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.

Out-of-state buyers have three primary options for closing when they cannot attend in person: Remote Online Notarization (RON), local notarization in their home state, or coordinating a mobile notary to travel. Remote Online Notarization is increasingly accepted by title companies and Nevada lenders, allowing the buyer to sign and notarize documents via secure video call from anywhere, eliminating the need for travel or complex multi-state coordination.

Option 1: Remote Online Notarization (RON) ⭐ Recommended

• Buyer signs documents via video with commissioned Nevada eNotary
• No travel required; all-digital workflow
• Nevada law recognizes RON for real estate transactions
• Typically completes in 1-2 business days
• Lower cost than travel or apostille alternatives
• Title company must approve RON platform in advance

Option 2: Home State Notarization (More Complex)

• Buyer uses local notary in their home state
• Notarization must be recognized in Nevada (reciprocity applies)
• May require apostille certification for multi-state validity
• Coordination required with title company & lender
• Potential delays due to notary availability mismatch
• More expensive (notarization + apostille fees)

Option 3: Notary Travel (Premium Option)

• Mobile notary travels to buyer's location for in-person signing
• Rarely done due to cost and logistics
• Only practical for high-value transactions or complex situations

✅ Best Practice for Nevada Property Buyers:

Early communication is critical. Contact your title company within days of purchase agreement to confirm they support Remote Online Notarization. Many do. If your title company doesn't support RON, explore Option 2 with their guidance on apostille requirements. Lake Mead Mobile Notary provides real estate closing coordination, connecting out-of-state buyers with certified notaries in Las Vegas and Summerlin to streamline closing timelines.

Related Questions

• Are You Allowed to Use Your Own Notary for Real Estate Closing Instead of Title Company's?
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