Can I accept a non-REAL ID California drivers' license as an acceptable document for Form I-9 purposes?

Yes. A non-REAL ID drivers' license with the “Federal Limits Apply” notation can be used to establish identity for Form I-9 purposes. This notation shows that the license does not meet federal standards for the issuance and production of a compliant card under the REAL ID Act, but this doesn’t apply for employment purposes.

What this notation means is that an individual will not be able to use a noncompliant REAL ID drivers' license or identity card to fly within the United States or enter secure federal buildings and military bases that require identification after October 20, 2020.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) now issues two types of drivers'Form I-9