Employment eligibility verification using Form I-9 requires documents that establish both identity and authorization to work in the United States. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a permanent resident card, or a combination of a state-issued driver's license and a Social Security card. Employers must ensure the documents are original, unexpired, and appear genuine to comply with federal regulations.
What Identification is Necessary for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form 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 standalone document that establishes both identity and employment authorization for completing Form I-9 in employment eligibility verification. These documents eliminate the need for any additional identification, streamlining the verification process for employers. |
| 2 | Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) | The Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) serves as a primary document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), proving both identity and employment authorization for lawful permanent residents. Employers must accept this card to confirm an employee's legal status to work in the United States without requiring additional documents. |
| 3 | Foreign Passport with Form I-551 Stamp or MRIV | A Foreign Passport with a Form I-551 Stamp or a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) serves as acceptable documentation for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), proving both identity and employment authorization. This combination allows employers to verify an employee's permanent resident status under U.S. immigration law, ensuring compliance with I-9 requirements. |
| 4 | Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) | The Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) serves as a critical identity and employment eligibility verification document for Form I-9, proving both the employee's identity and legal authorization to work in the United States. Employers must accept this document alone to satisfy the Form I-9 requirements, eliminating the need for additional documentation. |
| 5 | Driver’s License or State ID Card | A valid driver's license or state ID card issued by a U.S. state or outlying possession can be used as a primary acceptable identification document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) when presented along with a Social Security card or other List C documents. These identification cards must contain a photograph or identifying information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address to satisfy Form I-9 requirements. |
| 6 | School ID Card with Photograph | A School ID Card with Photograph can be used for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) only if it is accompanied by an additional document that establishes employment authorization and identity, as the school ID alone does not satisfy the Form I-9 requirements. To comply with USCIS guidelines, employees must present either a List A document or a combination of List B and List C documents, where the school ID serves as a List B document establishing identity but must be paired with a List C document proving employment authorization. |
| 7 | U.S. Military Card or Draft Record | A U.S. Military Card or Draft Record is an acceptable document for verifying identity in the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process, confirming that the employee is authorized to work in the United States. This document proves both identity and employment authorization, reducing the need for additional paperwork during the onboarding process. |
| 8 | Native American Tribal Document | Native American Tribal Documents acceptable for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) include tribal enrollment cards or membership cards issued by federally or state-recognized tribes. These documents establish identity and employment authorization when accompanied by appropriate supporting evidence, ensuring compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. |
| 9 | Social Security Card (unrestricted) | A valid Social Security Card without any restrictions is an acceptable document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) as proof of employment authorization when presented alongside a separate document establishing identity, such as a state-issued driver's license. Employers must ensure the Social Security Card is original and unrestricted to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements. |
| 10 | Original or Certified Birth Certificate | An Original or Certified Birth Certificate is a primary document required for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) as it establishes both identity and employment authorization in the United States. This document must be an official government-issued certificate with a raised, embossed, or multicolored seal to be considered valid for verifying eligibility. |
| 11 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) | The Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) serves as a primary identification document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), verifying a U.S. citizen's birth outside the United States. This form establishes both identity and employment authorization, fulfilling the requirements set forth by the Department of Homeland Security for Form I-9 completion. |
| 12 | U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) | The U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) serves as valid identification for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) to confirm both identity and employment authorization. Employers accept Form I-197 as List A documentation, eliminating the need for separate identity and employment authorization documents. |
| 13 | Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States (Form I-179) | Form I-179, the Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States, serves as an acceptable document for employment eligibility verification under Form I-9, confirming the individual's identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure that the I-179 card is valid and unexpired to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations for verifying lawful employment. |
| 14 | Employment Authorization Document (Form I-688A, I-688B, or I-766) | The Employment Authorization Document (Form I-688A, I-688B, or I-766) serves as a primary identification document that verifies both identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 purposes. These forms, issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), confirm an individual's legal permission to work in the United States and must be presented alongside other acceptable documentation to satisfy employment eligibility verification requirements. |
| 15 | Voter’s Registration Card | The Voter's Registration Card serves as an acceptable List B document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), proving identity but not employment authorization. Employers must also verify employment authorization using a List C document or a List A document in combination with the Voter's Registration Card. |
| 16 | U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card | The U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card serves as an acceptable List A document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), proving both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure the card is unexpired and authentic to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
| 17 | Canadian Driver’s License (for certain nonimmigrant aliens authorized to work) | For Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), certain nonimmigrant aliens authorized to work in the U.S. may present a Canadian Driver's License as a List B document, which establishes identity but must be accompanied by a List C document demonstrating employment authorization. The Canadian Driver's License alone does not prove employment eligibility; it must be combined with appropriate documentation such as Form I-94 or an employment authorization document to fulfill Form I-9 requirements. |
Introduction to Form I-9 and Its Purpose
Form I-9 is a mandatory document used by employers in the United States to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment. The primary purpose of this form is to ensure that all employees are legally eligible to work in the U.S. Employers must review specific identification documents presented by new hires to complete the verification process accurately.
