The Short Answer: Both Are Correct, But One Is More Official
Driver license and driver's license are both correct ways to write it. Most U.S. states use "driver license" on the actual document and in their laws. "Driver's license" (with the apostrophe) is more common in everyday speech and writing, but it is not wrong. The difference comes down to whether you are writing formally or casually — and which state you live in.
If you are filling out a form, reading your state's DMV website, or studying for your written test, look at how your state spells it. That is the version that matters for official purposes. For everything else — talking to friends, writing an email, filling out a job process — either version works fine.
Key Takeaways
- Most U.S. states officially use "driver license" without an apostrophe on the actual ID card and in state law.
- "Driver's license" with an apostrophe is grammatically correct and is the version most people use in conversation and casual writing.
- Your state's DMV website and official documents will show you which spelling that state uses.
- For official forms and government communication, match the spelling your state uses; for personal writing, either version is acceptable.
- The spelling difference does not affect your rights, the test you take, or the license itself — only how it is written.
Why States Chose "Driver License" Without the Apostrophe
In the 1980s and 1990s, most U.S. states moved toward "driver license" as the official term. This was part of a broader shift in government writing toward simpler, more direct language. Removing the apostrophe made the term shorter and easier to print on cards, forms, and computer systems.
Today, the majority of states — including California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania — print "DRIVER LICENSE" on the front of the ID itself. Their DMV websites, driver handbooks, and legal codes all use this spelling. A few states still use "driver's license," but even those typically accept both versions in everyday use.
Why "Driver's License" Remains Common in Everyday Speech
The apostrophe version follows standard English grammar. "Driver's" shows possession — it is the license that belongs to the driver. This is why most people naturally say and write "driver's license" when they are not reading from an official document.
Dictionaries, newspapers, and books often use "driver's license" because they follow general English rules rather than government style guides. Schools teach the apostrophe version. So even though your state's DMV uses "driver license," you will see "driver's license" everywhere else — and that is not a mistake.
How to Know Which Version Your State Uses
The easiest way is to visit your state's DMV website and look at the official documents or forms. Search for "driver license" or "driver's license" on the site, and you will see which one appears in official text. You can also look at a sample ID card image on the DMV site — the spelling on the card itself is the official version.
If you are studying for your written test, check your state's driver handbook. The handbook will use the official spelling throughout, and that is the version you should know for the test. However, the test itself rarely asks you to spell the term — it tests your knowledge of road rules, not grammar.
What This Means for Your License process and Test
The spelling does not affect your ability to get a license or pass your test. You can write either version on most forms and be understood. Government workers at the DMV see both versions every day and know they mean the same thing.
If you are filling out an official form from your state's DMV, match the spelling on that form. If the form says "driver license," use that. If it says "driver's license," use that. When you are writing to the DMV in an email or letter, either version is fine — they will understand you either way.
Regional and International Differences
Outside the United States, the term varies by country. Canada and the United Kingdom use "driver's license" or "driving licence" (with a "c"). Australia uses "driver licence" without an apostrophe, similar to most U.S. states. If you are moving to a new country or state, you may see the spelling change, but the document itself works the same way.
If you are an international driver with a license from another country, U.S. states will recognize it regardless of how it is spelled in your home country. The spelling on your foreign license does not matter — what matters is whether your country has a reciprocal agreement with the U.S. state you are visiting or moving to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I fail my written test if I spell it wrong?
No. The written test does not ask you to spell "driver license" or "driver's license." It tests your knowledge of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. You can spell it either way in any written response without affecting your score.
Should I use the apostrophe on my job process?
Either version is fine on a job process. Most employers will not notice or care about the apostrophe. If the process form itself uses one spelling, match that — but if you use the other version, it will not hurt your chances.
Does my state's spelling affect my license when I move?
No. Your license is valid in every U.S. state regardless of how your home state spells it. When you move and get a new license from your new state, you will see that state's spelling on your new card, but your old license remains valid until it expires.
What if I see both spellings on my state's DMV website?
Many DMV websites use both versions because they are written by different people or updated over time. Look at the official ID card image or the legal code to see the formal version. For your purposes, either one is correct.
Is "driver license" ever wrong?
No. It is the official spelling in most U.S. states and is grammatically acceptable. "Driver's license" is also correct. There is no wrong choice between the two — only different contexts where one or the other is more common.