The correct spelling is "driver's license" in American English
The standard spelling in the United States is driver's license — with an apostrophe between "driver" and the "s", and "license" spelled with a "c" in the middle, not an "s". This is the spelling you will see on official state documents, government websites, and legal forms.
The apostrophe matters because the license belongs to the driver — it is possessive. Without the apostrophe, "drivers license" is considered incorrect in formal writing, though you may see it used informally or in some older documents.
If you are filling out a form, writing a legal document, or need the term for official purposes, use "driver's license" with the apostrophe and the "c" spelling of license.
Key Takeaways
- The correct American spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe and a "c" in license, not an "s".
- British English uses "driving licence" instead, with an "s" and no apostrophe, but this is not standard in the United States.
- Official state documents, DMV forms, and government websites all use "driver's license" as the standard term.
- The apostrophe indicates possession — the license belongs to the driver — so leaving it out is technically incorrect.
- When in doubt, match the spelling used on your state's official DMV website or the document you are completing.
Why "license" has a "c" and not an "s"
In American English, license (the noun, meaning a permit or document) is spelled with a "c". The word license can also be a verb meaning to grant permission, and it is spelled the same way. This is different from British English, where the noun is spelled "licence" with an "s", though the verb is still "license" with a "c".
For a driver's license in the United States, you will always see the "c" spelling on the physical card, on state DMV websites, and on any official paperwork. If you see "driver's licence" with an "s", it is either a British document or a spelling error.
Common misspellings and what to avoid
Several variations appear in everyday writing, but they are not correct for official use. "Drivers license" without the apostrophe is the most common mistake — it removes the possessive meaning. "Driver's liscence" swaps the "c" and "s", which is incorrect. "Drivers liscence" combines both errors.
You may also encounter "driver license" without the apostrophe on some informal websites or in casual text messages. While this is increasingly common in everyday use, it is not the standard spelling for official documents, government forms, or formal writing.
If you are completing a government form, a legal document, or anything that will be filed or submitted officially, stick with "driver's license" — apostrophe and "c". When you are writing casually, the most important thing is that the meaning is clear, but the correct form is still "driver's license".
How state DMVs write it on official documents
Every U.S. state's Department of Motor Vehicles uses "driver's license" on its official website, forms, and the physical card itself. If you look at your license, the words printed on it will say "driver's license" or sometimes just "license" with the state name. The term is standardized across all 50 states.
When you are renewing, replacing, or explore for a license, the forms you receive from your state DMV will use "driver's license" in the standard spelling. This is the version you should use if you are copying text from official documents or need to match government language.
British English and other variations
In the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, the term is spelled "driving licence" — with an "s" instead of a "c", and "driving" instead of "driver's". This is the correct spelling for those countries, but it is not used in the United States.
If you are writing for an international audience or working with documents from multiple countries, pay attention to which English standard applies. For U.S. purposes, always use "driver's license".
What to do if you are unsure on a form
If you are filling out a form and the blank says "driver's license" but you are not sure how to spell it, look at the form itself — it will usually show you the correct spelling in the label or instructions. Government forms almost always print "driver's license" as the standard term.
If the form is from your state DMV, the website version of that form will also show the correct spelling. You can also search "[your state] DMV driver's license" to land on the official page, where you will see the standard spelling used throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the apostrophe required, or can I write "drivers license" without it?
For official documents and formal writing, the apostrophe is required — "driver's license" is the correct form. The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver. Informally, people often leave it out, but it is considered a spelling error in standard English.
Why do some websites spell it "drivers license" without the apostrophe?
Some websites, especially informal ones or those not focused on accuracy, use "drivers license" without the apostrophe. This is a common mistake online, but it does not make it correct. Official government sources always use the apostrophe.
Should I use "driver's license" or "driver license" on a job process?
Use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. On a job process or resume, you should use standard spelling. If the form has a blank labeled "driver's license," match that spelling exactly.
Is "driving license" ever correct in the United States?
No — "driving license" is British English. In the United States, the term is always "driver's license." If you are writing for a U.S. audience or filling out a U.S. form, use "driver's license."
What if my state's form uses a different spelling?
Your state's official DMV form will use "driver's license" — this is standardized. If you see a different spelling on a form, double-check that it is from an official government source. When in doubt, use the spelling shown on your state's official DMV website.