Last Updated: April 2026
Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team
Social Security Card Types for I-9: Which Cards Are Acceptable?
There are three types of Social Security cards. Only one is acceptable for Form I-9 List C purposes. Accepting the wrong type is a substantive I-9 violation.
The Three Types of Social Security Cards
No restriction text
Acceptable — List CSOCIAL SECURITY
CARD
123-45-6789
JOHN A DOE
Description
A plain Social Security card with no restriction text printed on it. The front shows the cardholder's name and Social Security number only.
Who Gets It
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain other noncitizens with unrestricted work authorization.
I-9 Rule
Acceptable as a List C document. Must be paired with a List B identity document (e.g., driver's license). Cannot accept this as a standalone I-9 document.
VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION
NOT Acceptable for I-9SOCIAL SECURITY
CARD
123-45-6789
JOHN A DOE
VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION
Description
Card printed with the restriction 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION' (or previously 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION'). Issued to noncitizens who may only work when DHS has separately authorized employment.
Who Gets It
Nonimmigrant visa holders (e.g., F-1 OPT students, H-4 EAD holders, TPS recipients) whose work authorization comes from a separate DHS document — not from the SSN card itself.
I-9 Rule
NOT acceptable for I-9 List C. The card does not itself confirm employment authorization. The employee should present their EAD or other List A document, or a different List C document like a birth certificate.
NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT
Never Acceptable for I-9SOCIAL SECURITY
CARD
123-45-6789
JOHN A DOE
NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT
Description
Card printed with 'NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT'. Issued to individuals who are not authorized to work in the United States — for example, people who receive certain benefits or have temporary non-work status.
Who Gets It
Individuals authorized to receive government benefits but not authorized to work — for example, certain nonimmigrant visa holders who are in the U.S. for non-employment purposes.
I-9 Rule
NOT acceptable for I-9 under any circumstances. This card explicitly states the person is not authorized to work. Accepting it for I-9 would be a knowing hire violation.
Why This Matters: Substantive Violation Risk
Accepting a restricted Social Security card as an I-9 List C document is not a technical paperwork error — it is a substantive violation. USCIS defines a substantive violation as one that affects the ability to verify employment eligibility. These carry higher fines than technical errors.
Quick Reference: SSN Card I-9 Acceptability
| Card Text | Acceptable for I-9? | Action |
|---|---|---|
| (No restriction text) | Yes — List C | Accept with a List B document, or use alongside a List A |
| VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION | No | Request a different document — EAD, birth cert + ID, or other List A/C |
| NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT | Never | Cannot complete I-9 with this card — employee is not work-authorized |
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Start Free AuditFrequently Asked Questions About Social Security Cards and Form I-9
Is a Social Security card that says 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION' acceptable for I-9?
No. A Social Security card stamped 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION' is NOT acceptable as a List C document for Form I-9. This restriction means the cardholder may only work if DHS has separately authorized it. For I-9 purposes, the employee must present a different List C document (such as a U.S. birth certificate) or a List A document instead.
What types of Social Security cards are acceptable for I-9?
Only an unrestricted Social Security card — one with no printed restrictions — is acceptable as a List C document for Form I-9. Cards stamped 'VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION' or 'NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT' cannot be used for I-9 List C purposes.
What do I do if an employee gives me a restricted Social Security card for their I-9?
Do not accept the restricted Social Security card as a List C document. Inform the employee they need to present either a different List C document (like a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. Passport for work authorization proof) or a complete List A document. Do not tell the employee specifically which document to bring — present the full list of acceptable documents. You may not complete Section 2 using a restricted SSN card.
Can a Social Security card alone satisfy Form I-9 requirements?
No. A Social Security card (even unrestricted) is only a List C document — it proves employment authorization but not identity. It must be paired with a List B identity document (such as a driver's license or state ID). Alternatively, the employee may present a single List A document (like a U.S. Passport or green card) that proves both identity and work authorization.
What is a 'restricted SSN' and what does it mean for employment?
A 'restricted SSN' refers to Social Security numbers issued to noncitizens who are authorized to work only with DHS authorization (e.g., certain visa holders). The restriction is printed directly on the Social Security card itself. Employers who accept a restricted SSN card as a List C I-9 document are committing a substantive I-9 violation, since the card does not actually confirm unrestricted employment authorization.
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Get Started FreeI9AuditReady provides compliance tracking tools, not legal advice. Information is based on USCIS Form I-9 instructions (Rev. 08/01/23) and 8 C.F.R. § 274a.2. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice on your specific situation.