When and where to put your driver's license

Put your driver's license on your resume only if the job posting or job description specifically asks for it, or if driving is a core part of the role. Most jobs do not need this information, and adding it when it is not requested takes up space that could show your work history or skills instead.

When you do include it, list your driver's license in the contact information section at the top of your resume, right after your phone number and email address. This is the standard location because hiring managers expect to find credentials there, not buried in the middle of your work history.

Key Takeaways

  • Only include your driver's license if the job posting asks for it or if driving is essential to the position.
  • Place your license information in the contact section at the top of your resume, alongside your phone and email.
  • Write it as "Driver's License: [State abbreviation] [License number]" or straightforward "Valid Driver's License" if the employer does not need the number itself.
  • Do not include your license expiration date unless the job posting specifically requests it.
  • If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or other specialized license, mention the type so the employer knows you meet their requirements.

What information to include

The format depends on what the employer needs. If the job posting asks you to list your license number, write it as "Driver's License: CA 12345678" (using your actual state abbreviation and number). If they only need to know that you have a valid license, straightforward write "Valid Driver's License" without the number.

Never include your full address, date of birth, or license expiration date unless the job posting explicitly asks for these details. Employers do not need this information to make a hiring decision, and sharing it creates unnecessary privacy risk. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a hazmat endorsement, or another specialized license, name the type: "Commercial Driver's License (CDL)" or "CDL with Hazmat Endorsement."

Jobs where you should always list it

Include your driver's license on your resume for any position that involves operating a vehicle as part of the job. This includes delivery drivers, rideshare drivers, truck drivers, school bus drivers, taxi drivers, and sales roles where you travel between client sites. It also applies to positions like field technician, home health aide, or any job where you transport yourself or equipment to multiple locations during your workday.

For these roles, your license is not just a credential—it is a job requirement. Listing it signals to the hiring manager that you have already cleared one of the basic hurdles they need to fill the position. If your license has been suspended or you do not currently have one, do not list it; instead, address this directly in your cover letter if the job posting requires a valid license.

Jobs where you should skip it

Do not include your driver's license for office-based roles, remote positions, or jobs where you work in one location. This includes administrative assistants, accountants, software developers, customer service representatives, and most corporate positions. Adding it wastes valuable resume space and signals that you may not understand what the role actually requires.

The same applies to roles where public transportation or walking is the norm, or where the employer provides transportation. If you are unsure whether a job needs your license, check the job posting first. If it does not mention driving or a valid license, leave it off your resume.

How to format it in your contact section

Your contact section should sit at the very top of your resume, before your work history or skills. Here is what it looks like:

Jane Smith (555) 123-4567 | jane.smith@email.com | LinkedIn.com/in/janesmith Driver's License: TX 98765432

Keep the formatting clean and consistent with the rest of your resume. Use the same font and size as your other contact details. If you are listing your license number, make sure it is accurate—a typo here could cause confusion during a background check or verification process. If you prefer not to list the number itself, "Valid Driver's License: TX" is sufficient and still tells the employer you meet the requirement.

Special situations: International licenses and renewals

If you hold an international driver's license or a license from another country, list it as "International Driver's License: [Country]" or "Valid Driver's License: [Country]." This is especially important if you are explore for a job that involves international travel or work in a region where your foreign license matters.

If your license is expiring soon but will still be valid when you start the job, you do not need to mention the expiration date. However, if your license has already expired or will expire before your likely start date, do not list it on your resume. Instead, note in your cover letter that you are renewing it or that you will have a valid license by your start date. Employers understand that licenses expire and are renewed regularly—they just need to know you will have a current one when you begin work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include my license number on my resume?

Only if the job posting specifically asks for it. Most employers just need to know you have a valid license. If you do include the number, double-check it for accuracy since it will be used during background checks or verification.

What if I have a suspended or expired license?

Do not list it on your resume. If the job requires a valid license and yours is not current, address this in your cover letter by explaining when you will have it renewed or restored. Honesty here prevents problems later in the hiring process.

Can I list a learner's permit instead of a full license?

Only if the job posting specifically accepts learner's permits. Most positions that require driving need a full, unrestricted license. Check the job posting to see what they actually require before you list a permit.

Should I include my license if I work from home?

No. Remote positions do not require a driver's license unless the job description specifically mentions travel or vehicle operation. Leaving it off keeps your resume focused on what the employer actually needs.

Where does my license go if I also have a CDL?

List both in your contact section if both are relevant to the job. Write it as "Driver's License: CA" and on the next line "Commercial Driver's License (CDL): CA." This shows you have multiple credentials without cluttering the format.