Exploring Acceptable ID Forms for i9 Compliance- A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the acceptable forms of ID for completing Form I-9 is crucial for employers in the United States. The Form I-9 is a mandatory document that employers must complete for each employee to verify their identity and employment authorization. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on the various types of identification documents that are considered acceptable under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines.

The first acceptable form of ID on the list is a U.S. Passport. This is one of the most common and straightforward forms of identification that employees can provide. A valid U.S. Passport serves as proof of both identity and employment authorization.

Another acceptable form of ID is a driver’s license issued by any state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or a territory of the United States. The driver’s license must be current and contain a photograph of the employee. Additionally, it must indicate the employee’s full name, date of birth, and the expiration date.

Employers can also accept a state-issued identification card that contains a photograph of the employee, full name, date of birth, and the expiration date. This card must be issued by the state of issuance and must be current.

A U.S. military identification card is another acceptable form of ID. This card must be current and must contain a photograph of the employee, full name, and the employee’s military status. Active-duty military members, dependents, and reserve members are all eligible to use this form of ID.

Employers may also accept a permanent resident card, commonly known as a “green card,” as a valid form of ID. This card must be current and must contain a photograph of the employee, alien registration number, and expiration date.

A foreign passport with a temporary I-551 stamp or an I-551 receipt is also considered an acceptable form of ID. This document must be current and must contain a photograph of the employee, full name, and the expiration date.

Additionally, employers can accept a government-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. passport card, a permanent resident card, or an employment authorization document (EAD). These documents must be current and must contain a photograph of the employee, full name, and the expiration date.

It is important for employers to be aware of the specific requirements for each form of ID and to ensure that the documents presented by employees are valid and unexpired. Failure to comply with the Form I-9 requirements can result in penalties and fines from the USCIS.

In conclusion, understanding the acceptable forms of ID for completing Form I-9 is essential for employers to ensure compliance with USCIS regulations. By familiarizing themselves with the various types of identification documents that are considered acceptable, employers can effectively verify the identity and employment authorization of their employees.