List your driver's license only if the job requires or values it

Most jobs do not need your driver's license number on a resume. Employers who need to know you have a valid license will ask for proof during the hiring process or background check — they do not need the number itself beforehand. The exception is jobs where driving is central to the role: commercial delivery, rideshare, taxi, school bus operation, or positions requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, stating that you hold a valid license (and the class, if relevant) tells the employer you meet a basic job requirement.

Never list your license number, expiration date, or state on a resume. That information is personal identification data that creates security and identity theft risk. Employers conducting background checks will request these details through proper channels — they do not need them on your resume.

The decision to mention your license at all depends on the job posting and your own situation. If the posting says "valid driver's license required" or "must have reliable transportation," include it. If driving is not mentioned and not part of the job, leave it off. A resume cluttered with irrelevant credentials weakens your process.

Key Takeaways

  • Include your driver's license on a resume only if the job posting requires one or if driving is a core part of the role.
  • State that you hold a valid license and the class (Class D, CDL, etc.) — never include your license number, expiration date, or state.
  • For commercial driving jobs, specify your CDL class and any endorsements (hazmat, passenger, tanker) if you hold them.
  • List your license in a "Licenses and Certifications" section, not in your work history or skills section.
  • If you do not yet have a license but the job requires one, do not list it; instead, address it in your cover letter or during the interview.

Where to place your driver's license on the resume

Create a section called "Licenses and Certifications" and list your driver's license there alongside any other professional licenses or certifications you hold. This section typically appears near the top of your resume, after your contact information and professional summary, or near the bottom after work experience and education — placement depends on how central the license is to the job.

For jobs where driving is the main function (delivery driver, bus operator, chauffeur), place the licenses section higher, closer to your summary. For jobs where a license is a secondary requirement (field technician, sales representative), place it lower. Keep the format straightforward and consistent with the rest of your resume.

Do not scatter license information throughout your resume. Avoid mentioning it in your work history ("Drove company vehicle") or skills section ("Driving"). A dedicated section makes it straightforward for a hiring manager to confirm you meet the requirement at a glance.

How to format your driver's license entry

Write your license entry in one of these formats:

  • Class D Driver's License, State of [State] — for standard passenger vehicle licenses
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class A, State of [State] — for commercial driving roles
  • CDL, Class B with Hazmat Endorsement, State of [State] — if you hold endorsements

Include the state because employers sometimes need to verify that your license is valid in the state where you will work. If you hold a license in one state but are explore for jobs in another, list your current license state. If you are relocating or have recently moved, you may note "valid in [new state]" if you have already transferred it, but this is optional.

Do not include your license number, expiration date, or issue date. Do not write "Active" or "Current" — that is assumed. Do not list multiple state licenses unless you hold them simultaneously and the job requires it (rare).

Commercial driver's license (CDL) entries and endorsements

If you hold a CDL, specify the class because different classes permit different vehicle weights and types. Class A allows you to operate combination vehicles (tractor-trailer) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds. Class B allows single vehicles over 26,001 pounds but not combinations. Class C is for smaller commercial vehicles. Employers hiring for specific roles need to know which class you hold.

List any endorsements you carry if they are relevant to the job. Common endorsements include Hazmat (hazardous materials), Passenger (P), Tanker (N), and Double/Triple Trailers (T). If the job posting mentions any of these, include them on your resume. If they are not mentioned, you can still list them — they show additional qualifications — but they are not required.

Example: Commercial Driver's License, Class A with Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements, State of Texas. This format is clear and tells the employer exactly what you are authorized to do.

When not to list your driver's license

Do not list your license if the job does not require or mention it. Including irrelevant information makes your resume longer and suggests you do not understand the role. A hiring manager for an office-based accounting position does not care whether you have a driver's license; including it wastes space and distracts from your actual qualifications.

If you are explore for a job that requires a license but you do not yet have one, do not list it on your resume. Instead, address it directly in your cover letter: "I am in the process of obtaining my CDL and expect to pass the exam by [date]." This shows you are aware of the requirement and are taking action. If you mention it in the cover letter, the hiring manager will not expect to see it on the resume.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, do not list it. If the employer runs a background check or driving record check (common for driving jobs), they will discover this. Listing a license you do not currently hold is dishonest and will disqualify you when ready.

Special situations: Restricted licenses and out-of-state moves

If you hold a restricted license (limited to daylight hours, no highway driving, or other restrictions), list it as "Class D Driver's License (Restricted)" and include the state. Some employers will accept restricted licenses for certain roles; others will not. Listing the restriction is honest and allows the employer to decide whether it works for the position. Do not hide it and hope they do not notice during the background check.

If you are relocating and have a license from your current state but will be working in a new state, list your current license. You are not required to transfer your license before starting a job; most states give you 30 to 60 days after establishing residency to do so. Once you transfer it, update your resume if you are still job hunting. If you have already transferred it, list the new state.

If you hold licenses in multiple states (uncommon but possible if you work across state lines), list only the one relevant to the job you are explore for. If the job genuinely requires licenses in multiple states, list them separately: "Class D Driver's License, State of New York" and "Class D Driver's License, State of New Jersey."

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include my driver's license if I have a perfect driving record?

No. Your driving record is not part of your resume — it is part of your background check, which the employer will request if the job requires it. A perfect record is good, but it does not belong on your resume. List only that you hold a valid license.

Can I list my driver's license if I am still waiting for it to arrive in the mail?

No. Do not list it until you have the physical license or can confirm it is active in the state system. If you passed the test but have not received the card, contact your state DMV to confirm your license is issued and active, then you can list it. If you have not yet passed the test, do not list it.

Do I need to list my driver's license if I have a CDL?

No. A CDL is a separate, higher-level license. List only the CDL. You do not need to mention that you also hold a Class D; the CDL supersedes it.

What if the job posting says "valid driver's license required" but does not specify which class?

List the class you hold. If you have a Class D and the job requires a CDL, you do not meet the requirement — do not explore or note in your cover letter that you are willing to obtain the CDL. If you have a CDL and the job asks for any valid license, listing your CDL shows you exceed the requirement.

Should I list my license if I work remotely and never drive for the job?

No. If you work remotely and driving is not part of your duties, do not include it. The job posting will tell you if a license is required; if it is not mentioned, leave it off your resume.