E-Verify Enrollment: Requirements, Cost, and How to Enroll

You need to verify your employees' work authorization but you're not sure where to start. The federal government requires employers to confirm that new hires can legally work in the United States. Many employers turn to E-Verify to meet this requirement but the enrollment process can feel overwhelming when you're doing it for the first time.

E-Verify enrollment takes about 15 minutes once you have the right information ready. The system is free for employers and connects directly to government databases to verify employment eligibility. You'll need specific details about your company and a few documents before you begin.

This guide walks you through every step of E-Verify enrollment. You'll learn what E-Verify is and who needs it. Then we'll cover the requirements and costs before moving into the actual enrollment process. We'll also show you how to activate your account and stay compliant after enrollment. By the end you'll have everything you need to enroll your company and start verifying employees.

What is E-Verify and who should enroll

E-Verify is a free online system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of new hires. When you complete a new employee's I-9 form, you enter their information into E-Verify and the system checks it against Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security databases. The verification process takes only a few seconds and provides immediate confirmation of work authorization.

Mandatory vs voluntary enrollment

Federal contractors and subcontractors must use E-Verify for all new hires under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Many states also mandate E-Verify for certain employers, either by company size or industry type. You should check your state's specific requirements to determine if enrollment is mandatory for your business.

E-Verify enrollment is voluntary for most private employers but becomes mandatory if you have federal contracts or operate in states with verification requirements.

Private employers without federal contracts or state mandates can enroll voluntarily. Many businesses choose e-verify enrollment to demonstrate compliance with federal immigration laws. Other companies use the system to strengthen their hiring verification processes and reduce potential liability related to unauthorized employment.

Step 1. Confirm requirements, cost, and timing

Before you start the e-verify enrollment process, you need to verify that your company qualifies and understand what the system costs. You must have a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS before you can enroll. Your company also needs active employees or plans to hire within the next few months because E-Verify requires regular use once you enroll.

Cost breakdown

The E-Verify system is completely free for all employers regardless of company size or number of employees. You won't pay any enrollment fees, subscription costs, or per-verification charges. The federal government covers all system costs as part of its employment eligibility verification program.

E-Verify costs nothing to use, making it an accessible option for businesses of all sizes to verify employment eligibility.

Timeline expectations

The enrollment process takes approximately 15 minutes if you have all required information ready before you begin. You cannot save your progress during enrollment, so you must complete the entire process in one session. After submitting your enrollment application, you'll receive immediate system access to begin creating cases. Most employers can start verifying new hires within minutes of completing enrollment. The actual verification of each employee typically returns results in three to five seconds, though some cases may take longer if additional review is needed.

Step 2. Gather the details you will need

You cannot save your progress during e-verify enrollment, so collecting all required information beforehand saves time and prevents frustration. The system asks for specific details about your company and the person who will manage the account. Having these items ready before you start ensures you complete enrollment in one session without interruptions.

Company information checklist

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the most critical piece of information you need. You must also have your company's legal business name exactly as it appears on IRS documents. Gather the following details before you begin:

• Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Legal business name registered with the IRS
• Physical business address (not a P.O. box)
• Business phone number and fax number if applicable
• Company email address
• Number of employees at your primary location
• Total number of employees across all locations
• Business structure type (corporation, LLC, partnership, sole proprietor)

You need your exact legal business name as registered with the IRS because E-Verify validates this information against federal records during enrollment.

Account administrator details

The person who enrolls your company becomes the E-Verify Program Administrator with full system access. You need their complete contact information including legal name, job title, work phone number, and email address. This individual must be an authorized representative of your company with permission to bind the organization to the E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding. Keep their driver's license or state ID number available because the system may request this information for verification purposes.

Step 3. Complete the E-Verify enrollment online

Once you have all required information ready, you can complete the entire e-verify enrollment in one session. The online form walks you through several screens that collect your company details and administrator information. You must complete every required field because the system does not allow you to save partial applications.

Access the enrollment portal

Navigate to the official E-Verify enrollment page at e-verify.gov/enrolling-in-e-verify and click the "Enroll Now" button. The system displays the E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) first, which explains your responsibilities as an E-Verify employer. Read through the agreement carefully because you must accept its terms to continue. The MOU outlines requirements like verifying all new hires within three business days and using the system consistently for all employees at enrolled locations.

You cannot proceed with enrollment until you read and accept the complete Memorandum of Understanding that binds your company to E-Verify program requirements.

Complete the enrollment form

The enrollment form requires you to enter information across multiple screens in sequence. Start by providing your company's EIN and legal business name exactly as registered with the IRS. The system validates this information against federal records, so any discrepancies will prevent enrollment completion.

Enter your physical business address and contact details on the next screen. You must provide a street address because P.O. boxes are not acceptable for E-Verify registration. Add your company phone number and email address that the system will use for official communications.

Complete the Program Administrator section by entering the full name, title, and contact information for the person managing your E-Verify account. This individual receives all system notifications and training materials. You also need to specify the number of employees at your primary location and across all company sites.

Review all entered information carefully before submitting because errors can delay activation or require re-enrollment from the beginning.

Step 4. Activate your account and stay compliant

Your E-Verify account activates immediately after you submit your enrollment but you must complete mandatory training before verifying any employees. The system sends a confirmation email to your Program Administrator with login credentials and next steps. You can access your account right away to start the required training modules and familiarize yourself with the verification interface.

Complete mandatory training

You must finish the E-Verify tutorial within 30 days of enrollment to maintain active status. Log into your account and click the "Tutorial" tab at the top of the screen. The interactive training takes approximately 30 minutes and covers all verification procedures, case management, and compliance requirements. You receive a certificate of completion when you finish, which the system stores in your account records. Each user who creates cases in your account must also complete this training before they verify their first employee.

Follow verification requirements

Verify all new hires within three business days of their first day of work using the information from their completed Form I-9. You must use E-Verify consistently for every new employee at enrolled locations. The system does not allow selective verification of only certain employees because this violates program requirements and federal anti-discrimination laws.

You must verify every new hire at enrolled locations because selective use of E-Verify violates anti-discrimination protections and can result in penalties or program termination.

Create cases only after the employee completes their Form I-9 Section 1 and you complete Section 2. Enter the exact information from the I-9 documents into E-Verify without making any assumptions or corrections.

Next steps

You now have everything needed to complete e-verify enrollment and start verifying your employees. The process takes only 15 minutes when you have your company details ready. Remember to complete the mandatory training within 30 days and verify every new hire within three business days of their start date.

Need help with I-9 verification services or other immigration documentation for your business? Our California immigration consultants provide fast, affordable assistance with employment eligibility verification and document preparation throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, and all surrounding California counties.

Disclosure

It is important to note that Immigration Consultants are not attorneys, Immigration Consultants are not paralegals, and they cannot provide legal advice. Immigration consultants can assist with completing and filing immigration forms, but they are not licensed to represent clients in court or provide legal counsel. Clients seeking legal advice or representation should consult a licensed immigration attorney or lawyer. This distinction is crucial to ensure clients receive the appropriate level of assistance for their specific immigration needs.

Note: This article is written by Shafi Afridi, A Registered and Bonded Immigration Consultant in California.