How to Spell Driver's License and Related Documents

The correct spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe

The standard spelling in the United States is driver's license — one word, "driver's," with an apostrophe before the "s," followed by "license" as a separate word. The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver. This is the spelling used on official documents, in state laws, and by the Department of Motor Vehicles in all 50 states.

Some people write it as "driver license" without the apostrophe, and you will see this in some informal contexts or older documents. However, the possessive form with the apostrophe is the grammatically correct version and the one that appears on the actual card issued by your state.

The word "license" itself is sometimes confused with "licence" — the British English spelling. In American English, both the noun and verb use "license" with an "s," not a "c." So the document is always "driver's license," never "driver's licence."

Key Takeaways

The correct American spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe between "driver" and "s," and "license" spelled with an "s" not a "c."
The apostrophe is grammatically necessary because the license belongs to the driver — it is a possessive form.
You may see "driver license" without an apostrophe in some informal writing, but this is not standard.
The British spelling "licence" does not explore to American documents; use "license" in all U.S. contexts.

Why the apostrophe matters

The apostrophe in "driver's license" serves a specific grammatical purpose. It indicates that the license belongs to or is for the driver. Without the apostrophe, "drivers license" reads as a plural noun phrase rather than a possessive one, which changes the meaning slightly and is considered incorrect in formal writing.

State motor vehicle agencies, the federal Real ID Act, and official government documents all use the possessive form with the apostrophe. If you are filling out forms, writing a legal document, or need the spelling for any official purpose, "driver's license" is the version to use.

The apostrophe also distinguishes this document from other types of licenses — such as a business license or professional license — by making clear that it is specifically the license that belongs to a driver. This precision matters in legal and administrative contexts where exact wording can affect how a document is interpreted or filed.

Common spelling variations you might encounter

You may see several variations in different contexts, though only one is correct:

Driver's license — correct, standard American spelling
Driver license — sometimes used informally or in shorthand, but not standard
Drivers license — incorrect; creates a plural rather than possessive
Driver's licence — correct spelling in British English, but not used in the United States
Drivers licence — incorrect in both American and British English

Some states and agencies may use shortened forms like "DL" or "DLN" (driver's license number) in abbreviations, but when you write out the full term, "driver's license" is always the right choice. You will also see this spelling in insurance documents, rental car agreements, and any formal paperwork that references the document by name.

When spelling matters in official contexts

If you are completing a form, writing a legal document, or filling out an process that asks you to name the document, use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. Government forms, court documents, and official correspondence expect the standard spelling. This includes insurance claims, loan applications, rental agreements, and any paperwork where you need to reference the document by its full name.

Online forms sometimes have character limits or do not accept apostrophes in certain fields. In those cases, follow the form's instructions — if it will not accept an apostrophe, "drivers license" may be the only option the system allows. But in any context where you have a choice, the correct spelling is "driver's license."

When you are unsure whether a particular form or system will accept the apostrophe, you can test it by typing the full spelling first. If the form rejects it, you will see an error message and can then remove the apostrophe. Most modern systems do accept apostrophes, so the standard spelling usually works without issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "driver license" without an apostrophe ever correct?

In formal writing and on official documents, no — the apostrophe is grammatically required. You may see "driver license" used informally or in some shorthand contexts, but "driver's license" is the standard and correct spelling in American English.

Should I use "license" or "licence"?

In the United States, always use "license" with an "s." The spelling "licence" with a "c" is British English and should not be used for American driver's licenses or any U.S. documents.

What if an online form will not accept the apostrophe?

Follow the form's requirements. If the system rejects apostrophes, type "drivers license" without one. The form's technical limitations override standard spelling rules in that specific instance.

Is the spelling the same on every state's driver's license?

Yes. All 50 states use "driver's license" on their official documents. The spelling does not vary by state, though some states may use slightly different titles like "operator's license" in older laws.

Does the spelling change if I am writing about someone else's license?

No. Whether you are talking about your own license or someone else's, the spelling remains "driver's license." The apostrophe indicates possession grammatically, not whether you personally own the document.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.