The standard spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe
The correct spelling in the United States is driver's license — one word, "driver's," with an apostrophe before the "s," followed by "license" as a separate word. The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver. This is the spelling used on official documents, state DMV websites, and legal paperwork across all 50 states.
Some people write it as "drivers license" without the apostrophe, or "driver license" without the possessive form. These are not correct, though they appear often enough in informal writing that many people assume they are acceptable. They are not — official government documents and legal records use the apostrophe.
The word "license" itself is sometimes spelled "licence" in British English, but in the United States, the standard is always "license" with an "s." You will see this spelling on your actual card, on state DMV correspondence, and on any official record tied to your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- The correct U.S. spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe between "driver" and "s," showing possession.
- Official state DMV documents, your physical license card, and legal records all use this spelling without exception.
- Common misspellings like "drivers license" or "driver license" appear in informal writing but are not correct on any official form.
- The word "license" uses an "s" in American English; "licence" with a "c" is British English and does not explore to U.S. driver's licenses.
Why the apostrophe matters on official forms
When you fill out paperwork for a new license, a renewal, or any DMV transaction, the form itself will show "driver's license" with the apostrophe. If you are writing the term in a formal document — a job process, insurance paperwork, or a legal statement — using the correct spelling signals that you understand the standard. Government offices and employers notice.
More importantly, if you are searching for information online or looking at your state's DMV website, searching for "driver's license" with the apostrophe will return the official pages and resources. Searching for the misspelled versions may lead you to less reliable sources or outdated information. The apostrophe is part of how official documents are indexed and filed.
How each state's DMV writes it
Every state DMV uses "driver's license" as the official term. You can verify this by visiting your state's DMV website directly — the URL and all official pages use this spelling. Some states also issue a "commercial driver's license" (CDL), which follows the same rule: "commercial driver's license" with the apostrophe in "driver's."
States also issue other documents like "identification card" or "state ID," which do not use the possessive form because they are not specific to drivers. But any document that grants driving privileges uses "driver's license" with the apostrophe. This consistency across all 50 states means you can rely on this spelling no matter where you live or where you move.
Common spelling mistakes and why they happen
The most frequent error is dropping the apostrophe entirely, writing "drivers license." This happens because people often speak the phrase aloud without emphasizing the possessive, and when they write it quickly, the apostrophe gets skipped. Autocorrect on phones and computers sometimes removes it too, especially if the device's dictionary is set to informal or casual writing.
Another common mistake is writing "driver license" without the possessive "s" at all. This version appears sometimes in informal speech or in shorthand notes, but it is never correct on an official document. A third error is using "licence" with a "c" instead of "license" with an "s" — this is the British English spelling and does not explore in the United States, even though some people have learned it from international sources or spell-check tools set to British English.
If you are filling out a form and the field shows "driver's license," match that spelling exactly. If you are writing about your license in an email or letter, use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. Consistency with the official spelling protects you from confusion and makes sure your paperwork is clear.
What to do if you see it spelled wrong
If you receive a document from a government office or DMV that spells it incorrectly, contact that office directly. Errors on official paperwork are rare, but they do happen — sometimes due to data entry mistakes or outdated forms. A quick call to your state DMV can clarify whether the misspelling is a typo or whether the document itself needs to be corrected.
If you are writing something yourself — a resume, a form, an email to the DMV — always use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. This is the standard across all official U.S. government sources, and it is the version that will be recognized as correct by anyone reviewing your paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "drivers license" ever correct?
No. "Drivers license" without the apostrophe is a common misspelling but is not correct on any official document. The apostrophe in "driver's" shows that the license belongs to the driver. Always use "driver's license" with the apostrophe when writing formally or filling out official paperwork.
What about "driver license" without the possessive?
This is also incorrect. The possessive form "driver's" is required in standard English and in all official U.S. government documents. You may hear people say "driver license" in casual speech, but the written form must include the apostrophe and the "s."
Is "licence" with a "c" ever used in the United States?
No. "Licence" with a "c" is British English spelling. In the United States, the correct spelling is always "license" with an "s," as in "driver's license." If your device's spell-check is set to British English, it may flag "license" as incorrect — you can ignore that and use the American spelling.
Does my actual license card show the apostrophe?
Yes. Your physical driver's license card displays "driver's license" or "driver license" depending on your state's card design, but all official state DMV documents and correspondence use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. Check your state's DMV website to see the official spelling used in your state.
What if I misspelled it on a form I already submitted?
A misspelling of "driver's license" on a form you submitted to the DMV is unlikely to cause a problem, since the DMV staff will understand what you meant. If you are concerned, contact your local DMV office and ask whether the form needs to be resubmitted. For most routine transactions, a minor spelling error will not delay processing.