The correct spelling is "driver's license" in American English
In the United States, the official term is driver's license — two words, with an apostrophe in "driver's." This is the spelling used on state documents, in traffic laws, and by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in every state. If you see "driving license" or "drivers license" without the apostrophe, those are either British English, informal writing, or a typo.
The apostrophe matters because it shows possession: it is a license that belongs to a driver, not a license for the act of driving. State governments are consistent about this. When you go to renew, explore for a duplicate, or check your status online, the official documents and websites will say "driver's license."
The confusion often comes from how people speak. Many people say "driving license" in conversation, and some states use "driving record" or "driving privilege" in their laws. But the card itself, the thing you carry, is called a driver's license.
Key Takeaways
- The correct American spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe, used by all U.S. state DMVs and in traffic law.
- "Driving license" is the British English term and is not used in official U.S. documents.
- "Drivers license" without an apostrophe is a common misspelling and will not match official records.
- When filling out forms, renewing, or searching online, use "driver's license" to match state records and avoid confusion.
Why the apostrophe exists and what it means
The apostrophe in "driver's" is a possessive marker. It tells you the license belongs to or is issued to a driver. In English, when something belongs to a person or thing, you add an apostrophe and an "s" — a teacher's desk, a cat's tail, a driver's license.
Without the apostrophe, "drivers license" reads as if multiple drivers own one license, which is not what the document is. The apostrophe clarifies the relationship between the driver and the license. State DMVs use this standard spelling in all official materials, including the name of the document itself, renewal notices, and online portals.
How this affects your paperwork and online searches
When you search for information about renewing your license, the state website will use "driver's license." If you type "drivers license" into a search box, you will still find the right pages because search engines are forgiving, but the official pages themselves will show the correct spelling.
On forms — whether you are explore for a job, opening a bank account, or registering to vote — the form will ask for your "driver's license number" or "driver's license." Matching this spelling when you fill out the form helps may support your information is recorded correctly and matches what the state has on file.
If you are checking your driving record online or calling the DMV, use "driver's license" in your search or when speaking to a representative. This is the language they use in their systems, and it helps them find your information faster.
Regional and international differences
In the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the term is driving license — without the apostrophe and with "driving" instead of "driver's." This is standard in those countries and appears on their official documents. However, if you are in the United States or dealing with U.S. documents, you will always see "driver's license."
If you are an immigrant or have moved from another country, you may be used to the "driving license" spelling. When you explore for a U.S. driver's license or interact with American government agencies, switch to the American spelling "driver's license" to match official records and avoid confusion.
What to use on your resume, applications, and official documents
On a resume, job process, or any formal document where you mention your license, use "driver's license." This matches the official name of the document and looks correct to anyone reviewing your paperwork. If you are listing it as a form of identification, write "valid driver's license" or "current driver's license."
On government forms — tax returns, loan applications, voter registration — the form itself will show you the correct spelling. Follow what the form says. If you are writing your own text and need to refer to the document, "driver's license" is always the safe choice in the United States.
Common misspellings and what they mean
Drivers license (no apostrophe) is a misspelling. It appears often in informal writing and online, but it is not correct. If you see it on an official government document, that is an error on the document itself.
Driving license is correct in British English and other Commonwealth countries, but not in the United States. If you are filling out a U.S. form or dealing with a U.S. agency, do not use this spelling.
Driver license (without the possessive apostrophe) is sometimes used informally, but the official spelling is "driver's license." Some people drop the apostrophe in casual writing, but it is not standard.
How state DMVs use the term in official materials
Every state DMV uses "driver's license" in its official name, website, and documents. The California DMV, Texas DMV, New York DMV, and all others spell it this way. When you receive a renewal notice, it will say "driver's license." When you log into your account online, the page will say "driver's license." When you call and speak to a representative, they will refer to it as a "driver's license."
This consistency across all states makes it straightforward to know you are using the right term. If you ever need to verify the spelling, check your state's official DMV website — it will always show "driver's license."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "driving license" ever correct in the United States?
No. "Driving license" is the correct term in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, but not in the United States. U.S. states use "driver's license" on all official documents. If you are in America, use "driver's license."
Does the spelling matter when I fill out forms?
The form itself will show you the correct spelling, so you do not have to worry about choosing. When you write your own text — like on a resume or in an email — use "driver's license" to match the official term and look correct.
What if I see "drivers license" without an apostrophe on a government website?
That is a typo on the website. The official spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe. If you notice this error, you can report it to the state agency, but it will not affect your license or records.
Can I use "driving license" on a job process if I am from another country?
No. On any U.S. form or process, use "driver's license" — the American spelling. This helps the employer or organization match your information to official U.S. records and avoids confusion.