Put your driver's license number in a dedicated line near the top

Most resumes include a driver's license only if the job requires one to drive as part of the work — delivery, rideshare, commercial driving, or field service roles. If you do list it, put it on its own line in the header section, right after your phone number and email address or in a separate "Licenses & Certifications" section below your work history.

Write it this way: Driver's License: [State abbreviation] [License number]. For example, "Driver's License: CA 12345678" or "Valid Driver's License: TX 98765432". Some people add the expiration date if it is more than a year away, though this is optional. Never include your full address or Social Security number on a resume.

Key Takeaways

  • List your driver's license only if the job posting mentions driving as a requirement or if you work in a field where it is standard (delivery, sales, transportation).
  • Place it in your header section or in a "Licenses & Certifications" section, formatted as "Driver's License: [State] [Number]".
  • Do not include your full address, Social Security number, or license expiration date unless the job posting specifically asks for it.
  • If your license is suspended, expired, or restricted, do not list it — employers will verify during the hiring process.
  • For jobs that do not involve driving, leaving your license off keeps your resume focused on skills and experience that matter to the role.

When a job posting asks for a valid driver's license

If the job description says "valid driver's license required" or "must have reliable transportation," list it. This tells the employer you meet a basic requirement without making them ask. The word "valid" means your license is current and not suspended or restricted.

If your license is expired, suspended, or has restrictions (like commercial driving only), do not list it. The employer will ask about your driving status during the interview or background check, and it is better to address this in conversation than to have it discovered later.

Where to place it on your resume

The header section — the top of your resume with your name, phone, and email — is the most common spot. Add it as a fourth line if there is room, or move it to a separate "Licenses & Certifications" section if your header is already crowded.

If you have multiple licenses or certifications (a commercial driver's license, a forklift certification, a real estate license), group them in a dedicated section. This keeps them visible and organized:

Licenses & Certifications Commercial Driver's License: CA 12345678 (Class A) Forklift Operator Certification: OSHA (Expires 2026) First Aid/CPR: American Red Cross (Expires 2025)

What information to include and what to leave out

Include only the state abbreviation and license number. You do not need to write out the full state name or add "Number:" before the digits — "CA 12345678" is clearer than "California Driver's License Number 12345678."

Leave out your full address, date of birth, or Social Security number. These details create security and privacy risks and are not needed on a resume. If a job posting asks for your Social Security number, that request should come through an official process form or background check company, not on a resume you send by email.

The expiration date is optional. If your license expires within the next year, you can include it to show it is current. If it expires more than a year away, leaving it off is fine — the employer will verify during the hiring process.

Jobs where you should skip the driver's license

For office jobs, remote positions, or roles that do not mention transportation, leave your license off. It takes up space that could highlight skills or experience more relevant to the job. A hiring manager for a software developer role does not need to know you have a valid license.

The same goes for jobs where you use public transportation or where the employer provides a vehicle. If the job does not ask for it and does not require you to drive, your resume is stronger without it.

How employers verify your driver's license

Most employers do not verify your license status until after you are hired, as part of a background check. If the job involves driving company vehicles or transporting people, they may check earlier in the process. Some roles — commercial driving, rideshare, or positions with insurance requirements — require a copy of your license before your first day.

If you list a license on your resume, be prepared to provide a copy if asked. Employers typically request it through a formal background check company or during onboarding, not by email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I list my driver's license if the job doesn't mention it?

No. If the job posting does not ask for a driver's license and driving is not part of the role, leave it off. Your resume is stronger when every line supports the job you are explore for. If you have a license and the employer needs it, they will ask during the interview or hiring process.

What if my license is expired?

Do not list it on your resume. If the job requires a valid license, an expired one does not meet that requirement. Renew it before explore, or address the expiration in your cover letter if you are in the process of renewing.

Can I include my license number on a resume I email to someone?

Yes, but only if the job posting specifically asks for it. For most jobs, you can list your license without the number — just write "Valid Driver's License: CA" — and provide the full number if the employer requests it during the hiring process. This reduces the risk of your personal information being shared unnecessarily.

Should I include my license expiration date?

Only if it expires within the next year and you want to show it is current. If it expires more than a year away, leaving the date off is fine. The employer will verify the status during their background check.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

List it with the class type: "Commercial Driver's License: TX 12345678 (Class A)". If the job requires a specific class, make sure yours matches. Include the expiration date if it is coming up soon, since commercial licenses have stricter renewal requirements.