For employment verification using the I-9 form, employees must present valid identification to confirm their 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 review and record these documents to ensure compliance with federal employment eligibility requirements.
What Identification is Necessary for Employment Verification (I-9 Form)?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. Passport | The U.S. Passport serves as a primary document for employment verification on the I-9 form, confirming both identity and employment authorization in one credential. Employers accept a valid U.S. Passport as proof to satisfy Section 2 requirements, eliminating the need for additional supporting documentation. |
| 2 | U.S. Passport Card | The U.S. Passport Card serves as a valid List A document for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), confirming both identity and employment authorization. Employers must ensure the document is unexpired and genuine during the verification process. |
| 3 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | The Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) serves as an essential List A document for Employment Verification (I-9 Form), proving both identity and employment authorization for non-citizen employees authorized to work in the United States. Employers must examine the Green Card to verify it is genuine, relates to the employee, and remains unexpired to comply with federal employment eligibility requirements. |
| 4 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serves as both identity and employment eligibility proof for completing the I-9 form, allowing authorized non-citizens to legally work in the United States. Employers must ensure the EAD is unexpired and corresponds with the employee's name and photograph for valid employment verification. |
| 5 | Foreign Passport with I-551 Stamp | A foreign passport with a valid I-551 stamp serves as acceptable employment verification for the I-9 form, confirming the employee's permanent resident status authorized to work in the United States. Employers must ensure the passport and I-551 stamp are unexpired and clearly display the required information to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. |
| 6 | Foreign Passport with Form I-94 | A Foreign Passport accompanied by a Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record serves as a primary document for employment verification on the Form I-9, establishing both identity and employment authorization for noncitizen employees. Employers must ensure the Foreign Passport is valid and the Form I-94 indicates authorized employment in the United States to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations. |
| 7 | State-issued Driver's License | A state-issued driver's license is a primary identification document required for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) to establish identity and employment authorization. It must be valid and issued by the employee's state of residence to be accepted as part of List B documents in the I-9 process. |
| 8 | State-issued ID Card | A state-issued ID card, such as a driver's license or state identification card, is acceptable for employment verification on the I-9 form as List B documentation, proving identity but not employment authorization. It must be unexpired and issued by a state, including U.S. territories, to satisfy Form I-9 requirements in combination with appropriate work authorization evidence. |
| 9 | School ID Card with Photograph | A School ID Card with a Photograph is acceptable for employment verification on the I-9 form only if it is accompanied by an additional document that establishes employment authorization, as the card alone does not meet the list of acceptable documents specified by USCIS. Employers must ensure the School ID contains a clear photo, name, and date of birth but must also verify identity and employment authorization through documents from List A or combined documents from List B and C. |
| 10 | Voter Registration Card | The Voter Registration Card serves as an acceptable List B document for Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 Form), proving identity but not employment authorization. Employers must still require documents from List C, such as a Social Security card, to confirm employment eligibility alongside the Voter Registration Card. |
| 11 | U.S. Military Card | The U.S. Military Identification Card, issued by the Department of Defense, is an acceptable document for verifying both identity and employment authorization on the I-9 Form. This card includes essential details such as the service member's full name, photograph, and Department of Defense identification number, fulfilling the requirements for Form I-9 compliance. |
| 12 | Military Dependent's ID Card | The Military Dependent's ID Card is an acceptable document for employment verification on the I-9 form under List A, establishing both identity and employment authorization. This card must be unexpired and issued by a branch of the U.S. military to confirm the employee's eligibility to work in the United States. |
| 13 | U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card | The U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card serves as an acceptable identity and employment authorization document for completing the I-9 Form, confirming both identity and legal work eligibility. Employers must verify the Merchant Mariner Card's validity and authenticity as part of the I-9 employment verification process to comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements. |
| 14 | Native American Tribal Document | Native American Tribal Documents accepted for Employment Verification (I-9 Form) include tribal enrollment cards and tribal identification cards issued by federally recognized tribes, which establish identity and employment authorization. These documents must display the individual's name, photograph, tribal affiliation, and contain a valid issuing authority's seal or signature to comply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) standards. |
| 15 | Birth Certificate (certified copy) | A certified copy of a birth certificate is a primary identity document accepted for Employment Verification under the I-9 Form as proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status. This document must be an official copy issued by a government authority, containing the seal or signature verifying authenticity for employer validation. |
| 16 | Social Security Card | The Social Security Card is a critical document for Employment Verification on the I-9 Form, proving the employee's eligibility to work in the United States alongside other acceptable forms of identification. It verifies the Social Security Number (SSN) used by employers to report wages and taxes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations during the hiring process. |
| 17 | Certification of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350) | Certification of Birth Abroad, documented by Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350, serves as an authoritative identity and citizenship verification for U.S. employment eligibility under the I-9 Form requirements. These documents confirm an individual's birth in a foreign country to U.S. citizen parents, qualifying as acceptable proof of identity and employment authorization for the employment verification process. |
