Why Does My License Say Federal Limits Apply, Have you ever looked at your driver's license and noticed the words "Federal Limits Apply" printed, General, why-does-my-license-say-federal-limits-apply, Timnesia
Have you ever looked at your driver's license and noticed the words "Federal Limits Apply" printed on it? It's not uncommon for people to wonder what this phrase means and why it's included on their license.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that driver's licenses are issued by individual states, not the federal government. However, in order for a license to be considered valid for certain federal purposes, such as boarding a commercial airplane or entering a federal building, it must meet certain federal requirements. This is where "Federal Limits Apply" comes into play.
Essentially, this phrase indicates that your license meets the minimum security standards set forth by the federal government. These standards were established as part of the REAL ID Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The act established new federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards in an effort to improve security and prevent identity fraud.
To comply with the REAL ID Act, states must include certain features on their driver's licenses and identification cards, such as a photograph that is easily identifiable as the holder of the card, a unique identification number, and specific security features to prevent tampering or counterfeiting. If a state's license meets these requirements, it is considered to be compliant with the federal standards and can be used for federal purposes.
However, not all states have fully implemented the REAL ID Act, and some have even passed laws prohibiting compliance with the federal standards. If you live in one of these states, your license may not be accepted for federal purposes, even if it has the "Federal Limits Apply" designation.
In summary, "Federal Limits Apply" simply means that your license meets the minimum security standards set by the federal government for certain purposes. It's important to check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to ensure that your license is compliant with the REAL ID Act, especially if you plan to use it for federal purposes in the future.