E-Verify Requirements in Alabama: 2026 Employer Guide

Alabama requires all employers with 25 or more employees to use E-Verify for new hires. The law also requires public employers and contractors of any size to participate.

Mandatory — All Employers

Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team

Last Updated: April 2026

Alabama E-Verify at a Glance

Requirement Level: Mandatory — All Employers
Applies To: All employers with 25+ employees; all public employers and contractors
Employee Threshold: 25+ employees
Key Statute: Ala. Code § 31-13-15
Effective Date: April 1, 2012

Alabama E-Verify Requirements for Employers

Alabama law requires E-Verify for employers with 25 or more employees.

Alabama requires all employers with 25 or more employees to use E-Verify for new hires. The law also requires public employers and contractors of any size to participate.

Key Facts: E-Verify in Alabama

Alabama enacted the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act in 2011, one of the broadest state immigration employment laws in the country.
As of April 2012, all Alabama employers with 25 or more employees must verify new hires through E-Verify under Ala. Code § 31-13-15.
Alabama employers who fail to use E-Verify face license suspension of up to 60 days for a first offense and permanent revocation for repeat violations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Alabama

Employers who knowingly employ unauthorized aliens may have their business licenses suspended for up to 60 days for a first violation. A second violation may result in permanent license revocation. Civil penalties apply under state law.

Note: Federal I-9 penalties apply in addition to any state E-Verify penalties. Consulting employment counsel is advisable before responding to any state or federal enforcement action.

Exceptions and Exemptions

Employers with fewer than 25 employees are exempt from the private employer mandate
Casual domestic workers

Alabama E-Verify: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Alabama require E-Verify for small businesses?

Alabama requires E-Verify for all employers with 25 or more employees. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees are exempt from the state mandate, but public employers and contractors must comply regardless of size. Federal I-9 requirements still apply to all employers.

What happens if an Alabama employer does not use E-Verify?

An Alabama employer who fails to use E-Verify as required may face suspension of their business license for up to 60 days for a first violation. A second violation can result in permanent revocation. Additionally, knowingly employing unauthorized workers carries separate criminal and civil penalties.

When did Alabama's E-Verify law take effect?

Alabama's E-Verify mandate for private employers with 25 or more employees took effect on April 1, 2012 under the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (Ala. Code § 31-13-15).

Do Alabama contractors have to use E-Verify?

Yes. Alabama contractors performing work for state or local government must use E-Verify regardless of company size. This applies to both direct contractors and subcontractors on public projects.

Nearby State Requirements

Georgia(Mandatory)Tennessee(Mandatory)Mississippi(Mandatory)Florida(Public only)

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