I-9 Documents for U.S. Citizens
Which acceptable documents work — and your right to choose them. General info, not legal advice.
A U.S. Passport or Passport Card (List A) is the simplest option — one document covers both identity and work authorization.
How I-9 documents work
To complete Form I-9 you show your employer either one document from List A (which proves both who you are and that you’re authorized to work) or one document from List B (identity) plus one from List C (work authorization). You never need all three — it’s List A, or List B + List C. See the full lists of acceptable documents.
Documents you’ll commonly use
If you don’t have a passport, use a List B + List C combination instead: a state driver’s license or ID card (List B) plus a Social Security card or a certified U.S. birth certificate (List C). You get to choose — you’re not required to produce a passport.
You choose which documents to show — not your employer
This matters: you decide which acceptable documents to present. An employer cannot require a specific document, reject a valid one, or ask for more than the I-9 requires — doing so is illegal “document abuse.” The documents described here are common examples for your situation, not a required list.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules depend on your individual circumstances — check USCIS I-9 Central or a qualified immigration attorney for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Either a U.S. passport or passport card (List A) on its own, or a List B identity document (like a driver’s license) plus a List C document (like a Social Security card or U.S. birth certificate). You pick which.
No. A passport is convenient because it’s a single List A document, but you can choose a driver’s license plus a Social Security card or birth certificate instead. Your employer can’t demand a passport specifically.