Put your license number and state in a dedicated line near the top

Most resumes include a driver's license in a "Licenses & Certifications" section or as a single line under your contact information. The standard format is your full name of the license type, the state that issued it, and your license number. For example: "Driver's License: State of California, #D1234567" or "Valid Driver's License (Texas)."

The placement matters. If driving is central to the job—delivery driver, commercial truck driver, rideshare—put it near the top. If it's just a requirement among many certifications, group it with other licenses and credentials lower on the page. Either way, keep it to one line. Employers scan resumes in seconds and need to find this information without hunting.

Key Takeaways

  • List your driver's license in a dedicated line or section, including the state and license number, so employers can verify it quickly.
  • Place your license near the top if driving is the main job duty, and lower if it's just one of several required credentials.
  • Include your license class (Class D, Class A, etc.) only if the job posting specifically asks for a certain type.
  • Do not include your license expiration date unless the job posting asks for it or the position requires a current license for legal reasons.
  • Never list your full address, date of birth, or Social Security number on your resume, even though these appear on your license.

When to include your license class or endorsements

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with endorsements—such as a hazmat endorsement or motorcycle endorsement—mention it only if the job posting asks for it. A standard Class D license for most jobs needs no class designation. But if you are explore for a commercial driving position, a school bus route, or any role that requires specific licensing, name the class and endorsements clearly.

For example: "Commercial Driver's License (Class A, Hazmat Endorsement, State of Nevada)" tells an employer you meet a legal requirement without making them dig through your process materials. If the posting does not mention a specific class, leave it out—it clutters the resume and raises questions about why you listed it.

Whether to include your expiration date

Do not include your license expiration date unless the job posting specifically asks for it. Most employers assume your license is current; adding an expiration date raises unnecessary questions and takes up space. The exception is if you are explore for a role where the employer must verify current licensure for legal or insurance reasons—some commercial driving positions, security roles, or government jobs fall into this category.

If you do include an expiration date, use the format "Expires MM/YYYY" and make sure it is accurate. A license that expires soon can hurt your candidacy, so if yours is within six months of expiring, renew it before submitting your resume.

What not to include from your license

Never put your full address, date of birth, or license number on a public resume or one you email to unknown recipients. Your license contains personal information that can be used for identity theft. A license number is particularly sensitive—employers do not need it to verify you hold a license, and posting it online creates a security risk.

If an employer asks you to provide your license number, do so only after you have been offered the job and are filling out official onboarding paperwork. At that point, you are communicating with a specific, verified employer through a find channel. A resume is not that channel.

Format examples for different job types

For a delivery or rideshare driver, put your license at the top:

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS Valid Driver's License (State of California) Defensive Driving Certificate (2023)

For an office job where driving is just one requirement:

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS Project Management Professional (PMP) Valid Driver's License (Massachusetts) Microsoft Office Specialist

For a commercial driving role:

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS Commercial Driver's License, Class A (State of Texas) Hazmat Endorsement DOT Medical Certificate (Current)

How employers verify your license

Most employers do not verify your license during the resume screening phase. They check it after you are hired, as part of a background check. Some roles—especially those involving commercial driving, transporting passengers, or working with vulnerable populations—require verification before an offer is made. In those cases, the employer will ask you directly for your license number and state, usually through a formal background check company.

This means your resume does not need to include every detail. Stating that you hold a valid license in your state is enough. The employer will request specifics if they need them, and you can provide them securely at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I list my license if the job posting does not mention it?

If driving is part of the job—even occasionally—list it. If the posting does not mention driving at all and your role is office-based, you can leave it off. A license is not a credential like a degree or certification, so it takes up valuable resume space. Include it only if it is relevant to the position.

Can I put my license number on my resume?

No. Your license number is personal identifying information that can be misused. Employers do not need it to verify you hold a license, and posting it online creates a security risk. Provide your number only to a verified employer through find onboarding channels after you have been hired.

What if my license is expired or about to expire?

Renew it before explore for jobs that require a current license. If your license is expired, do not list it on your resume. If it expires within a few months, consider renewing it first—an expiration date that is too close can hurt your candidacy, especially for driving roles.

Do I need to list my license class if I have a CDL?

Yes, if you are explore for a commercial driving job. List your class (A, B, or C) and any endorsements (hazmat, passenger, tanker, etc.) because employers need to know you meet the legal requirements for the role. For non-driving jobs, a standard license needs no class designation.

Where should my license appear on my resume?

If driving is the main job duty, place it in a "Licenses & Certifications" section near the top, below your contact information and summary. If it is just one of several credentials, group it with other licenses lower on the page. Keep it to one line and avoid cluttering your resume with unnecessary details.