport, a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). These documents must be original and unexpired to be valid for verification purposes. Employers rely on these documents to comply with federal hiring regulations and avoid legal penalties.
List B Documents: Verifying Identity Only
Employment verification requires specific documents to confirm identity and authorization to work. List B documents focus exclusively on verifying identity, separate from work authorization.
- State Issued Driver's License - A valid driver's license with a photograph and identifying information proves identity.
- State Identification Card - State ID cards issued by government agencies establish identity with a photo and personal details.
- School Identification Card - Unexpired school ID cards with a photograph confirm identity for minors or students.
List C Documents: Proving Employment Authorization Only
List C documents for employment verification (I-9) prove an employee's authorization to work in the United States without establishing identity. Common List C documents include a Social Security card, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, or a Native American tribal document. Employers must accept these documents when provided alone to confirm work authorization for the I-9 form.
How to Properly Complete the I-9 Form
Properly completing the I-9 form is essential for verifying employment eligibility in the United States. Accurate documentation ensures compliance with federal regulations and prevents legal consequences for employers.
- Provide valid identification documents - Employees must submit acceptable documents such as a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or driver's license combined with a Social Security card.
- Complete Section 1 accurately - Employees should fill out their personal information, citizenship status, and sign the form on or before the first day of work.
- Employers must verify documents - Employers review the original documents, confirm their authenticity, and complete Section 2 within three business days of hire.
Retain the completed I-9 form for the required period and make it available for inspection by authorized government officials.
Common Mistakes in I-9 Documentation
Employment verification through Form I-9 requires specific documents to establish identity and employment authorization. Employees must present original documents from the List of Acceptable Documents to avoid delays.
Common mistakes include submitting expired or incorrect documents, which can result in non-compliance. Employers often fail to complete the form within the required time frame, leading to potential penalties.
Recordkeeping and Retention Guidelines for I-9 Forms
| Document Type | Purpose | Recordkeeping Requirement | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-9 | Verification of employment eligibility | Must be completed for every employee hired after November 6, 1986 | Retain for 3 years after the date of hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later |
| Supporting Identification Documents | Proof of identity and employment authorization (List A, or List B and List C documents) | Not required to be submitted with Form I-9, but must be reviewed and recorded on the form | Retained as part of the Form I-9 record according to the retention period |
| Reverification Documents | Required if employment authorization on original I-9 has expired | Employer must update Section 3 of the Form I-9 with new document information | Retain updated Form I-9 according to original retention guidelines |
| Storage and Accessibility | Secure storage of I-9 forms for compliance and inspection | Store forms securely, in paper or electronic format | Make forms accessible for inspection by authorized government officials |
What Documents Are Needed for Employment Verification (I-9)? Infographic
