From the desk of the I-9 Queen: 

With the upcoming May 7, 2025 REAL ID deadline, many HR professionals and employers are double-checking ID compliance—and rightly so! One document that often causes confusion is the state-issued enhanced driver’s license (EDL). While it may sound “enhanced,” that doesn’t mean it qualifies for everything. Let’s clear the air.

A state-issued enhanced driver’s license is a federally approved driver’s license that includes features making it acceptable for re-entry into the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, by land or sea. It also meets REAL ID requirements, meaning it can be used to board domestic flights after May 7, 2025. But here’s the kicker: it is NOT a List A document on Form I-9.

What Is Needed For I-9 Documentation?

For Form I-9 purposes, the enhanced driver’s license is considered a List B document—just like a regular state-issued ID. That means to complete Section 2 of Form I-9, it must be presented alongside a List C document (such as a Social Security card) to satisfy both identity and work authorization requirements.

With the May 7 deadline fast approaching, I want to take a moment to remind everyone—especially those reviewing documents during onboarding or audits—not to confuse enhanced licenses with List A documents. While they meet REAL ID standards, they do not meet the requirements of a standalone List A document for Form I-9 compliance.

So, remember: no matter how fancy it sounds, a state-issued enhanced driver’s license is a List B document—not List A. Stay sharp, stay compliant, and if you need help navigating the I-9 process, I’ve got your back—crown and all. 

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Elga Lejarza, Founder & CEO

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