I-9 GUIDE · NEW HIRES
I-9 Documents: What to Bring to Your I-9 Appointment
Form I-9 asks you to show original documents proving your identity and your authorization to work in the U.S. Here are the three lists of acceptable documents, the combinations that work and the mistakes that cause problems at the appointment.
20+ years of document expertise · Thousands of documents processed · 600+ five-star Google reviews
I-9 GUIDE · NEW HIRES
Ready for your appointment?
We meet you at home or work in Massachusetts.
- One List A document
- Or one List B plus one List C
- Originals only
- Unexpired
The rule in one sentence
Common acceptable documents
These are the documents new hires bring most often. Each list has other options, and some documents have specific conditions, so check the full USCIS list.
List A: identity and work authorization
U.S. passport or passport card. Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766). A foreign passport with Form I-94 or I-94A showing work authorization, in some cases.
List B: identity
Driver's license or ID card issued by a U.S. state or territory. U.S. military card. School ID with a photo. Voter registration card. For new hires under 18, a school record or report card, or a clinic, doctor or hospital record.
List C: work authorization
An unrestricted Social Security card. A certified U.S. birth certificate or birth abstract. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) or Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350 or FS-545). A U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197).
Mistakes that cause problems at the appointment
- Bringing a photocopy or a phone photo. Originals only, except a certified copy of a birth certificate.
- Bringing two List B documents. A driver's license and a school ID are both identity documents. You still need a List C document.
- A restricted Social Security card. Cards marked "Not valid for employment" can't be used.
- An expired ID. Check expiration dates before your appointment.
- A hospital birth record. Souvenir certificates from the hospital aren't official. You need the certified copy issued by the state, county or city.
- Skipping Section 1. Complete Section 1 before your appointment, by your first day of work.
Have your documents ready?
Book your I-9 appointment, and we'll meet you at home or work.
What happens at the appointment
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a List A document?
No. You can bring one List A document, or one List B document plus one List C document. Either combination works, and you choose which.
Can I bring a photocopy or a photo on my phone?
No. Section 2 requires original documents. The one exception is a certified copy of a birth certificate, which counts as an original List C document.
Is my Social Security card acceptable?
An unrestricted Social Security card is a List C document. A card that says "Not valid for employment" or "Valid for work only with DHS authorization" isn't acceptable.
My document is expired. Can I still use it?
Generally, no. Documents must be unexpired, with limited exceptions, such as automatic extensions DHS has announced for certain cards. Ask your employer before your appointment.
Can my employer tell me which documents to bring?
No. Your employer can share the list, but you choose which acceptable documents to present. Asking for specific documents can be discrimination.
What if my name changed?
Bring your current documents. If your documents show different names, bring the document that links them, such as a marriage certificate, and ask your employer how they want it handled.
What can a new hire under 18 use for List B?
If you're under 18 and can't present a List B photo ID, USCIS allows certain records, such as a school record or report card, or a clinic, doctor or hospital record.
Book your I-9 appointment
We meet new hires at home or work anywhere in Massachusetts.