Which federal document must every U.S. employer complete to verify a new employee's identity and authorization to work?
Explanation
8 U.S.C. §1324a(b) requires every U.S. employer, of any size, to complete Form I-9 for each new hire - the employee attests to authorization in Section 1 by the first day of work, and the employer examines acceptable documents and completes Section 2 by the third business day after work for pay begins. (d) is completed for the same new hire in the same week but reports the hire to the state for child-support enforcement, not work authorization. (c) is not a hiring document at all; a 1099-NEC goes to someone who is not an employee, and issuing one is no substitute for the I-9 where the worker is in fact an employee. (a) is the contractor's own license, unconnected to any employee.
Law Reference: 8 U.S.C. §1324a(b); 8 C.F.R. §274a.2; Form I-9This topic, taught in full in the CSLB Law & Business guide. CSLB Law & Business — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $24.99 · 14-day refund →
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