Recognizing Valid Identification Documents

How to recognize valid identification documents for Form I-9

Sometimes a new hire will present a valid document that just doesn’t look like anything you’ve seen before. Because you are prohibited by law from rejecting any valid ID from the list of acceptable documents (found in the last page of the Form I-9 instructions), you can minimize potential liability by familiarizing yourself with the various documents that a new hire may present.

I-9 Central, the USCIS’ online guide to everything related to Form I-9, now includes a description of common documents.

The “Who is Issued This Document?” page at I-9 Central will help you determine if your new hire has correctly reported his/her citizenship status.

Additional Guidance

You may not tell new hires which ID documents they must provide except that they must be on the list of acceptable documents.

  • In addition, documents from List B must bear a photograph if you participate in E-Verify;

You may not require the new hire to provide different documents when a valid document(s) from the list of acceptable documents has been presented.

  • You can reject a document that is 1) not on the list of acceptable documents; 2) if a List B document, without a photo; 3) a reasonably obvious fraudulent document; 4) not related to the new hire; or 5) an expired document. (Note: There are limited circumstances where an expired List A document can be valid.)

You may not accept and record more or less documentation than the minimum that is required to complete Form I-9.

  • You should accept one document from List A or a combination of one from List B and one from List C, and no more! Requiring or accepting more documentation is “overdocumentation,” a serious Form I-9 error. Failing to require enough documentation is also a serious error that will result in an invalid Form I-9.

If you have additional questions about completing Form I-9, we strongly encourage you to consult the Handbook for Employers: Guidance for Completing Form I-9 (M-274) or I-9 Central.

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