On the I-9 form, the issuing authority refers to the organization or entity that issued the document an employee presents to verify their identity and employment authorization. This is part of the employer’s responsibility when filling out Section 2 of the I-9 form, where they must record the document type, number, and issuing authority, along with the expiration date if applicable.
Examples of Issuing Authorities
- For a U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card: The issuing authority is the U.S. Department of State.
- For a Driver’s License: The issuing authority would be the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the state that issued the driver’s license.
- For a Social Security Card: The issuing authority is the Social Security Administration (SSA).
- For a Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Document: The issuing authority is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Importance of Issuing Authority
Recording the issuing authority accurately on the I-9 form is crucial for verifying the authenticity of the document presented by the employee. This helps employers ensure that the documents are legitimate and conform to legal standards for employment verification. Knowing the issuing authority can also assist in validating the document should any question about its authenticity arise during audits or inspections by government officials.