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What Documents Can You Use to Verify I-9 Eligibility?

For Form I-9, choose one acceptable List A document or one List B document and one List C document. Your employer cannot dictate your choice.
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You can verify Form I-9 eligibility with either one acceptable List A document or one List B document plus one List C document. List A establishes identity and employment authorization; List B establishes identity; List C establishes employment authorization. You choose which acceptable documents to present—your employer cannot require a particular document.

What documents can I use for Form I-9?

The current USCIS Form I-9 contains the complete Lists of Acceptable Documents, including qualifying combinations and conditions. These examples can help you recognize common options, but they are not a complete checklist.

Document route What it establishes How many documents Common examples
List A Identity and employment authorization One acceptable document, or a specified combination U.S. passport or passport card; Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551); Employment Authorization Document with photograph (Form I-766)
List B plus List C List B establishes identity; List C establishes employment authorization Two documents: one from each list State driver’s license or ID card (List B) plus an unrestricted Social Security card or qualifying U.S. birth certificate (List C)

Other examples include government-issued identification, a school ID with a photograph, a voter registration card, or a U.S. military ID on List B. List C examples include specified Department of State birth certifications, certain Native American tribal documents, and certain DHS-issued employment authorization documents. Each item must meet the form’s conditions; for instance, not every Social Security card or birth certificate qualifies.

Can I use my driver’s license and Social Security card?

Often, yes: a qualifying state driver’s license can serve as List B identity evidence, and an unrestricted Social Security card can serve as List C employment-authorization evidence. The Social Security card cannot have a restriction stating that it is not valid for employment, or that it is valid for work only with DHS authorization. Check the current form for the exact criteria and for any limitations that apply to your documents.

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#1 Best Overall
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Item# TF1025
  • Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
  • Printed on recycled paper
  • Comes in packages of 100
  • Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)

Does my employer get to choose which documents I show?

No. You choose from the acceptable options. USCIS’s Instructions for Form I-9 say: “You cannot specify which documentation an employee may present from these Lists of Acceptable Documents.” An employer may not insist that you show a passport, driver’s license, or any other particular document. If you present acceptable List A documentation, the employer cannot ask you for extra documents.

Do I need a passport for I-9?

No. A U.S. passport is one possible List A choice, not a requirement. You can instead present another acceptable List A document or choose the List B plus List C route. Your employer must let you select among the acceptable documents.

Rank #2
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Item# TF1025
  • Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
  • Printed on recycled paper
  • Comes in packages of 100
  • Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)

What conditions must the documents meet?

  • Expiration: Documents with expiration dates generally must be unexpired. An extension granted by the issuing authority may count; check the relevant USCIS guidance for the document and any applicable extension.
  • Originals and copies: The employer generally examines acceptable original documents. USCIS states: “Photocopies, except for certified copies of birth certificates, are not acceptable for Form I-9.” A birth certificate must meet the form’s requirements, including being an original or certified copy from an appropriate U.S. authority and bearing an official seal.
  • Genuineness and relation to you: The document must reasonably appear genuine and related to the person presenting it. If it does not, the employer must give you the opportunity to present other acceptable documents.
  • Receipts and exceptions: Receipt rules and automatic extensions apply only in specified circumstances. Do not assume that any receipt or expired document is acceptable; consult the current Form I-9 instructions and USCIS guidance.

When are the documents reviewed?

Your employer or authorized representative generally completes Section 2 within three business days after your first day of work. If you will work for fewer than three business days, Section 2 must be completed no later than your first day. The reviewer generally examines the original acceptable documents, unless an authorized DHS alternative procedure applies.

Which Form I-9 edition should you check?

Form editions and document rules can change, so use USCIS’s Forms Updates page to check before relying on a saved or printed copy. USCIS says employers should use the Form I-9 version with a May 31, 2027 expiration date starting August 1, 2026. The agency’s form search result identifies Form I-9 Edition 01/20/25; verify the applicable edition and current instructions on USCIS because the stated transition date has passed.

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Rank #3
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Item# TF1025
  • Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
  • Printed on recycled paper
  • Comes in packages of 100
  • Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)
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What if your immigration category has a special document rule?

Some categories have additional acceptable evidence under specific conditions. For example, USCIS describes certain L-2 dependent spouses as employment-authorized based on status and accepts qualifying Form I-94 records as List C evidence in specified circumstances. An I-94 is not automatically sufficient for everyone. Check the relevant current guidance in the USCIS M-274 Handbook for Employers for your category and record.

Quick Recap

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I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
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Item# TF1025; Size: 8 1/2" x 11"; Printed on recycled paper; Comes in packages of 100; Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)
$146.49
Bestseller No. 2
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
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Item# TF1025; Size: 8 1/2" x 11"; Printed on recycled paper; Comes in packages of 100; Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)
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Bestseller No. 3
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
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Item# TF1025; Size: 8 1/2" x 11"; Printed on recycled paper; Comes in packages of 100; Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)
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Bestseller No. 4
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
Item# TF1025; Size: 8 1/2" x 11"; Printed on recycled paper; Comes in packages of 100; Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)
$552.49
Bestseller No. 5
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
Item# TF1025; Size: 8 1/2" x 11"; Printed on recycled paper; Comes in packages of 100; Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)
$958.49
Best Value
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Item# TF1025
  • Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
  • Printed on recycled paper
  • Comes in packages of 100
  • Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)
Rank #4
I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Item# TF1025
  • Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
  • Printed on recycled paper
  • Comes in packages of 100
  • Min. Order: 100 I-9's (1 package)

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