Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification

Form I-9 records that a new employee's identity and authorization to work were checked: the employee completes and signs Section 1 no later than the first day of work. The employer examines the employee's documents and completes and signs Section 2 within three business days after that first day, and the USCIS rules for electronic Forms I-9 in 8 CFR 274a.2 apply when it is signed electronically.

Steps

1. Download the current Form I-9 (edition 01/20/25) from the USCIS page.
2. Choose who fills each one: the new employee fills and signs Section 1, and you fill and sign Section 2.
3. Send it to the new employee with the form's Lists of Acceptable Documents.

Source

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Print it and sign it in ink.

Steps

1. Download the current Form I-9 from USCIS.
2. The employee completes and signs Section 1 by the first day of work.
3. The employer examines the documents and completes Section 2 within three business days.
4. Keep the form on file for the retention period.

What the law asks for

E-signature

Only in some casesUSCIS accepts an electronic Form I-9 only from a system that meets 8 CFR 274a.2. Otherwise the form is signed by hand.

Witnesses

None

Notary

Not needed

Remote signing

Not available

Registration

Not needed

Stamp duty

Not needed

Sources

• USCIS Form I-9
• 8 CFR 274a.2

Checked October 25, 2026 against these sources.