Can a Passport Card Be Used for Form I-9? A Complete Guide

Employers in the United States are required to verify an employee’s identity and work authorization by completing Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). One common question among employees and employers is:

Can a passport card be used for Form I-9?

The short answer is YES! A U.S. passport card is an acceptable List A document for Form I-9. However, there are specific rules and conditions you need to understand to ensure compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What Form I-9 is and why it’s important
What a passport card is and how it differs from a passport book
How a passport card is used in Form I-9 verification
Alternative documents for I-9 verification
Common mistakes to avoid when completing Form I-9

Let’s break it down step by step!

What Is Form I-9 and Why Is It Important?

Form I-9 is a mandatory employment verification document used by all U.S. employers to confirm that an individual is legally authorized to work in the United States.

Required for all new hires (citizens and non-citizens).
Ensures compliance with U.S. immigration and labor laws.
Employers must retain I-9 records for three years after hiring or one year after termination (whichever is later).
Failing to properly complete Form I-9 can result in fines and legal penalties.

Key takeaway: Every employee must provide acceptable identification and work authorization documents when completing Form I-9.

What Is the U.S. Passport Card?

A U.S. passport card is a federally issued travel document that serves as proof of citizenship and identity. It is a wallet-sized alternative to a traditional passport book.

Key Features of a Passport Card:

Issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Valid for domestic travel and entry into Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda (but NOT for international air travel).
Smaller and more convenient than a passport book.
Includes a secure RFID chip for identity verification.

Key takeaway: A passport card proves both identity and U.S. citizenship, making it an acceptable document for Form I-9.

Can a Passport Card Be Used for Form I-9?

Yes! A U.S. passport card is an acceptable List A document for Form I-9.

What is a List A document?

Form I-9 requires employees to provide:
One document from List A (identity & work authorization) OR
One document from List B (identity) + One from List C (work authorization).
A U.S. passport card qualifies as a List A document, meaning it establishes both identity and employment authorization.

USCIS Guidelines: List A Documents (I-9 Form)

Acceptable List A Document	Can It Be Used for Form I-9?
U.S. Passport Book	Yes
U.S. Passport Card	Yes
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)	Yes
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)	Yes

Key takeaway: If an employee presents a valid U.S. passport card, no additional documents are needed for Form I-9 verification.

How to Use a Passport Card for I-9 Verification

Step-by-Step Process for Employers

Step 1: Employee completes Section 1 of Form I-9.
Step 2: Employer examines the passport card to ensure it is valid and not expired.
Step 3: Employer fills out Section 2, recording the document title as “U.S. Passport Card” and entering:

Issuing authority: U.S. Department of State
Document number (found on the passport card)

Expiration date
Step 4: Employer signs and dates Form I-9.

Important:

A photocopy of the passport card is NOT required (but employers may keep copies for record-keeping purposes).
Employers CANNOT request additional documents if a valid passport card is presented.

Key takeaway: A passport card alone is enough to satisfy I-9 requirements—no need for extra documentation!

What Other Documents Can Be Used for Form I-9?

If an employee does not have a passport card, they can provide other acceptable documents from List A, B, or C.

Alternative Documents for Form I-9 Verification

List A (Identity & Work Authorization)	List B (Identity Only)	List C (Work Authorization Only)
U.S. Passport (book or card)	Driver’s license	U.S. Social Security card
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)	State ID card	U.S. birth certificate
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)	Military ID	Certificate of Citizenship

Key takeaway: If an employee doesn’t have a passport card, they can use one document from List B + one from List C instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Passport Card for I-9

Using an Expired Passport Card
Always check that the passport card is valid and not expired.
Requesting Additional Documents
Employers CANNOT ask for extra documents if a valid passport card is provided—it is sufficient on its own.
Forgetting to Record the Document Number
Employers must correctly enter the passport card number in Section 2 of Form I-9.
Failing to Complete Form I-9 on Time
Form I-9 must be completed within three business days of an employee’s start date.

Key takeaway: Avoid these mistakes to ensure compliance with USCIS regulations and prevent potential fines.

Conclusion

Yes! A U.S. passport card is a valid and convenient List A document for Form I-9 verification.
It proves both identity and work authorization, so no other documents are needed.
Employers must accept it if presented by an employee—no extra documents can be requested.

Need to complete Form I-9? If you have a valid U.S. passport card, you’re all set!

FAQs

1. Can a passport card replace a passport book for I-9 verification?

Yes. A U.S. passport card and a U.S. passport book are both List A documents for Form I-9.

2. Do I need to provide additional documents if I use a passport card?

No. A valid U.S. passport card alone is sufficient for Form I-9 verification.

3. Can employers refuse to accept a passport card for I-9?

No. Employers must accept a valid passport card if presented—it’s illegal to request additional documents.

4. Is a passport card valid for non-U.S. citizens on Form I-9?

No. Only U.S. citizens can have a passport card. Non-citizens must use other documents, such as a Green Card or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).