Understanding Employment Eligibility Verification
Employment Eligibility Verification requires presenting specific identification documents to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Understanding which documents satisfy Form I-9 ensures compliance with federal regulations.
- List A Documents - Establish both identity and employment authorization, such as a U.S. passport or Permanent Resident Card.
- List B Documents - Establish only identity, including driver's licenses or state-issued ID cards with photographs.
- List C Documents - Establish only employment authorization, such as a Social Security card or birth certificate.
Overview of Acceptable Identification Documents
What identification is necessary for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)? The Form I-9 requires employees to present specific identification documents to verify their identity and employment authorization. Acceptable documents are divided into three categories: List A, List B, and List C.
What does List A of Form I-9 include? List A documents establish both identity and employment authorization. Examples include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
What identification satisfies List B requirements for Form I-9? List B documents establish identity only. Examples are state-issued driver's licenses, identification cards with photograph, or school identification cards.
What is required by List C documents on the Form I-9? List C documents prove employment authorization only. Common documents include a Social Security card, birth certificate, or employment authorization issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
List A Documents: Establishing Identity and Employment Authorization
Identification for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) requires presenting documents that establish both identity and employment authorization. List A documents fulfill this requirement by proving your eligibility to work in the United States.
- U.S. Passport or Passport Card - Serves as proof of identity and employment authorization for U.S. citizens.
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) - Confirms lawful permanent resident status along with work authorization.
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) - Shows authorization to work temporarily in the U.S. and verifies identity.
List B Documents: Establishing Identity Only
List B documents are used to establish an employee's identity during the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process. These documents must contain a photograph or identifying information confirming the individual's identity.
Examples of List B documents include a state-issued driver's license, a state identification card, or a federal, state, or local government identification card. These documents are critical because they do not establish employment authorization but confirm identity only.
List C Documents: Establishing Employment Authorization Only
List C documents establish an employee's authorization to work in the United States without proving identity. Acceptable List C documents include a Social Security card, a birth certificate issued by a state or local government, and a Native American tribal document. Employers must review these documents carefully to ensure their authenticity for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9).
Document Verification Process for Employers
Identification for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) requires employers to examine specific documents that confirm an employee's identity and employment authorization. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or a combination of a driver's license and Social Security card.
The document verification process mandates that employers physically inspect original documents, ensuring they are genuine and relate to the employee presenting them. Employers must retain records of the verification process as part of compliance with federal employment laws.
Common Mistakes and Compliance Pitfalls
Employment Eligibility Verification requires presenting acceptable identification documents to complete Form I-9 properly. These documents prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.
Common mistakes include submitting expired or mismatched documents, using altered paperwork, and failing to complete the form within the required timeframe. Employers must verify original documents in the employee's physical presence and avoid requesting specific documents to prevent discrimination. Strict compliance with Form I-9 guidelines helps avoid penalties and ensures legal workforce verification.
I-9 Retention and Reverification Requirements
Employment eligibility verification requires specific identification documents to complete Form I-9. Employers must understand retention and reverification rules to maintain compliance.
- Retention Period - Employers must retain Form I-9 for either three years after the hire date or one year after employment ends, whichever is later.
- Acceptable Documents - Employees can present either one document from List A or a combination of one document from List B and one from List C that establish identity and employment authorization.
- Reverification Requirement - Employers must reverify an employee's work authorization before the expiration date of their employment authorization document but are prohibited from reverifying permanent resident cards or U.S. passports.
Proper document retention and timely reverification are critical for legal employment eligibility compliance.
What Identification is Necessary for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)? Infographic
