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Section 1 — Employee Information

On or before first day of employment

Employee completes and signs Section 1

Employee provides full legal name, address, date of birth, and attests to citizenship/immigration status.

Section 1 completion date is on or before first day of work

If applicable, preparer/translator completes Supplement A

Required only if someone other than the employee helped complete Section 1.

SSN field completed (if required by employer for E-Verify)

SSN is voluntary unless the employer uses E-Verify, in which case it is required.

Section 2 — Employer Review & Verification

Within 3 business days of first day of employment

Employee presents acceptable documents

Must be from List A (identity + employment authorization) OR one from List B (identity) + one from List C (employment authorization).

Documents are originals (not photocopies) and appear genuine

Employer must physically examine original documents. Cannot accept photocopies, except for certified birth certificate copies.

Documents appear to relate to the employee presenting them

Document title, issuing authority, number, and expiration date recorded

Authorized employer representative signs and dates Section 2

Employee's first day of employment recorded

Section 2 completed within 3 business days of employee's start date

Exception: if employment lasts less than 3 days, Section 2 must be completed on the first day.

Acceptable Documents Quick Reference

Reference only — do not over-request documents

List A documents: U.S. Passport, Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document, etc.

One List A document establishes both identity and employment authorization. Do NOT request more documents than required.

List B documents: Driver's license, State ID, School ID with photo, etc.

Establishes identity only. Must be combined with a List C document.

List C documents: Social Security card (unrestricted), birth certificate, etc.

Establishes employment authorization only. Must be combined with a List B document.

Employee chooses which documents to present — employer cannot specify

Requiring specific documents or more documents than the minimum may constitute unfair documentary practices (discrimination).

Section 3 — Reverification & Rehires

On or before expiration date / rehire date

Reverify before employment authorization expiration date

Do NOT reverify U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or unexpired List A documents. Only reverify expiring employment authorization.

For rehires within 3 years, complete Section 3 or new I-9

If receipt was used, actual document presented within 90 days

Employees may present a receipt for a replacement document, but the actual document must follow within 90 days.

Record Retention

Ongoing obligation

Retain I-9 for 3 years after hire date OR 1 year after termination — whichever is later

I-9s available for inspection within 3 business days if requested by DHS, DOL, or DOJ

I-9s stored securely (paper, electronic, or microfilm/microfiche)

I-9 Compliance Checklist