| 18 | 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 on the Form I-9, providing proof of both identity and employment authorization for U.S. citizens. Employers must ensure this card is unexpired and genuine to satisfy Department of Homeland Security requirements for verifying an employee's eligibility to work in the United States. |
| 19 | Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States (Form I-179) | The Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the United States (Form I-179) serves as an acceptable List B document for employment verification on the I-9 form, confirming identity without proving employment authorization. Employers must ensure that the Form I-179 is unexpired and legible to validate an employee's identity during the I-9 verification process. |
| 20 | School Record or Report Card (for individuals under 18) | School records or report cards serve as acceptable identification for employment verification on the I-9 form for individuals under 18, confirming age and identity when government-issued photo IDs are unavailable. These documents must include the individual's full name, date of birth, and a recent photo to meet the Department of Homeland Security's employment eligibility requirements. |
| 21 | Clinic, Doctor, or Hospital Record (for individuals under 18) | Clinic, doctor, or hospital records serve as acceptable identity documents for employment verification (I-9 form) purposes for individuals under 18, proving both identity and employment authorization. These medical records must be official, containing the minor's full name, date of birth, and relevant medical information consistent with government standards for verification. |
| 22 | Day-care or Nursery School Record (for individuals under 18) | Day-care or nursery school records can serve as secondary identification for individuals under 18 when completing the I-9 Form for employment verification. These records, paired with primary documents such as a birth certificate or social security card, help establish identity and work authorization for minors in compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. |
Introduction to Form I-9 and Employment Verification
The Form I-9 is a mandatory document used by employers to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired in the United States. This form ensures compliance with federal regulations to prevent unauthorized employment.
You must present acceptable identification documents as listed on the Form I-9 to complete the employment verification process. These documents fall into three categories: List A, List B, and List C, each serving to establish identity and/or work eligibility.
Importance of Acceptable Identification Documents
Employment verification requires specific identification documents to complete the I-9 form accurately. Using acceptable identification ensures compliance with federal regulations and helps prevent hiring unauthorized workers.
- Identity Confirmation - Acceptable documents verify the employee's identity to confirm they are who they claim to be.
- Employment Authorization - Proper documentation proves the employee has the legal right to work in the United States.
- Compliance with Legal Standards - Employers must use only approved documents listed by USCIS to comply with I-9 form requirements and avoid penalties.
Overview of List A Documents: Establishing Identity and Employment Authorization
The I-9 form is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. List A documents serve as primary evidence that establishes both identity and authorization to work.
Examples of List A documents include a U.S. passport, permanent resident card (Green Card), and employment authorization document (EAD). These documents confirm that the employee is legally allowed to work while also proving their identity. Employers must ensure that documents presented are original and unexpired to complete the I-9 verification process.
List B Documents: Establishing Identity Only
List B documents for employment verification focus solely on establishing an employee's identity. Acceptable List B documents include a state-issued driver's license, a state identification card, or a federal or state-issued ID card. These documents must contain a photograph or identifying information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address.
List C Documents: Establishing Employment Authorization Only
List C documents establish an employee's authorization to work in the United States without proving identity. These include a Social Security card (unless it specifies restrictions), a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, and an unexpired employment authorization document. Employers must accept these documents to verify the employee's eligibility to work when completing the I-9 form.
Acceptable Documents for Noncitizens and Immigrants
Employment verification requires specific identification to complete the I-9 Form. Noncitizens and immigrants must provide acceptable documents to prove identity and employment authorization.
- Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) - This card verifies lawful permanent resident status and employment eligibility.
- Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) - This document grants temporary work authorization for eligible noncitizens.
- Foreign Passport with Form I-94 or I-94A - The combination shows identity and lawful admission to the U.S. with work permission.
Your employer must review original documents to ensure compliance during the I-9 verification process.
Document Expiration and Reverification Requirements
What identification is necessary for employment verification using the I-9 form? Employers must examine documents that establish both identity and employment authorization. Expired documents generally cannot be used unless specifically allowed by the Department of Homeland Security.
When is reverification required for employment eligibility? Reverification is necessary when an employee's work authorization document expires. You must reverify using acceptable documents before the expiration date to maintain lawful employment status.
Photocopies and Document Authenticity
Employment verification through the I-9 form requires specific identification documents to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. Acceptable documents include passports, driver's licenses, Social Security cards, and employer-issued ID cards.
Photocopies of these documents are generally not acceptable for the I-9 form, as original documents must be physically examined by the employer. The authenticity of identification is crucial to prevent fraud and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Employer Responsibilities and Compliance
Employment verification requires employers to review acceptable identification documents for the I-9 form to confirm an employee's eligibility. Your role is to ensure compliance with federal regulations by accurately completing and retaining the I-9 form.
- Document Review - Employers must examine original identification documents from the I-9 list to verify identity and work authorization.
- Retention of Forms - The I-9 form must be retained for a specified period after employment termination in compliance with ICE guidelines.
- Non-Discrimination - Employers must apply verification procedures consistently to all employees to avoid discriminatory practices.
What Identification is Necessary for Employment Verification (I-9 Form)? Infographic
