Put your license number and state in the top section, near your contact information

Add your driver's license to your resume in the header or contact information area, the same place you list your phone number and email. Write it as "Driver's License: [State abbreviation] [License Number]" — for example, "Driver's License: CA 12345678" or "Driver's License: TX D1234567890." Some people add the expiration date if the license is current, though it is not required.

The exact format depends on what the job requires. If the posting says "valid driver's license required," listing it proves you meet that threshold. If the job does not mention it, you can still include it — it takes one line and answers a question many employers ask during screening.

Place it after your name and phone number but before or after your address, depending on how much space you have. Many resumes no longer list a full address (just city and state), so your license information will not crowd the page.

Key Takeaways

  • List your driver's license in your contact information section at the top of your resume, using the format "Driver's License: [State] [Number]."
  • Include the expiration date only if it is current; do not list an expired license.
  • Add your license if the job posting requires one, or if the role involves driving, travel, or field work.
  • You do not need to list your license if the job is office-based and does not mention driving as a requirement.
  • Never include your Social Security number, full date of birth, or any identification beyond your license number and state.

When to include your driver's license on a resume

Include your license if the job posting specifically asks for one or if the role involves driving. Positions like delivery driver, sales representative, field technician, rideshare driver, or any job that requires travel to client sites should list it. Employers in these fields often screen for a valid license before calling you in.

If the job is entirely office-based and makes no mention of driving, you can leave it off. Your resume space is limited, and employers will ask about your license during the process or interview if they need to know. However, including it does no harm — it is one line and shows you have cleared a common requirement.

Include it if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with special endorsements (motorcycle, hazmat, passenger). These are qualifications, not just proof of identity, and they belong on your resume the same way certifications do.

What information to include and what to leave out

Write only your state and license number. Do not include your full date of birth, Social Security number, or any other identification. Do not list your address separately if you have already listed your city and state in your contact information — it is redundant and raises privacy concerns.

If your license is expired, do not list it. If it expires soon but is still valid, you can include it, but be prepared to explain during an interview that you plan to renew it. Many employers will not hire someone whose license expires before the job starts.

If you have moved states and hold a license from a state where you no longer live, list the state where you currently hold your license. If you hold licenses in multiple states, list the one most relevant to the job location.

How to format it alongside other contact details

Your contact section at the top of your resume typically looks like this:

Jane Smith (555) 123-4567 | jane.smith@email.com | City, State Driver's License: CA 12345678

Keep it on one or two lines. If you have limited space, you can condense it to the same line as your city and state: "City, State | Driver's License: CA 12345678." The goal is to make it visible without taking up extra room.

If you have a LinkedIn profile or portfolio website, you can list those in your contact section too, but your license information should come before links to external sites. Employers scan the top of your resume first, and your license is more when ready relevant than a portfolio link.

Special cases: CDL, endorsements, and restricted licenses

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), list it prominently. Write "Commercial Driver's License (CDL): [State] [Number]" or "CDL Class A: [State] [Number]" if you want to specify the class. A CDL is a qualification, not just proof of identity, so it belongs on your resume even if the job posting does not mention it.

If your license has endorsements — such as hazmat (H), passenger (P), or tanker (N) — include them. Write "Driver's License: TX 12345678 (Hazmat Endorsement)" or list them in a separate line if you have multiple endorsements. Employers in transportation, logistics, and hazmat roles will screen for these specifically.

If your license is restricted — for example, you can drive only during daylight hours or only with corrective lenses — you do not need to list the restriction on your resume. However, be honest about it during the interview and on any official process form the employer provides.

Updating your resume when your license expires or changes

Set a reminder to update your resume when your license is about to expire. If you are actively job hunting, update it when ready after you renew. If your new license has a different number (which happens in some states), change it on your resume before you send it to any employer.

If you move to a new state and get a new license, update your resume with the new state and number. Do not list both licenses unless you hold them simultaneously, which is rare.

If you lose your license or it is suspended, remove it from your resume. If an employer asks about it during an interview, be honest about the status and explain what you are doing to resolve it. Many employers will work with you if you are transparent, but they will not hire you if they discover you lied on your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include my driver's license if the job does not mention it?

You can include it without harm — it takes one line and shows you meet a common requirement. However, if the job is office-based and has nothing to do with driving, leaving it off is also fine. Employers will ask if they need to know.

What if my license is from a different state than where I am explore?

List the state where you currently hold your license. If you are relocating and do not yet have a license in the new state, list your current license and mention in your cover letter or interview that you plan to transfer it. Many employers understand that relocation takes time.

Can I list my license number if I am worried about identity theft?

Your license number alone is not enough for someone to steal your identity, but if you are uncomfortable including it, you can write "Driver's License: Valid" or straightforward leave it off. However, most employers expect the full number if you list it at all, so check the job posting to see what they ask for.

Do I need to include my license expiration date?

No, but you can if your license is current and expires far in the future. If it expires within a year, you can include the date to show it is still valid. If it expires soon, leave the date off and be ready to explain during an interview that you plan to renew it.

What if I have a CDL and a regular driver's license?

List your CDL, since it is the higher qualification. You do not need to list both. If the job requires only a regular license, listing your CDL is even better — it shows you have more training and capability.