Form I-9 Documents: Which Records Prove You Can Work in the U.S.
Form I-9 documents are the records a new employee presents to their employer to show identity and authorization to work in the United States. USCIS groups acceptable documents into three lists, and the employee chooses which ones to present.
What vital record do you need?
Choose your certificate to start your order.
The three lists
- List A proves both identity and work authorization. Examples include a U.S. passport and a Permanent Resident Card. An employee who shows a List A document should not be asked for any other.
- List B proves identity only. Examples include a driver's license, a state ID card, a school ID with a photo and a U.S. military ID.
- List C proves work authorization only. Examples include a Social Security card, a birth certificate and a U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197).
An employee presents either one List A document, or one List B document together with one List C document. A driver's license plus a Social Security card is one valid pair.
Rules for birth certificates and Social Security cards
USCIS says an acceptable birth certificate is an original or certified copy issued by a state, county or municipal authority, or outlying possession of the U.S., bearing an official seal. A Puerto Rico birth certificate must have been issued on or after July 1, 2010. Certain State Department certificates of birth abroad, forms FS-240, DS-1350 and F-545, also count.
A Social Security card must be unrestricted. Cards with restrictive wording are not acceptable. Laminated cards are allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer tell me which documents to show?
No. USCIS says the employee decides which acceptable documents to present.
Is a hospital souvenir birth certificate acceptable?
No. USCIS accepts only an original or certified copy issued by a state, county or municipal authority bearing an official seal.
Do I need a birth certificate if I have a passport?
No. A U.S. passport is a List A document that proves identity and work authorization on its own.
Sources
US Records is a private company and is not a government agency. Government agencies issue certified records; we help you order them.
Written By
US Records TeamThe US Records Team writes and reviews guides on birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates, using state statutes, agency instructions and court records as sources.
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