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.
Two things worth knowing. A U.S. citizen never needs reverifying, because citizenship does not expire, so an employer asking you to redo Form I-9 when your driver’s licence runs out has misread the rule. And your employer has 3 business days from your start date to complete Section 2, which is why they will chase you for documents in your first week.
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.