What Is the I-9 Document Number on a Driver’s License

The I-9 form is used to verify a new employee’s identity and work authorization in the United States. There is often confusion about whether a driver’s license contains an “I-9 document number.” In practice, there is no separate I-9 identifier on a license. Instead, when completing Form I-9, employees may use a driver’s license as a List B document, and the license’s details fill specific fields on the form. This article explains how the I-9 process works, what to enter for the license, and common questions related to I-9 document numbers.

How Form I-9 Works

Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, requires employers to verify an employee’s identity and work authorization within three days of hire. The form is divided into three sections: employee information and attestation, a review and verification by the employer, and the re-verification process for current employees. The core idea is to combine documents from List A or a combination of List B and List C that establish identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. The form does not assign a unique “I-9 document number” to each document; instead, it records document details as they appear on the documents presented.

List A, List B, And List C Documents

To fulfill I-9 requirements, employees present either:

• List A documents that establish both identity and work authorization (for example, a US passport or a permanent resident card), or
• One List B document to establish identity and one List C document to establish work authorization (for example, a driver’s license for List B plus a Social Security card for List C).

When a List B item such as a driver’s license is used, employers must record specific information from the document on the I-9 form. This information typically includes:

• Document title (for List B, e.g., Driver’s License)
• Issuing authority (the state or organization that issued the license)
• Document number (the license number)
• Expiration date of the document (if present)

It is important to note that the I-9 form does not require a separate or unique “I-9 document number.” The document number you enter for a List B document is simply the license number shown on the driver’s license itself.

Where To Find The License Number On A Driver’s License

Driver’s licenses vary by state, but most contain a few common elements on the front or back, including the license number. The license number is typically a string of digits, letters, or a combination unique to the issuing state. On many licenses, you will see:

• License number labeled as “License No.” or “Document No.”
• A graphic or barcode on the back containing the same number
• Other identifiers such as name, date of birth, and issue/expiration dates

When completing Form I-9’s List B section for a driver’s license, the employee should copy the exact license number as it appears on the card, ensuring there are no extra spaces or characters. The issuing authority field should reflect the state that issued the license, and the expiration date should match the license’s expiration date.

Examples And Common Scenarios

Example 1: An employee presents a California driver’s license. On the I-9, they would enter:

• Document Title: Driver’s License
• Issuing Authority: California Department of Motor Vehicles
• Document Number: CA1234567 (example)
• Expiration Date: 12/31/2028

Example 2: An employee presents a New York driver’s license. The I-9 fields would reflect:

• Document Title: Driver’s License
• Issuing Authority: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Document Number: NY7654321 (example)
• Expiration Date: 08/15/2027

In both cases, the I-9 “Document Number” is the license number, not an independent I-9 identifier. If a license does not display a clear license number, the employee should use whatever unique alphanumeric identifier is shown on the document, as long as it is the official document number.

Important Considerations For Employers

Employers should:

• Verify that the document presented is on the correct List (List B for identity, List C for work authorization, or List A for both).
• Record the exact document title, issuing authority, document number, and expiration date as shown on the document.
• Be aware that some documents may be temporarily exempt from certain requirements (for example, when using certain IDs under specific programs), and stay updated with USCIS and SSA guidance.
• Not request more or different documents than necessary to establish identity and work authorization, and avoid discrimination or bias in document handling.

Though the phrase “I-9 document number” appears in some discussions, it is a misnomer. The I-9 form requires the document number that is inherent to the presented document (such as the license number on a driver’s license) rather than an independent I-9 identifier.

Common Questions

Is the I-9 document number the same as a driver’s license number? Yes, when a driver’s license is used for List B on Form I-9, the document number field stores the license number exactly as it appears on the card.

Can I use a passport number for List B? No. A passport is a List A document that can cover both identity and work authorization, removing the need for a List B item.

What if the license is not valid for ID purposes in I-9? Some states issue licenses that may not be accepted as List B IDs in certain contexts. Employers should verify the acceptability of the document against current I-9 guidelines and any state-specific rules.

Does an I-9 require my Social Security number? The Social Security number is not required unless the employee is using a document that requires it for USCIS verification. Do not provide a SSN on the I-9 unless requested and legally required.

When in doubt, consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instructions for Form I-9 and the workplace rights and responsibilities guidelines. Employers may also seek guidance from qualified HR professionals to ensure compliance and proper documentation handling.