First-Day Paperwork: The I-9 Document Lists in Plain Words
Starting a new job? One of the first forms you will fill out is the I-9. This page explains, in plain words, which documents to bring — and reminds you that the choice of documents is yours.
General information only — not legal advice.
What the I-9 is
Every new hire in the United States completes Form I-9. It is a standard government form used at the start of a job.
As part of the form, you show documents that prove two things:
1. Who you are.
2. That you are allowed to work in the US.
Your employer must let you complete the I-9 in your first days of work. You do not have to finish it before your first day.
The choice: pick one path
You bring documents in one of these two ways:
The choice is yours.
An employer is not allowed to demand a specific document. If an employer requires one particular document instead of letting you choose from the lists, that is called “document abuse.”
Bring the original documents, and make sure they are unexpired. Photocopies are not accepted.
There is one exception: a certified copy of a US birth certificate is fine.
The three lists
These are examples from each list — the documents people most commonly use. You only need the documents for the one path you picked above.
Proves both — bring ONE, all by itself
A List A document proves who you are and that you are allowed to work in the US.
- US passport or US passport card
- Permanent Resident CardForm I-551 — the “green card”
- Employment Authorization DocumentForm I-766
Proves who you are
A List B document proves your identity. Pair it with one List C document.
- Driver’s license or state photo ID card
- School ID card with a photo
- Voter registration card
Proves you can work
A List C document proves you are allowed to work in the US. Pair it with one List B document.
- Social Security cardOnly if it has no employment restriction printed on it
- Certified copy of a US birth certificate
If you are under 18
A worker under 18 who cannot present a List B document may instead show a school record or report card, or a clinic, doctor, or hospital record.
The night before: a short checklist
- Pick your documents. One from List A — or one from List B plus one from List C.
- Check the expiration date. Your documents must be unexpired.
- Put the originals somewhere safe to carry — a folder or envelope you will not lose on the way in.
- Remember: you never have to buy or order a special document just for this. The lists are built from documents people commonly already have.
General information only — not legal advice.
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — Form I-9 acceptable documents lists.
Checked November 2026.