E-Verify Requirements in Indiana: 2026 Employer Guide

Indiana requires public employers and state contractors to use E-Verify. Private employers are not mandated but may voluntarily participate.

Mandatory — Public Employers & Contractors

Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team

Last Updated: April 2026

Indiana E-Verify at a Glance

Requirement Level: Mandatory — Public Employers & Contractors
Applies To: Public employers and state contractors
Employee Threshold: All employers
Key Statute: Ind. Code § 22-5-1.7-3
Effective Date: July 1, 2011

Who Must Use E-Verify in Indiana

Indiana requires E-Verify for public employers and government contractors.

Indiana requires public employers and state contractors to use E-Verify. Private employers are not mandated but may voluntarily participate.

Key Facts: E-Verify in Indiana

Indiana requires all public employers and state contractors to use E-Verify under Ind. Code § 22-5-1.7-3, effective July 1, 2011.
Indiana public contractors must certify E-Verify compliance and extend the requirement to subcontractors.
Indiana does not impose E-Verify requirements on private employers not engaged in government contracting.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Indiana

State contractors who do not comply risk contract termination. Public employers face administrative consequences for non-compliance.

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

Private employers not contracting with state or local government

Indiana E-Verify: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Indiana require E-Verify for private businesses?

No. Indiana's E-Verify mandate under Ind. Code § 22-5-1.7-3 applies to public employers and state contractors only. Private businesses without government contracts are not required to use E-Verify, though they may voluntarily enroll.

What are the Indiana E-Verify requirements for government contractors?

Indiana state contractors must enroll in E-Verify and use it for all new employees. They must also certify compliance in their contracts with the state and extend the requirement to subcontractors.

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

Indiana's public employer and contractor E-Verify requirement took effect July 1, 2011 under Ind. Code § 22-5-1.7-3.

What I-9 obligations do Indiana private employers have?

All Indiana private employers must complete Form I-9 for every new hire within 3 business days under federal law. I-9 records must be retained and available for inspection during ICE audits.

Nearby State Requirements

Ohio(Voluntary)Michigan(Public only)Illinois(Voluntary)Kentucky(Voluntary)

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