E-Verify Requirements in Minnesota: 2026 Employer Guide

Minnesota requires state agencies and contractors to use E-Verify. Private employers not contracting with the state are not mandated.

Mandatory — Public Employers & Contractors

Researched by the I9AuditReady Research Team

Last Updated: April 2026

Minnesota E-Verify at a Glance

Requirement Level: Mandatory — Public Employers & Contractors
Applies To: State agencies and state contractors
Employee Threshold: All employers
Key Statute: Minn. Stat. § 16C.075
Effective Date: July 1, 2008

Who Must Use E-Verify in Minnesota

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

Minnesota requires state agencies and contractors to use E-Verify. Private employers not contracting with the state are not mandated.

Key Facts: E-Verify in Minnesota

Minnesota requires state agencies and contractors to use E-Verify under Minn. Stat. § 16C.075, effective July 1, 2008.
Minnesota state contractors must include E-Verify compliance certification in their contract documents.
Minnesota does not mandate E-Verify for private employers not engaged in state contracting.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Minnesota

State contractors who fail to comply risk contract termination and disqualification from future state contracts.

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 government

Minnesota E-Verify: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Minnesota require E-Verify for private businesses?

No. Minnesota's E-Verify requirement under Minn. Stat. § 16C.075 applies to state agencies and their contractors. Private businesses without state contracts are not required to use E-Verify.

When did Minnesota's E-Verify requirement take effect?

Minnesota's public employer and contractor E-Verify requirement took effect July 1, 2008.

What are Minnesota state contractors required to do?

Minnesota state contractors must use E-Verify for all new hires on state contracts and certify compliance. They must also extend the requirement to subcontractors.

What I-9 obligations do Minnesota private employers have?

All Minnesota employers must complete Form I-9 for every new hire under federal law. Violations of federal I-9 requirements carry civil penalties regardless of whether the employer uses E-Verify.

Nearby State Requirements

Iowa(Voluntary)Wisconsin(Voluntary)North Dakota(Voluntary)South Dakota(Voluntary)

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