Utah E-Verify Requirement for Employers

Utah's Identity Documents and Verification Act, codified at Utah Code 63G-12-301 through 63G-12-305, mandates that private employers employing 15 or more workers register with and use a status verification system, including E-Verify operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to verify the federal legal working status of newly hired employees. Public employers and contractors face additional verification duties. The statute provides a safe harbor for employers who use the verification system in good faith. Local governments cannot impose conflicting verification mandates because immigration-related employment authorization is governed by state and federal law. Compliance documentation must be retained as required by federal E-Verify rules.

Failure to comply with the verification mandate can affect eligibility for state contracts and may expose employers to enforcement actions, while good-faith use provides a statutory safe harbor.