What do federal limits mean on a driver's license?

Some Illinois driver's licenses now say, "Federal Limits Apply." Others may have a gold star in the upper righthand corner.What is the significance of these changes?How do you get the gold star?

The federal REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, established minimum standards for the issuance of forms of identification, such as state driver's licenses.Beginning on October 1, 2020, individuals must have compliant IDs in order to access certain federal facilities, enter nuclear power plants, and board any commercial aircraft.

A standard driver's license won't be enough to show up at the airport as of that date.Travelers will have to provide a REAL ID-certified license or another compliant identification, the most common of which is a U.S. Passport.

Some individuals don't need a REAL ID-certified driver's license to access federal facilities, nuclear power plants, or commercial aircraft because of other forms of compliant identification.They can either get a REAL ID-certified license with a gold star or a traditional driver's license that states "Federal Limits Apply".

The process for obtaining a traditional license is the same.The process for obtaining a REAL ID-certified license is the same as before but requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency.

The phrase "Federal Limits Apply" has caused some employers to question whether traditional driver's licenses are acceptable for I-9 purposes.This language is similar to restricted Social Security cards that state, "Not Valid for Employment," which are not acceptable List C documents.However, the U.S. is not.Licenses stating, "Federal Limits Apply," or something similar are acceptable List B Documents, just as traditional driver's licenses have always been.

If you have questions about REAL ID or its implication on the I-9 process, you can contact us at hotline@hrsource.org or 800-448-4584.