E-Verify Employer Check: Confirmed with the I.D. Checking Guide
Posted on: September 22nd, 2015
Updated on: May 15th, 2025
Hiring new employees is a big step for any business—but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important is making sure each new hire is eligible to work in the United States. That's where the E-Verify Employer Check comes in. Used by thousands of businesses across the country, E-Verify helps employers quickly confirm that their employees are authorized to work.
Whether you're a business owner, HR professional, or just curious about hiring laws, understanding the E-Verify employer check process is key to protecting your business and staying in compliance with federal law.
What Is E-Verify?
E-Verify is a free online system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). It helps verify employers are hiring workers who are legally allowed to work in the U.S. E-Verify works by comparing information from an employee's Form I-9 to government records.
While using E-Verify is voluntary for many businesses, some states require employers in certain industries (or of a certain size) to use it. Federal contractors and subcontractors are also often required to participate.
Why Use E-Verify Employer Check?
Employers use E-Verify for several reasons:
- Compliance: It helps ensure they are following federal laws regarding employment eligibility.
- Protection: It reduces the risk of hiring someone using fraudulent documents.
- Peace of mind: It adds a layer of verification beyond the Form I-9, which is already required by law but can be more easily manipulated with false documents.
E-Verify doesn't replace the Form I-9—it complements it. All employers must complete a Form I-9 for every new hire to verify identity and employment authorization. E-Verify simply checks that the information from that form matches government databases.
How E-Verify Works
Here's how the E-Verify process typically goes:
1. New hire completes Form I-9
The employee provides documents to prove their identity and right to work in the U.S. The employer reviews these and fills out their part of the form.
2. Employer submits info to E-Verify
Using the employee's name, Social Security Number (SSN), and other details, the employer enters the information into the E-Verify system.
3. System checks records
E-Verify compares the information to records held by DHS and the SSA.
4. Results are returned
In most cases, employers get results in seconds. If the information matches, employment eligibility is confirmed.
If there's a mismatch—called a tentative nonconfirmation (TNC)—the employee is notified and given the chance to correct any errors or resolve discrepancies.
Checking a Driver's License for Extra Protection
While E-Verify is a powerful tool, it only confirms whether an employee's information matches government records—it doesn't guarantee that the ID they provided is genuine. That's why many employers go a step further and visually inspect the driver's license or ID card presented during the Form I-9 process.
The I.D. Checking Guide shows what a valid ID looks like, so that employers can more accurately verify IDs. These guides list the unique security features of every state's ID, making it easier to spot fakes or expired formats.
Looking closely at the physical ID in comparison with the Guide can help spot signs of fraud such as:
- Does the ID look like it should? Is it still valid?
- Are there missing security features like holograms or UV elements?
- Is the numbering system on the license correct?
- Is there raised print on the license? What should microprint look like?
For employers who want an added layer of protection, using a trusted reference tool—like the ID Checking Guide—can help confirm whether a driver's license is real and up to date. It's a simple, effective way to support compliance and reduce risk in the hiring process.
FAQs About E-Verify Employer Check
1. Is E-Verify mandatory for all employers?
No, not all employers are required to use E-Verify. However, some states have their own laws that require employers to use it. Additionally, federal contractors and certain subcontractors are often obligated to enroll in E-Verify.
2. Does E-Verify replace the Form I-9?
No. The Form I-9 is still required by federal law. E-Verify is a separate system that uses the information from the I-9 to confirm work eligibility through government records.
3. How long does it take to get E-Verify results?
Most results come back in seconds. Occasionally, the system needs more time to verify certain documents or correct data mismatches, which can delay results.
4. Can I use E-Verify before hiring someone?
No. You must wait until after the person has accepted a job offer and completed a Form I-9. E-Verify is designed to check existing hires—not screen potential candidates before hiring.
5. What if E-Verify says an employee's information doesn't match?
That's called a tentative nonconfirmation (TNC). You must notify the employee and give them time to contest the result. During that process, the employee can continue working. Employers must not take adverse action until the issue is resolved.
How does the I.D. Checking Guide help?
The I.D. Checking Guide makes it possible to do a visual comparison of an applicant's state-issued photo ID (driver's license or ID card) to that state's valid licenses and ID cards as shown in the Guide. The Guide also describes each card's composition, security features, license numbering system, and other unique details. All of this together can help an employer determine if an applicant's card is stolen or fake.
In today's mobile society, it's more likely than ever for an employer to be presented with an unfamiliar out-of-state photo ID card. To better train your staff to conduct a driver license check, it's a good idea to follow these tips on how to spot a fake ID.
