Where to put your driver's license on a resume
Add your driver's license information to the contact information section at the top of your resume, right after your phone number and email address. Most employers who need to know about your license will look there first, and it keeps your resume organized in one place.
If you have a valid driver's license and the job posting mentions driving as part of the role — delivery, sales territory coverage, client visits, or transportation — include it. If the job doesn't mention driving at all, you can leave it out. Recruiters scanning resumes quickly skip information that doesn't match the job description.
Key Takeaways
- List your driver's license in the contact information section at the top of your resume, formatted as "Driver's License: [State] [License Number]" or just the state if you prefer not to list the full number.
- Only include your license if the job posting mentions driving responsibilities or if you work in a field where a valid license is standard (transportation, sales, field service).
- Use your current state of residence — if you recently moved, update your license information before submitting your resume.
- Do not include your license expiration date unless the employer specifically asks for it, as this can date your resume unnecessarily.
How to format your driver's license information
Keep the formatting straightforward and consistent with the rest of your contact section. Write it as one line: "Driver's License: [State abbreviation]" or "Valid Driver's License: [State]." You do not need to include your full license number on a resume — employers do not need it at this stage, and it is unnecessary personal information to share publicly.
If you prefer to be more specific, you can write "Driver's License: California" or "Valid Driver's License: TX." Either approach works. The goal is to signal clearly that you hold a current, valid license without cluttering your resume with details.
When to include your license and when to skip it
Include your license if the job description uses words like "must have a valid driver's license," "ability to travel," "vehicle required," or "transportation responsibilities." These are signals that the employer screens for this information. Jobs in delivery, rideshare, field sales, real estate, and home services almost always expect to see this.
Skip it if the job is office-based, remote, or makes no mention of driving. A recruiter reviewing a resume for a software developer or accountant will not care about your license, and including unnecessary information makes your resume longer without adding value. Your resume should highlight what matters for that specific role.
What to do if your license is expired or suspended
Do not list an expired or suspended license on your resume. If your license has lapsed, renew it before you submit your process — most employers will ask to see a valid license during the hiring process, and listing one you do not currently hold creates a problem later.
If you are in the process of renewing your license, you can mention this in your cover letter if the job heavily emphasizes driving: "My license renewal is in progress and will be current by [date]." This is honest and shows you are taking action. For most jobs, though, straightforward wait until your license is valid before explore to positions that require it.
Placement in your contact information section
Your contact section should flow like this: name at the top, then phone number, email address, city and state (or just state), and then driver's license. Some people add LinkedIn or a portfolio link before the license. The order is flexible, but keep all contact information together at the very top of the page.
Do not bury your license information in the middle of your resume or in a skills section. Employers expect to find it in the contact block, and putting it elsewhere makes it harder to find and looks disorganized.
Including license class or endorsements
If the job requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specific class of license, include that detail. Write "Commercial Driver's License: Class A, [State]" or "Driver's License: Class B, [State]." For most regular jobs, the standard license class is assumed, so you do not need to specify it.
Endorsements — such as a hazmat endorsement or passenger endorsement — should be listed only if the job posting mentions them. If you have one and the job does not ask for it, leave it off. You can always mention it in an interview if it becomes relevant.
Updating your resume when you move states
If you move to a new state, update your driver's license information on your resume to reflect your new state of residence. You do not need to list both your old and new state — just use the current one. This keeps your resume current and prevents confusion during the hiring process.
If you are explore for jobs in a state where you do not yet have a license but plan to get one, mention this in your cover letter rather than on your resume. Be direct: "I am relocating to [state] and will obtain a [state] driver's license upon arrival."
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include my license number on my resume?
No. Your license number is personal identification information that employers do not need at the resume stage. If they hire you, they will ask for it during the background check process. Including it on a resume that may be shared or stored increases the risk of identity theft.
What if I have licenses in multiple states?
List only your current state of residence. If you hold a valid license in another state as well, you do not need to mention it unless the job specifically requires a license from that state. Keep your resume straightforward and focused on what the employer needs.
Can I list my license if it expires in three months?
Yes, as long as it is currently valid. You do not need to include the expiration date on your resume. If you are hired and the license expires before your start date, you will have time to renew it. Employers understand that licenses expire and expect you to maintain a valid one during employment.
Does listing my driver's license make my resume longer in a bad way?
No. One line in your contact section adds almost no length to your resume. If the job requires or values a driver's license, including it actually makes your resume stronger because it shows you meet a key requirement. If the job does not mention driving, leaving it off keeps your resume focused.
Should I mention my driving record on my resume?
No. Your resume should only state that you hold a valid license. Your driving record is private information that employers may ask about during background checks if the job involves driving company vehicles or transporting clients. Do not volunteer this information on your resume.