What documents can I use to prove I can work in the US?
Form I-9 sorts acceptable documents into three lists, and you can satisfy the form with either one List A document or one from List B plus one from List C. A US passport is an example of a List A document that proves identity and work authorization at the same time.
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How the three lists work
USCIS organizes Form I-9 documents into List A, which establishes both identity and employment authorization, List B, which establishes identity only, and List C, which establishes employment authorization only.
- List A: a US passport or passport card
- List B: a driver license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession
- List C: a US Social Security card
Why employers ask for this
Form I-9 exists to verify the identity and employment authorization of anyone hired for work in the United States, so an employer will ask you to present documents from these lists before your first day of paid work.
Keeping the originals of whichever documents you plan to use in good condition, rather than scrambling to find them once an offer comes through, can save time once you reach that step.
Picking a combination that works for you
If you do not have a passport handy, a List B and List C combination, such as a driver license paired with a Social Security card, works just as well for Form I-9 purposes.
More questions
Can one document ever be enough?
Yes, a single List A document, like a US passport, can establish both identity and employment authorization on its own.
What if I only have a driver license?
A driver license is a List B document, so you would also need to present a List C document, such as a Social Security card.
Does every new hire go through this document check?
Yes, every employer must verify identity and employment authorization for every person they hire for work in the United States.
Is a passport card treated the same as a passport book?
Yes, both a US passport and a US passport card are examples of a List A document.
Sources
- Form I-9 Acceptable Documents, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Checked against these sources on November 6, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the source before you rely on a detail. This page is general information, not legal advice.