Landing a remote job is exciting—but don't let the I-9 form catch you off guard. Here's everything you need to know about completing your employment eligibility verification when you're working from home.
Congratulations on your new remote position! Whether you're starting with a tech startup, joining a fully distributed team, or working for a traditional company that's embraced work-from-home policies, there's one federal requirement you can't skip: Form I-9 verification.
The challenge? The I-9 process requires in-person document inspection—even if you'll never set foot in a physical office. Let's break down exactly what you need to know and how to get it done without the headache.
Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) is a federal requirement for all U.S. employers. It verifies that you're legally authorized to work in the United States.
The form has three sections:
Here's where it gets tricky for remote workers: Section 2 requires physical, in-person document inspection. This means someone needs to actually see and examine your original documents—not photos, not scans, not video calls with you holding up your driver's license.
And it must happen within 3 business days of your first day of work.
Employers who fail to complete Section 2 within 3 business days face serious fines from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation. Don't put your new employer at risk!
So how do you handle this when you're working remotely? You have three main options:
If your employer has a physical location within reasonable distance, you could make a trip to complete the verification in person. However, this defeats the purpose of remote work and may not be practical if you live across the country (or the world) from headquarters.
Some employers might suggest visiting a local notary. However, not all notaries are authorized to complete I-9 forms. Notary services typically involve witnessing signatures and administering oaths—not verifying employment eligibility documents.
The easiest and most compliant solution: hire a professional Authorized Representative to complete Section 2 on behalf of your employer. This is exactly what mobile I-9 verification services like American Notary Services provide.
For Section 2 verification, you'll need to present original, unexpired documents—no photocopies or digital versions. You can choose from three lists:
Documents that prove both identity AND employment authorization:
✓ ONE document from List A is enough
Documents that prove identity only:
+ Must combine with List C
Documents that prove employment authorization only:
+ Must combine with List B
If you're a U.S. citizen without a passport, you'll typically present:
Here's what to expect when you use a professional I-9 verification service:
Your employer (or HR department) reaches out to a mobile I-9 service like American Notary Services. They'll provide your contact information and arrange payment. Some employers pay directly; others may reimburse you or split the cost.
We'll contact you to schedule a convenient time and location. This could be your home, a nearby coffee shop, library, or anywhere that works for you. We offer same-day appointments to meet tight deadlines.
Our authorized representative arrives at the agreed location. You'll present your original documents (from List A, or a combination of List B + C). We physically inspect them to verify they're genuine, unexpired, and match your identity.
We complete Section 2 of your I-9 form, recording the document information and certifying that we've examined your originals. The entire process typically takes 10-15 minutes.
We send the completed I-9 form (Section 2) back to your employer via secure email or their preferred method. Your employer files it properly, and you're good to go—fully compliant and ready to start working!
10-15 Minutes
Quick, simple, painless
$75 + travel fee
Travel fee: Mileage-based only: $0.60 per mile (round trip)
Don't wait until day 2 or 3. Schedule your I-9 appointment as soon as you receive your offer letter or on your first day of work. This gives you a buffer in case of scheduling conflicts.
Before your start date, verify that all your identification documents are current and unexpired. If anything is about to expire, renew it now—don't risk delays!
Locate your physical documents ahead of time. No photocopies, no digital scans—only the original, physical documents will work. Know which combination you'll present (List A, or List B + C).
Ask your employer how they prefer to handle I-9 verification for remote workers. Do they have a preferred service? Will they pay directly? Clear communication prevents confusion.
You can meet the authorized representative anywhere—your home, a coffee shop, a library. Pick somewhere comfortable and convenient where you can complete the process without stress.
Your employer should provide you with the I-9 form and instructions to complete Section 1 on or before your first day. Make sure it's done before the representative arrives for Section 2.
Our team is trained in proper I-9 procedures and federal employment eligibility requirements. We stay up-to-date on USCIS regulations to ensure your form is completed correctly the first time.
We come to you—whether you're in Utah County, Salt Lake County, or need a referral to a trusted partner in another state. No need to travel or take time away from your new job.
Cutting it close on the 3-day deadline? We offer same-day and next-day appointments to ensure you stay compliant. Evening and weekend availability too.
No hidden fees or surprises. Our pricing is straightforward: $75 for I-9 verification plus travel fee. Travel fee is mileage-based only: $0.60 per mile (round trip). We work with both individuals and employers.
Professional I-9 verification at your location
Starting a new remote job should be exciting—not stressful. While the I-9 requirement might seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, it doesn't have to be complicated. With the right preparation and a reliable mobile verification service, you can complete your employment eligibility verification quickly, compliantly, and conveniently.
The key takeaways:
Section 2 requires in-person document inspection—no digital workarounds
You have 3 business days from your first day of work to complete it
Mobile I-9 services are the easiest solution for remote workers
Prepare your original documents ahead of time (List A, or List B + C)
Whether you're joining a startup, transitioning to a fully remote role, or relocating for a new opportunity, American Notary Services is here to make your I-9 verification seamless. Focus on crushing it in your new position—we'll handle the paperwork.
Let American Notary Services handle your I-9 verification so you can focus on your new role.
Continue learning about notary services and document verification
Learn more about our professional I-9 employment eligibility verification services for remote employees and employers.
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