Who can be my Authorized Representative for Form I-9?

Applies to: US employees (W-2).

Summary: Your authorized representative can be almost any adult you trust — a friend, colleague, neighbor, or family member. The one rule: it can't be you. They review your original documents and complete Section 2 of your Form I-9.

Your authorized representative is the person who verifies your documents for Section 2. It can be anyone you trust who is at least 18 — a friend, colleague, neighbor, or family member. The only person it cannot be is you: you can't verify your own documents.

What they do: meet with you, review your original identity and work-authorization documents (in person, or via a guided video call with our team if you don't have someone available), enter the details, and submit Section 2 through a secure link we email them. See What does my Authorized Representative need to do in Section 2 of Form I-9?

Don't have anyone available? Email support@ascen.com — we can help you complete this step, including by video call.

Official reference: Form I-9 (USCIS).