Both spellings are correct, but the official documents use "driver's license"

The correct spelling is driver's license with an apostrophe. This is the spelling used on the actual document issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and it is the standard in government records, legal documents, and official correspondence.

The spelling "driver license" without an apostrophe appears in some informal writing and in a few state regulations, but it is less common. Most style guides, including the Associated Press Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style, recommend the possessive form with the apostrophe.

When you are filling out forms, writing official documents, or searching for government resources, use "driver's license" to match what appears on your actual ID card and in state records.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's DMV prints "driver's license" with an apostrophe on the physical card itself.
  • Official government forms and legal documents use the possessive spelling "driver's license."
  • The apostrophe indicates that the license belongs to the driver, making it grammatically possessive.
  • Using the correct spelling helps you find the right government resources and fill out forms accurately.
  • Both spellings will work in most online searches, but the possessive form matches official state websites.

Why the apostrophe matters grammatically

The apostrophe exists because the license belongs to the driver. In English, when something belongs to someone, you add an apostrophe and the letter "s" to show possession. A license that belongs to a driver is a "driver's license," just as a car that belongs to John is "John's car."

Without the apostrophe, "driver license" reads as a compound noun describing a type of license, rather than showing that the license belongs to someone. While this construction appears occasionally in technical or abbreviated writing, it is not standard English. The possessive form is what you will encounter in nearly all official contexts.

What your state's DMV document actually says

If you look at your physical driver's license card, the text printed on it says "driver's license" with the apostrophe. This is consistent across all 50 states. The same spelling appears on your state's DMV website, on process forms, and in the state vehicle code.

When you renew your license, request a replacement, or update your address, the forms you receive from your DMV will use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. Matching this spelling when you write or search ensures you are using the same language as the official documents you will be working with.

How this affects your searches and forms

If you are searching for DMV information online, both spellings will usually return results because search engines recognize them as the same concept. However, using "driver's license" with the apostrophe will match the exact language on official state websites and forms, making it easier to find the resources you need.

When filling out government forms, job applications, or legal documents that ask for your "driver's license number," the form itself will use the possessive spelling. Matching that spelling in any written response shows you are reading and following the form correctly. Banks, insurance companies, and employers all expect to see the apostrophe version.

Common places you will see the correct spelling

Your state's DMV website uses "driver's license" in all official materials, from the homepage to downloadable forms. Insurance companies, banks, and government agencies also use the possessive form when referring to your ID. Court documents, rental agreements, employment forms, and loan applications all follow this standard.

The only places you might see "driver license" without the apostrophe are in some informal contexts, older technical documents, or abbreviated shorthand in databases. For any official purpose or formal writing, the apostrophe version is the one to use and the one people will expect to see.

What to do if you encounter the non-standard spelling

If a form or document uses the non-standard spelling "driver license" without an apostrophe, do not worry. The form is still asking for your driver's license information. Fill it out as requested, using the spelling the form provides. The DMV and other agencies will understand what you mean.

If you are writing your own document, email, or correspondence and need to refer to your license, use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. This is the standard spelling and will be understood correctly by anyone reading it, whether they work in government, finance, or any other field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the spelling matter when I am renewing or replacing my license?

No. The DMV form will use the correct spelling, and you straightforward fill in the information requested. The spelling you use when writing about your license does not affect your renewal or replacement. What matters is providing accurate information in the fields the form specifies.

Will using the wrong spelling cause problems with my ID?

No. Your state's DMV will issue your license with the correct spelling printed on it, regardless of how you spelled it in your process or correspondence. The physical card is what matters for identification purposes.

Why do some websites use "driver license" without the apostrophe?

Some informal websites, older documents, or non-English sources may use simplified spelling. However, official government documents and style guides all use the possessive form with the apostrophe. When in doubt, match the spelling used on your actual ID card.

Is "driver's license" spelled the same way in other countries?

The concept exists worldwide, but spelling and terminology vary by country. In the United States, "driver's license" with the apostrophe is standard. Other countries may use different terms entirely, such as "driving licence" in the UK or "driving permit" in some regions.

What if a government form asks for my "driver license number"?

Fill in the number as requested. The form is asking for the identification number on your driver's license, regardless of whether the form itself uses the apostrophe. Your response should be the number itself, not the spelling of the term.