Both are correct, but "driver's license" is more common in American English
The answer depends on where you live and who is writing. In the United States, "driver's license" (with the apostrophe) is the standard form used by most people, news outlets, and official style guides. However, "driver license" (without the apostrophe) appears on many state government documents and in some formal contexts. Neither version is wrong — they are straightforward different conventions.
The apostrophe version, "driver's license," treats the phrase as a possessive: a license that belongs to or is for a driver. This follows the natural way English speakers talk about the document. The non-apostrophe version, "driver license," is a compound noun that functions as a single unit, similar to how we write "car door" or "kitchen table" without possessives. Government agencies often use the no-apostrophe form in official titles and legal language because it is shorter and reads as a fixed term.
When you encounter both versions on official documents — such as seeing "driver license" on your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website but "driver's license" in a news article about ID requirements — you are seeing the same document referred to in two equally valid ways. The choice usually reflects the style preference of whoever wrote it, not a difference in what the document actually is.
Key Takeaways
- "Driver's license" with an apostrophe is the form most Americans use in everyday writing and speech.
- "Driver license" without an apostrophe appears on many state government documents and official forms.
- Both versions refer to the same document and are considered correct in their respective contexts.
- Style guides like AP and Chicago Manual of Style recommend "driver's license" for general writing.
- When filling out forms or official paperwork, use whichever version appears on that specific document.
Why government documents often drop the apostrophe
State motor vehicle departments and federal agencies frequently use "driver license" without the apostrophe on official documents, forms, and legal text. This choice is deliberate and follows a broader pattern in government writing: removing punctuation that is not strictly necessary makes documents easier to scan, reduces character count in databases, and creates a consistent look across all official materials.
When a state's Department of Motor Vehicles prints your license, the card itself may say "Driver License" in all capitals. The same agency's website might use "driver license" in lowercase. This consistency within government systems does not make the apostrophe version wrong — it straightforward reflects how that organization has chosen to format its own language. Many government style guides treat compound nouns like this one as single units and omit the apostrophe for that reason.
What style guides recommend for writing
If you are writing for school, work, or publication, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style both recommend "driver's license" with the apostrophe. These are the two most widely used style guides in American journalism, academic writing, and professional communication. Most newspapers, magazines, and books follow one of these guides, which is why you see the apostrophe version more often in published writing.
The reasoning behind this recommendation is straightforward: the apostrophe clarifies that the license belongs to a driver, making the phrase easier to parse at a glance. In formal writing where clarity matters, the possessive form is the safer choice. If you are unsure which version to use in your own writing, "driver's license" is the version that will be correct in nearly all contexts outside of government forms.
How to handle it on official forms and documents
When you are filling out an official form, explore for a job, or completing any document that asks for your "driver license" or "driver's license," straightforward use the version that appears on that specific form or document. If the form says "driver license," write or type "driver license." If it says "driver's license," use that version. The document you are submitting to already has a preference, and matching it shows attention to detail.
The same principle applies when you are copying information from an official source. If you are quoting text from your state's DMV website or a government form, reproduce it exactly as it appears, including whether or not the apostrophe is there. This accuracy matters in legal or official contexts where exact wording can be important.
Regional and international variations
In Canada and other Commonwealth countries, the term and its punctuation vary. Canada uses "driver's license" in English-language provinces, while some official documents may use "driver licence" (with a "c" instead of an "s"). The United Kingdom uses "driving licence" rather than "driver's license" altogether. These differences reflect how English spelling and punctuation conventions vary by country, not confusion about which version is correct.
If you are writing for an international audience or submitting documents to organizations outside the United States, pay attention to the regional convention. A Canadian government form will expect "driver's license," while a British one will expect "driving licence." When in doubt, match the style of the country or organization you are communicating with.
The bottom line for everyday use
For most people most of the time, "driver's license" is the right choice. It is what you will see in newspapers, books, and general writing. It is what style guides recommend. It is what most Americans write when they are not filling out a government form. If you use this version, you will be correct in virtually every context except when a specific form or document tells you otherwise.
The apostrophe version is also more forgiving if you are uncertain. Using "driver's license" in a situation where "driver license" was expected will not cause any confusion or problems — people will understand you when ready. The reverse is also true: using "driver license" in everyday writing is not wrong, just less common. The key is understanding that both versions exist for legitimate reasons and that context determines which one is most appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which version should I use on a job process?
Use "driver's license" unless the process form itself specifies otherwise. Most job applications and professional documents follow standard American writing conventions, which favor the apostrophe version. If the form has a specific field that says "driver license," match that wording.
Does it matter which version I use when talking to the DMV?
No. Whether you say or write "driver's license" or "driver license," the DMV will understand you perfectly. They use both versions in different contexts themselves. Use whichever feels natural to you — the document you are discussing is the same either way.
Why do some official documents use different versions?
Government agencies often use "driver license" without the apostrophe as part of their official style, which treats it as a compound noun rather than a possessive. This is a deliberate choice for consistency and brevity in legal and administrative writing, not an indication that one version is more correct than the other.
If I always use "driver's license," will people think I am wrong?
No. "Driver's license" is the standard form in American English and is used by major style guides, news organizations, and most writers. Using it will never be considered incorrect, even in contexts where "driver license" appears on official documents.
Should I correct someone who uses the version I don't use?
There is no need to. Both versions are correct, and correcting someone would be pedantic. The difference is a matter of style preference and context, not a grammar error. Save your energy for actual mistakes.