The official spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe

The correct spelling is driver's license — with an apostrophe between "driver" and the "s". This is the spelling used on official documents by every U.S. state and territory, and it's the one you'll see on government forms, court documents, and legal paperwork.

The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver. It's a possessive form, the same way you'd write "the teacher's desk" or "the car's engine." Without the apostrophe, "drivers license" reads as if multiple drivers share one license, which isn't what you mean.

You may see variations in informal writing — "driver license" without the apostrophe, or "drivers license" with the apostrophe in the wrong place — but these are not correct. When you're filling out official forms, explore for a license, or writing anything that matters legally, use the apostrophe.

Key Takeaways

  • The correct spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe, used on all official state documents and government forms.
  • The apostrophe shows possession — the license belongs to the driver — and is required in formal and legal writing.
  • Common misspellings like "drivers license" or "driver license" appear in casual writing but are not correct on official paperwork.
  • When you explore for your license or fill out any government form, always use "driver's license" with the apostrophe in the correct place.

Why the apostrophe matters on official forms

Government agencies, courts, and employers all expect the correct spelling. When you're filling out a job process, a rental agreement, or a court form that asks for your "driver's license number," the form itself will use the correct spelling. Matching that spelling shows you're reading carefully and taking the document seriously.

More importantly, if you're writing something official — a letter to the DMV, a statement for court, or any document where your words are part of a record — using the correct spelling makes your writing clearer and more professional. It's a small detail that signals you know what you're doing.

Common misspellings and what to avoid

The most common mistake is writing "drivers license" without any apostrophe. This happens often in casual texts and emails, and it's understandable — but it's still wrong. The second common error is "driver license," which drops the apostrophe entirely and changes the meaning slightly, making it sound like a license for driving in general rather than a license that belongs to a specific driver.

You might also see "drivers' license" with the apostrophe after the "s" — this would mean the license belongs to multiple drivers, which is not what you mean. The correct form, "driver's license," shows that one driver owns one license.

How to remember the correct spelling

Think of it the same way you'd write "the student's backpack" or "the athlete's medal." The license belongs to the driver, so the driver's name comes first, followed by an apostrophe and the "s," then the word "license." If you're ever unsure, look at your actual license card — your state printed it correctly, and you can match that spelling.

Another way to remember: if you can replace the phrase with "the license of the driver," then you need the apostrophe. "Driver's license" = "the license of the driver." That's your signal that the apostrophe belongs there.

What your state's DMV calls it

Every state's Department of Motor Vehicles uses "driver's license" on their official websites, forms, and documents. Some states may use slightly different names — for example, some call it an "operator's license" or a "driving license" — but the apostrophe rule stays the same. If your state uses "operator's license," that also has an apostrophe for the same reason: it belongs to the operator.

When you visit your state's DMV website or pick up an process form in person, you'll see the correct spelling printed right there. That's always your reference if you need to double-check.

Spelling on your actual license card

The words printed on your physical license card may vary slightly depending on your state. Some cards print "DRIVER LICENSE" in all capitals without an apostrophe, because space is limited and the format is standardized. This is a formatting choice for the card itself, not a change to the correct spelling of the term.

When you write or type the words — on a form, in an email, in a document — you still use the correct spelling with the apostrophe. The card's format doesn't change how you spell the words when you're writing them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "driver license" ever correct?

No. "Driver license" without an apostrophe is not correct in formal or official writing. You may see it in casual texts or informal online posts, but it's a misspelling. Always use "driver's license" with the apostrophe when it matters.

What if my state's form prints it without an apostrophe?

Some official forms, especially those printed in all capitals or with limited space, may omit the apostrophe for formatting reasons. Follow what the form itself says. However, when you write the term in your own words — in a letter, an email, or any document you're creating — use the correct spelling with the apostrophe.

Does "operator's license" have an apostrophe too?

Yes. If your state calls it an "operator's license," it also has an apostrophe for the same reason: the license belongs to the operator. The apostrophe rule applies to any possessive form like this.

Should I capitalize "driver's license"?

In most writing, "driver's license" is lowercase because it's a common noun, not a proper noun. You capitalize it only if it starts a sentence. However, on official forms or in titles, follow the format the document uses — some forms print it in all capitals for emphasis.