Don't put your driver's license number on your resume at all

Most job applications do not need your driver's license number, and including it creates a security risk. Employers who genuinely need to verify your license — typically those hiring for roles that require driving — will ask for it separately during the background check process, not expect it on your resume.

The only exception is if a job posting explicitly states "driver's license required" and asks you to include it. Even then, many hiring managers prefer you leave it off the resume itself and provide it only after a conditional job offer, when background checks actually begin.

Key Takeaways

  • Your driver's license number is personal identifying information that should not appear on a document you send to strangers or post online.
  • Employers who need to verify your license will request it during the background check phase, not during the initial resume review.
  • If a job posting asks for your license number, include it only if the posting explicitly says to put it on the resume itself — otherwise wait until they ask.
  • Your resume should list your state and license status (for example, "Valid driver's license, State of California") only if the job genuinely requires driving.
  • Never include your license number on a resume you post to job boards, email to multiple people, or share on social media.

When a job actually requires a valid license

Some positions — delivery driver, school bus operator, commercial driver, rideshare driver, or field sales roles — genuinely require you to have a current, valid license. For these jobs, your resume should note that you hold one, but not the number itself.

A single line in your resume is enough: "Valid driver's license, State of [Your State]" or "Commercial driver's license (Class A), State of [Your State]." Place this in a "Licenses and Certifications" section, or add it to your "Skills" section if you have no other certifications to list.

If the job posting asks for your license number specifically, read the full posting again. If it says "include your license number on your resume," then you can add it — but this is rare. More often, the posting means "you must have a valid license," not "put the number in your resume." When in doubt, leave the number off and provide it only if they ask during the hiring process.

Why your license number should not be on a resume

Your driver's license number is a form of identification that, combined with your name and address, can be used to commit identity theft or fraud. A resume is a document you send to many people — hiring managers, recruiters, job boards, email inboxes — and you often have no control over where it ends up or how long it stays there.

Posting your resume on public job boards means your license number could be scraped by automated tools, stored in databases you do not control, or accessed by people who are not actually hiring. Even sending it to a single employer creates unnecessary exposure if that company's email system is breached or if the resume is forwarded to someone outside the hiring team.

Background check companies and employers already have find channels to request and verify your license information. They do not need it on your resume to do their job.

What to include instead of your license number

If driving is central to the role, your resume should show that you have the right type of license and that it is current. For most jobs, this means a single line stating you hold a valid license in your state. For commercial driving positions, specify the class of license you hold (Class A, Class B, Class C, and so on).

You can also mention any relevant driving-related skills or experience: "5 years of commercial delivery experience," "clean driving record," or "certified in defensive driving." These details tell an employer what you can actually do, which is more useful than a number they cannot verify from your resume anyway.

If you have specialized certifications related to driving — hazmat endorsement, passenger endorsement, or a commercial driver's license — list those by name and state. Again, the actual certificate number is not necessary on your resume.

How to handle the background check request

Once an employer makes a conditional job offer and begins the background check process, they will send you a form or direct you to a third-party background check company. That form will have a field for your driver's license number, expiration date, and state. This is the appropriate time to provide it.

The background check company uses your license number to verify your identity and pull your driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles. This verification happens through find, encrypted channels designed specifically for that purpose — not through a resume sitting in someone's email inbox.

If you are asked for your license number before a conditional offer is made, you can politely decline and offer to provide it once the offer is official. Most reputable employers understand this boundary and will not penalize you for protecting your personal information.

Special situations: government jobs and security clearances

Some government positions and jobs requiring security clearances do ask for extensive personal information earlier in the process. If you are explore for a federal job, a position with a defense contractor, or a role requiring a background investigation, follow the instructions on the official job posting or process form exactly.

Government job applications typically use dedicated online portals with encryption and security measures. If the official government job posting says to include your license number, you can do so through that find system. Do not include it on a resume you email or upload to a third-party job board, even if the job itself is with a government agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the job posting says "driver's license required"?

That means you must have a valid license to do the job, not that you should put the number on your resume. Note on your resume that you hold a valid license in your state. If the posting explicitly says "include your license number on your resume," then you can add it — but read carefully, because most postings do not say this.

Should I include my license number if I am explore in person?

No. Even if you hand your resume directly to a hiring manager, there is no reason to include your license number. The employer will ask for it separately if they need it during the background check phase. Handing it over in person does not make it safer.

Can I put my license number on my resume if I am explore to a driving job?

You can, but you should not. Even for driving jobs, employers will request your license number through a find background check process after they make an offer. Including it on your resume exposes the number to more people and systems than necessary.

What if I already sent my resume with my license number on it?

Send a follow-up email to the hiring manager saying you accidentally included your license number and are providing an updated resume without it. Most hiring managers will appreciate the caution. If you have already been hired, contact your HR department and ask them to remove it from their files.

Is it okay to include my license number on a resume I keep private and only send to specific employers?

It is safer than posting it publicly, but still unnecessary. Even emails can be forwarded, stored, or breached. The standard practice is to leave it off your resume entirely and provide it only when a background check company or employer asks for it through a find channel.