The correct spelling is "driver's license"

The standard spelling in the United States is driver's license — with an apostrophe in "driver's" and one word for "license". The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver. You will see this spelling on official state documents, government websites, and legal forms.

Some people write it as "drivers license" without the apostrophe, but that is not correct. The apostrophe matters because it changes the meaning — "drivers license" would suggest a license for multiple drivers, which is not what you have.

A few states use slightly different official names for the document itself. For example, some call it a "driver license" (without the apostrophe) on the card itself, while others print "operator's license" or "chauffeur's license" depending on the type of driving permit. But in everyday writing and speech, "driver's license" is the term almost everyone uses and understands.

Key Takeaways

  • The correct spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe after "driver" and one word for "license".
  • The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver, not multiple drivers.
  • Some states print different official names on the card itself, such as "driver license" or "operator's license".
  • When filling out forms or writing formally, use "driver's license" unless the form itself shows a different spelling.

When the apostrophe matters on official forms

If you are filling out a government form, a job process, or a legal document that asks for your "driver's license number" or "driver's license information", use the spelling shown on the form itself. Most forms print it as "driver's license", but some older forms or state-specific documents may show it differently.

The important thing is that the person or office reading your form will understand what you mean. If you write "drivers license" or "drivers' license" on a form that asks for "driver's license", the reader will still know you are talking about your state-issued driving permit. But using the correct spelling shows you are paying attention to detail, which matters on official paperwork.

Related documents with similar spelling patterns

Other driving-related documents follow the same rule. A learner's permit has an apostrophe because it belongs to the learner. A commercial driver's license (often shortened to CDL) also uses the apostrophe. If you hold a motorcycle endorsement or hazmat endorsement on your license, those terms do not use apostrophes because they describe what the license allows, not who owns it.

When you renew your driver's license, the renewal notice will use the correct spelling. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website will also show the standard spelling in all official communications.

How spelling appears on the physical card

The actual card you carry may print the words differently than you expect. Some states print "DRIVER LICENSE" in all capital letters without an apostrophe, straightforward because of space and design constraints on the card. Other states print "Driver's License" with capitals and the apostrophe. Neither version is wrong — they are just different design choices.

When you need to refer to your card in writing, use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. If someone asks you to show your "driver license" (without the apostrophe) in conversation, they mean the same thing, and you will know what they are asking for.

Abbreviations and shorthand

People often shorten "driver's license" to "DL" or "D/L" in casual writing or on forms with limited space. You might also see "driver's lic." or "DL#" when someone is asking for your driver's license number. These abbreviations are understood in most contexts, though formal documents usually spell out the full term.

If you are unsure which abbreviation to use on a specific form, look at what the form itself shows. Most government and legal forms will guide you with their own abbreviations.

Common spelling mistakes to avoid

The most common mistakes are leaving out the apostrophe ("drivers license") or putting it in the wrong place ("driver license's" or "drivers' license"). Remember: the apostrophe goes after the "r" in "driver" because the license belongs to one driver.

Another mistake is spelling "license" as "licence" — that is the British spelling. In the United States, the correct spelling is always "license" with an "s", whether you are talking about a driver's license, a business license, or any other permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it "driver's license" or "drivers license"?

It is "driver's license" with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver. "Drivers license" without an apostrophe is not correct, though many people write it that way by mistake.

Do I need to use the apostrophe on forms?

Use the spelling shown on the form itself. Most forms print "driver's license", but some may show it differently. Either way, the person reading your form will understand what you mean. Using the correct spelling shows attention to detail.

What if my state's card prints it without an apostrophe?

Some states print "DRIVER LICENSE" on the card itself for design reasons. When you write about it, use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. The card's design does not change the correct spelling in writing.

Is "licence" ever correct in the United States?

No. In the United States, the correct spelling is always "license" with an "s". "Licence" with a "c" is British spelling and should not be used on American forms or documents.

Can I abbreviate it as "DL" or "D/L"?

Yes. "DL" and "D/L" are common abbreviations for driver's license, especially on forms with limited space. Most people understand these abbreviations, though formal documents usually spell out the full term.