No, I-9 is required only for employees—independent contractors are not subject to I-9 verification because they are not considered employees under federal immigration law. The business relationship with an independent contractor is governed by contract terms, not employment law, meaning the contractor maintains control over how work is performed, provides their own tools and equipment, sets their own schedule, works for multiple clients, and bears the financial risk of the engagement. However, misclassifying employees as contractors to avoid I-9 creates major liability because ICE, the Department of Labor, IRS, and state agencies scrutinize worker classification, and intentional misclassification to evade employment eligibility verification constitutes a serious violation potentially resulting in back taxes, penalties, criminal prosecution, and fines far exceeding standard I-9 violations.

Recent enforcement focuses heavily on gig economy worker classification, with federal and state regulators targeting rideshare companies, delivery services, staffing platforms, construction subcontractors, and healthcare agencies that misclassify employees as independent contractors. The test for worker classification examines multiple factors: degree of control over work performance (employer-controlled = employee), integration into business operations (integral role = employee), opportunity for profit or loss (fixed pay = employee), investment in equipment and facilities (employer-provided = employee), permanency of relationship (ongoing = employee), and skill/initiative required (routine tasks = employee). Companies that systematically misclassify workers face joint employer liability where both the company and the misclassified "contractor" arrangement can trigger penalties, while individual cases of good-faith misclassification still require I-9 correction once employee status is established.

Lake Mead Mobile Notary provides I-9 verification services for properly classified employees throughout Henderson, Las Vegas, and Clark County, ensuring compliant employment eligibility verification for your workforce. We also help businesses transitioning contractors to employee status by completing I-9 verification within the required 3-day window from the first day of employment. For companies using both employees and legitimate independent contractors, our mobile notaries can verify which workers require I-9 completion based on the business relationship structure, reducing the risk of inadvertent classification errors. This service is especially valuable for construction firms, healthcare providers, and professional services companies in Rancho Bel Air and surrounding areas that maintain mixed workforces of employees and genuine independent contractors.

Most title companies require using their own notaries for real estate closings to maintain chain of custody, ensure compliance with specific lender instructions, and manage liability. While your own notary is legally valid in Nevada, title companies contractually mandate their selected notaries. Using an unauthorized notary can lead to rejection, closing delays, or escrow complications.

Why Title Companies Insist on Their Notaries:

Title companies coordinate with lenders, insurers, and county recorders—all of whom have specific requirements. They need notarization consistency and direct communication with the notary handling your closing. They also carry errors & omissions (E&O) insurance that covers their contracted notaries, which may not apply to independent notaries.

🔑 Can You Use Your Own Notary?

In rare cases, yes—but only with prior written approval from:

• The title company (may have exceptions for scheduling conflicts)
• Your lender (may require their approval)
• The seller's title company (if using separate title agents)

📋 Legitimate Reasons for Exception Requests:

• Your notary has existing relationship and coordination history
• Title company's notary has scheduling conflicts or excessive travel costs
• Out-of-state remote notarization is the only practical option
• Your notary is bonded, insured, and Nevada-commissioned

⚠️ Best Practice:

Always disclose your preferred notary to the title company early in the transaction. Get written approval in advance. If they refuse and delays occur, professional notaries in Summerlin and Water Street can coordinate with title company staff to facilitate acceptance or serve as backup if needed.

Related Questions

• What Happens If a Deed Is Notarized Incorrectly—Can It Be Fixed?
• How Do You Close Real Estate When Buyer Is Out of State and Can't Attend Closing in Person?
• Why Do Banks Refuse to Notarize Documents They Prepared?