What action should be taken if a new employee presents an expired document for the I-9 form?

When assessing the situation where a new employee presents an expired document for the I-9 form, refusing the document and requesting a different one is the appropriate action. The I-9 form process requires that only unexpired documents be accepted as acceptable forms of identification and work authorization.

The purpose of the I-9 form is to verify an employee's identity and their eligibility to work in the United States. Accepting only valid, unexpired documents ensures compliance with legal requirements. An expired document does not demonstrate current eligibility, which is essential for lawful employment practices. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the new employee that they need to provide a different, valid document that meets the criteria outlined in the I-9 form instructions. This approach maintains the integrity of the employment verification process and protects both the employer and the employee from potential legal issues.