Form I-9 — Employment Eligibility Verification
The federal work-authorization form. Download the current edition here. Note: completing an I-9 is not a notarial act — a notary can only act as the employer's authorized representative.
What it is
Form I-9 verifies an employee's identity and authorization to work in the U.S. The employee completes Section 1; the employer (or its authorized representative) inspects documents and completes Section 2.
Who needs it
Every U.S. employer and employee. Remote hires sometimes ask a notary to complete Section 2 as the employer's authorized representative.
Download the form
How it works
- 1Download the current-edition I-9 and instructions below — expired editions are not accepted.
- 2The employee completes Section 1 by their first day of work.
- 3An authorized representative inspects the employee's documents and completes Section 2 within three business days of the start date.
Common questions
Can a notary notarize an I-9?
No — there is no notarial act on an I-9. A notary may complete Section 2 only as the employer's authorized representative, inspecting documents and signing as the employer's agent, without applying a notarial seal. Some states, including California, restrict who may do this.
These are blank, publicly-available documents provided for your convenience. SignSealShip is a technology platform, not a law firm, and does not choose, complete, or review forms for you or give legal advice. You are responsible for selecting and completing the correct form for your situation and for confirming the receiving agency, court, or institution accepts it. If you are unsure which form you need or how to fill it out, consult a licensed attorney.
Completing Form I-9 is not a notarial act. A notary who completes Section 2 does so only as the employer's authorized representative and applies no notarial seal. Some states (including California) restrict who may do this. Confirm your employer's instructions and your state's rules before proceeding.
Blank form published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Confirm the current version at the official source.