Acceptable I-9 Documents: Lists A, B, C Explained

The USCIS acceptable documents are organized into three lists:

List A: Identity AND Work Authorization (choose one)

These documents prove both who you are and that you're authorized to work. If you have a List A document, you only need to present that single document.

List B: Identity Only (used with List C)

These documents prove identity only and must be paired with a List C document.

List C: Work Authorization Only (used with List B)

These documents prove you can work in the U.S. but do not prove identity. They must be paired with a List B document.

If you have a valid List A document, it is usually the simplest option. If not, the most common combination is a driver's license or state ID plus an unrestricted Social Security card.

Present ONE document from this list:

For U.S. Citizens:

• U.S. Passport (book or card)

  • Most convenient single document
  • Valid for 10 years (adults)
  • Apply at travel.state.gov

• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)

• Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570)

For Permanent Residents:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) (Form I-551)

  • Valid for 10 years
  • Must be renewed before expiration

• Permanent Resident Card with temporary I-551 stamp

For Authorized Non-Citizens:

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (Form I-766)

  • Issued to various visa categories
  • Has work authorization expiration date
  • Valid until date shown on card

• Foreign Passport with Form I-94 showing work-authorized status

• Foreign Passport with Form I-551 stamp (temporary Green Card evidence)

• Foreign Passport with I-94 and endorsement for specific employer

Pro Tip: If you're a U.S. citizen, getting a passport ($165 for adults) gives you the easiest I-9 document. It's also useful for domestic air travel.

Present ONE document from List B PLUS one from List C:

Most Common List B Documents:

• Driver's License (any U.S. state)

  • Most widely used List B document
  • Must have photo and address

• State ID Card (non-driver identification)

  • Available at your state DMV
  • Good option if you don't drive

Other Acceptable List B Documents:

• School ID card with photograph
• Voter registration card
• U.S. Military card or draft record
• Military dependent's ID card
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document
• Native American tribal document
• Canadian driver's license (for Canadian workers)

For Workers Under 18:

• School record or report card
• Clinic, doctor, or hospital record
• Day-care or nursery school record

Key Requirements for List B:

✓ Must contain a photograph ✓ Must contain identifying information (name, address, date of birth) ✓ Must be unexpired (with limited exceptions) ✓ Must appear genuine and relate to you

Present ONE document from List C plus one from List B:

For U.S. citizens:

• Social Security Card (unrestricted)

  • Most common List C document
  • Must not say "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT"
  • Must not say "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION"
  • Must not say "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION"

• Birth Certificate issued by a U.S. state, territory, or possession

  • Original or certified copy with official seal
  • Hospital souvenir certificates are not accepted

• Certification of Birth Abroad (Form FS-545)

• Certification of Report of Birth (Form DS-1350 or FS-240)

Other List C examples:

• Certain DHS-issued work authorization documents listed by USCIS
• Some Forms I-94 in qualifying situations
• Certain citizenship or naturalization documents

Social Security Card Restrictions:

USCIS is clear that cards with those restrictions are not acceptable as List C documents.

Here are the most practical options for most workers:

Option 1: U.S. Passport (Easiest)

• Single document covers everything
• No need to find multiple documents
• Cost: $165 for adult book, $65 for card only
• Processing: 6-8 weeks (or 2-3 weeks expedited)

Option 2: Driver's License + Social Security Card (Most Common)

• Documents most workers already have
• Cost: Usually already obtained
• Make sure SSN card doesn't say "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT"

Option 3: State ID + Birth Certificate

• Good if you don't have Social Security card handy
• State ID: $10-30 at DMV
• Birth certificate: Request from vital records office (~$15-30)

Option 4: Green Card (For Permanent Residents)

• Single document covers everything
• Must be unexpired
• Renewal takes months. Plan ahead

Option 5: EAD Card (For Work Permit Holders)

• Single document if unexpired
• Shows work authorization category
• Start renewal 180 days before expiration

Quick Decision Guide:

These documents are commonly brought but NOT acceptable:

Not Acceptable for I-9:

• ❌ Photocopies or photos of documents
• ❌ Expired documents (with limited exceptions)
• ❌ Social Security cards marked "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT"
• ❌ Hospital-issued birth certificates (souvenirs)
• ❌ Voter registration card (alone. It's List B only)
• ❌ Credit cards or bank cards
• ❌ Insurance cards
• ❌ Utility bills (not an identity document)
• ❌ Foreign documents not on the list (e.g., foreign driver's license, unless Canadian)

Important Reminders:

• All documents must be ORIGINALS
• Documents must be UNEXPIRED (check dates!)
• Documents must reasonably appear genuine
• Documents must relate to you (matching name, photo)

Digital Documents:

Currently, I-9 requires physical document examination. Some states are piloting mobile driver's licenses, but acceptance for I-9 is still limited. Bring physical documents.

Name Change:

If your current legal name differs from your documents:

• Bring proof of name change (marriage certificate, court order)
• Employer notes the discrepancy
• Update your documents when possible

Recent Arrival to U.S.:

If you recently arrived and have work authorization:

• Use passport + Form I-94 with work-authorized status
• Or use EAD if you have one
• See Work Authorization Types

Pending SSN Application:

If you've applied for but not received your SSN:

• Write "Applied for" in the SSN field on Form I-9
• Use other acceptable documents (birth certificate, passport)
• Provide SSN to employer once received
• See Work Without SSN

Receipt Rule:

If your document is lost, stolen, or damaged:

• You can present a receipt showing you've applied for replacement
• You then have 90 days to present the actual replacement document
• This only applies to documents you previously had

Expired Green Card:

Permanent residents with expired Green Cards:

• Apply for renewal immediately (Form I-90)
• Use receipt notice as temporary evidence
• Consider getting passport for easier I-9 completion

Know your rights when presenting I-9 documents:

Employers cannot:

• ❌ Request specific documents (for example, demanding a passport)
• ❌ Reject valid documents that reasonably appear genuine and relate to you
• ❌ Ask for more documents than required
• ❌ Treat you differently based on citizenship, immigration status, or national origin
• ❌ Refuse to let you choose which acceptable documents to present

Employers must:

• ✓ Accept any valid List A document or valid List B + List C combination
• ✓ Examine documents in your physical presence or through an authorized representative process
• ✓ Provide the Lists of Acceptable Documents
• ✓ Complete Section 2 within 3 business days of your start date

USCIS employee-rights guidance says employers may not ask for a specific document like a U.S. passport or Green Card just because of your background.

If you experience discrimination:

Contact the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER):

• Phone: 1-800-255-7688
• Website: justice.gov/crt/ier

Using fraudulent documents or making false statements on Form I-9 can create serious legal problems. Always use genuine documents.