The short answer: both are correct, but "driver's license" is more common in American English
The possessive form "driver's license" — with an apostrophe — is the standard spelling in the United States. You will see it on official government documents, in state laws, and on the licenses themselves. However, "driver license" without the apostrophe has become increasingly common in recent years, especially in official state documents and digital systems.
The difference comes down to grammar and regional preference rather than correctness. Both versions refer to the same document: the government-issued identification that proves you are legally permitted to operate a motor vehicle. Which one you use depends partly on where you live and partly on personal style, but "driver's license" remains the more widely recognized form.
Key Takeaways
- "Driver's license" with an apostrophe follows traditional possessive grammar rules and is the most common spelling across the United States.
- "Driver license" without an apostrophe is increasingly used in official state documents and government systems, though it is still considered less formal.
- Both spellings refer to the exact same document and are understood by everyone — the difference is stylistic, not substantive.
- When filling out official forms or documents, match the spelling used by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to avoid confusion.
Why "driver's license" uses an apostrophe
The apostrophe in "driver's license" indicates possession: it is a license that belongs to or is issued to a driver. This follows standard English grammar rules for possessive nouns. The same logic applies to phrases like "teacher's desk" or "student's handbook" — the apostrophe shows that the noun that follows belongs to or is associated with the noun before it.
This possessive form has been the standard in American English for decades. If you look at older legal documents, state statutes, and formal writing about driver licensing, "driver's license" is the spelling you will find. Many style guides, including the Associated Press Stylebook and Chicago Manual of Style, recommend the possessive form.
Why some official documents now omit the apostrophe
Over the past 15 to 20 years, many state governments and federal agencies have begun dropping the apostrophe in official documents and digital systems. This shift is partly practical: computer systems and databases sometimes struggle with special characters like apostrophes, making "driver license" simpler to process and store. It is also partly stylistic — some government offices have adopted a more streamlined approach to punctuation in official writing.
If you look at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or official forms, you may see either spelling depending on which document or system you are viewing. Some states use "driver's license" consistently, while others use "driver license" in certain contexts and "driver's license" in others. This inconsistency reflects the broader shift happening across government agencies rather than a rule change.
What spelling your state uses
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles is the authority on how your state refers to the document. When you are filling out official forms, renewing your license, or providing information to a government agency, use the spelling that appears on your state's official documents and website. This prevents any confusion or data entry errors.
You can find your state's preferred spelling by visiting your state DMV website or looking at a sample process form. Most state websites now have downloadable forms that show exactly how they spell the term. If you are unsure, calling your local DMV office can clarify which spelling they use in their systems.
How this affects your documents and records
The spelling difference does not affect the validity or legal standing of your license. Whether your state's system records it as "driver license" or "driver's license," the document itself is identical and legally recognized everywhere. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and other agencies will understand either spelling without hesitation.
When you provide your license information to employers, insurance companies, or other organizations, either spelling is acceptable. You do not need to worry about matching punctuation when you write it down or type it in — the document number and your name are what matter for identification purposes.
Which spelling to use in your own writing
If you are writing informally — in an email, a text message, or a personal document — either spelling is fine. Most people use "driver's license" because it is more familiar and follows traditional grammar rules. If you are writing something formal or professional, "driver's license" with the apostrophe is the safer choice because it is still the most widely recognized form.
The only time you need to match a specific spelling is when you are filling out an official form or entering information into a government system. In those cases, follow what the form or website shows. For everything else, use whichever version feels natural to you — your meaning will be clear either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using the wrong spelling cause problems when I renew my license?
No. The spelling you use in casual writing or conversation will not affect your renewal. When you fill out the official renewal form, follow the spelling your state's DMV uses on that form. The document number and your personal information are what the system matches, not the spelling of the term itself.
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
Grammatically, "driver's license" with an apostrophe is more correct because it follows possessive noun rules. However, "driver license" is increasingly accepted in official contexts. Neither spelling is wrong — they are just different conventions, and the shift toward the non-possessive form is ongoing in government writing.
Do other countries spell it differently?
Yes. In British English, the term is "driving licence" (with a 'c' instead of an 's'). In Canada, both "driver's license" and "driver's licence" are used depending on the province. The American standard remains "driver's license," though the apostrophe is gradually disappearing in official U.S. documents.
What should I tell my employer about my license spelling?
When you provide your driver's license information to an employer, use the spelling that appears on your actual license or on your state's official documents. Most employers just need the license number and your name, so the spelling of "driver's license" itself is not critical to their records.