Most US employers must display certain federal posters, plus state and sometimes city posters. All federal posters are free from the government — you never have to buy them. This checklist lists the main federal posters and who needs them.
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Important: please read
This template is a free starting point, not legal advice. MadyHR.ai is not a law firm and cannot give legal advice. Employment law is different in every state, and some cities have their own rules. Laws also change. Before you use this template, check it against the laws where your employees work, and speak to an employment attorney or your state labor department if you are unsure. You use this template at your own risk, and MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for how it is used. Links to official government websites are given for information only; MadyHR.ai is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.
When to use this template
Opening a new workplace
Hiring your first employee
An annual poster check
Tips before you use it
Use the U.S. Department of Labor's free FirstStep Poster Advisor to confirm which federal posters apply to you.
Your state labor department lists its required state posters — download them free from the state website.
For remote employees, share posters electronically as well.
Rules in your state may differ. Federal law sets the minimum. Your state — and sometimes your city or county — may add extra rules on this topic. Check with your state labor department before you use this template.
Find your state labor office (U.S. Department of Labor)
Template preview
Replace everything in [brackets] and delete the notes for employers before you use it. The Word download contains the full template.
[Company Name]
Required Workplace Posters Checklist
Location: [Work Location]
State: [State]
Checked by: [HR Contact Name]
Date: [Date]
Federal posters
Poster
Who must display it
Posted (Y/N)
"Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal" (EEOC)
Employers with 15 or more employees (20 for age discrimination)
Employee Rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act (minimum wage)
Employers covered by the FLSA
Job Safety and Health: It's the Law (OSHA)
Private-sector employers covered by OSHA
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
Most private employers
USERRA notice (military service rights)
All employers (may be given rather than posted)
Family and Medical Leave Act
Private employers with 50 or more employees for 20 or more workweeks; all public employers and schools
E-Verify participation and Right to Work posters
Employers that use E-Verify
State and local posters
Poster
Source
Posted (Y/N)
Note for employer (delete before use): Confirm your list with the U.S. Department of Labor FirstStep Poster Advisor and your state labor department. Posters must be displayed where employees can easily see them.
No. Federal posters are free to download from the U.S. Department of Labor, the EEOC and OSHA, and state posters are usually free from your state labor department.
Which federal posters do most employers need?
Most private employers need the EEOC "Know Your Rights" poster, the FLSA minimum wage poster, the OSHA "Job Safety and Health" poster, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act poster and the USERRA notice. Employers covered by the FMLA (generally private employers with 50 or more employees for 20 or more workweeks, and all public employers) also need the FMLA poster.
Official sources
Each source below is an official U.S. government website. Check them for the latest rules.
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