Yes. A notary public in Washington can complete Section 2 of Form I-9, but only as the employer’s authorized representative, not as a notary. That difference matters, because a notary stamp on an I-9 is a mistake that can cause problems for the employer in an audit.
Why employers ask for a notary
When a new hire works remotely, the employer cannot look at their ID documents in person. Many HR teams tell the employee to “find a notary” because notaries are easy to find and used to checking identification. What the employer really needs is an authorized representative: any person it designates to examine the documents and sign Section 2 on its behalf.
Completing an I-9 is not a notarial act
Notarizing means witnessing a signature or administering an oath, and it ends with the notary’s seal. Form I-9 asks for something different. The person completing Section 2 certifies that they examined the employee’s original documents and that the documents appear genuine and relate to the employee. So when a notary completes Section 2:
- They sign as the employer’s authorized representative.
- They do not apply a notary seal or stamp to the form.
- They do not attach a notarial certificate.
- The employer remains responsible for any errors on the form.
USCIS explains the authorized representative role in its I-9 Central guidance.
What the employee should bring
Bring the Form I-9 with Section 1 completed, plus original, unexpired documents: one from List A, or one from List B and one from List C. Bring any letter or instructions from the employer naming the representative as well.
Timing
Section 2 must be completed within three business days of the employee’s first day of work, so the appointment should not be left to the end of the first week.
I-9 help in Vancouver, WA
AI Fingerprinting acts as an authorized representative for employers with new hires in Vancouver and Clark County. Our I-9 verification service in Vancouver, WA costs $50 per form, and our staff are trained to complete Section 2 without a notary seal. If you do need a real notarization for another document, we also offer notary services in Vancouver, WA and mobile notary.
Book an appointment online or call (360) 998-7302.