A spin valve sensor is disclosed that comprises a first layer of ferromagnetic material and a second layer of ferromagnetic material. A first layer of non-ferromagnetic material is positioned between the first and second layers of ferromagnetic material. A pinning layer is positioned adjacent to the first layer of ferromagnetic material such that the pinning layer is in contact with the first layer of ferromagnetic material. The spin valve includes synthetic antiferromagnetic bias means extending over passive end regions of the second layer of ferromagnetic material for producing a longitudinal bias in the passive end regions of a level sufficient to maintain the passive end regions in a single domain state. A method for forming a spin valve sensor with exchange tabs is also disclosed.