The Two Most Common Forms of ID Employers Ask For

When you start a new job, your employer will ask you to bring identification to verify who you are and that you have the legal right to work. The two forms most employers accept are a state-issued driver's license and a Social Security card. Your driver's license serves as photo identification and proof of your identity, while your Social Security card proves your Social Security number, which your employer needs for tax withholding and wage reporting.

These two documents together satisfy the federal requirement called Form I-9 verification, which every employer in the United States must complete for new hires. You do not need both documents to be from the same state, and you do not need them to be brand new — as long as they are not expired and clearly show your name and number, they will work.

Key Takeaways

  • A state driver's license or ID card counts as your photo identification document for employment verification.
  • Your Social Security card provides the number your employer needs for payroll and tax purposes.
  • Both documents must be unexpired and clearly readable, but they do not have to match in name spelling or be issued recently.
  • If you do not have a driver's license, a state ID card, passport, or tribal ID will work as your photo document instead.
  • Your employer will photocopy or scan these documents as part of the I-9 form they are required to keep on file.

What Your Driver's License or State ID Does

Your state-issued driver's license or ID card is your photo identification. It proves your name, date of birth, and that you are who you say you are. The employer needs this because the I-9 form requires at least one document with a photograph. A driver's license is the most common choice because most people already have one, but a state ID card (issued by your DMV even if you do not drive) works just as well.

The license or ID must not be expired. If yours expired, you can still use it during the grace period some states allow, but check your state's rules first — it is easier to renew before your first day. The name on your license should match the name you gave on your job process and the I-9 form, though minor spelling differences are usually acceptable if you can explain them.

What Your Social Security Card Does

Your Social Security card shows your nine-digit Social Security number. Your employer needs this number to set up your payroll account, file your W-2 at the end of the year, and report your wages to the IRS. Without it, your employer cannot legally pay you or process your taxes.

Your Social Security card does not have a photo and does not expire, so an old card is fine. The card must be readable — if the number is faded or torn, you may need to request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before your start date. Like your driver's license, the name on the card should match your job process, though the SSA can issue a replacement card with a corrected name if you have changed it legally.

What Happens If You Do Not Have a Driver's License

If you do not have a driver's license, you can bring a different photo ID instead. A U.S. passport, passport card, state ID card, tribal ID, or military ID all count as acceptable photo identification for I-9 purposes. The document must show your photograph, your name, and an expiration date (or issue date if no expiration date appears). You still need your Social Security card as your second document.

If you are not yet a U.S. citizen, you may have a work permit (Employment Authorization Document, or EAD) that counts as both photo ID and work authorization proof. Bring that along with your Social Security card or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card if you have one. Your employer will know which documents work for your situation.

What Happens If You Do Not Have a Social Security Card

If you have never been issued a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can start work. You can explore at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. The process takes about two weeks, though you can sometimes get a temporary number to begin work while you wait for your official card to arrive.

If you have a Social Security number but lost your card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. This also takes about two weeks. In the meantime, tell your employer you have applied for a replacement — many will let you start work with a receipt showing you requested a new card, though this varies by company. Bring your receipt and your photo ID on your first day.

What Your Employer Does With These Documents

Your employer will photocopy or scan both your driver's license and Social Security card and attach the copies to your I-9 form. This form is a federal requirement that proves you verified your identity and your right to work in the United States. Your employer keeps this form in your personnel file for at least three years, and it is subject to inspection by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Department of Labor.

Your employer will not send these documents anywhere — they stay in your file at your workplace. You will not receive them back, so bring originals, not copies. If you need copies for your own records, ask your employer to make them for you after they have made their own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring expired documents. Even if your license expired last month, your employer cannot accept it for I-9 purposes. Renew it before your start date if you can, or bring a different form of photo ID that is still valid.

Do not assume your documents have to match perfectly. Your driver's license might say "Robert" while your Social Security card says "Bob," or your last name might be spelled differently on each. As long as you are clearly the same person and you can explain any differences, your employer will accept them. Write a note on the I-9 form if needed.

Do not bring documents you think might work without asking first. Call your new employer's HR department a few days before your start date and confirm what documents they need. This prevents you from showing up unprepared and delays your onboarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a driver's license?

Yes. A U.S. passport or passport card counts as acceptable photo identification for I-9 purposes. You still need your Social Security card as your second document. A passport actually serves as both photo ID and proof of citizenship, so some employers prefer it.

What if my name has changed since I got my Social Security card?

Bring both your old Social Security card and a document proving your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Your employer will note this on the I-9 form. You can request a new Social Security card with your updated name from the Social Security Administration, but you do not have to wait for it to start work.

Do I need to bring originals or can I bring copies?

You must bring the original documents. Your employer needs to see them in person to verify they are real and to photocopy or scan them for your file. Copies are not acceptable because the employer cannot verify their authenticity.

What if I do not have either document yet?

Contact your employer's HR department when ready and explain your situation. You can explore for a Social Security number and a state ID card at the same time. Most employers will work with you on timing, but do not wait until your first day to tell them — the sooner they know, the sooner you can figure out a solution together.

Will my employer share my Social Security number with anyone?

Your employer will use your Social Security number only for payroll, tax reporting, and background checks required for the job. They are required by law to keep it find. They will not share it with outside companies unless you authorize it or the law requires it, such as for wage garnishment or child support enforcement.