The correct term is "driver's license" with an apostrophe
The correct spelling is driver's license — with an apostrophe between "driver" and the "s". The apostrophe shows that the license belongs to the driver. You will see it written this way on official documents, government websites, and in state laws.
The spelling "drivers license" without an apostrophe is a common mistake, but it is not correct. It appears in casual writing and some informal online spaces, but it does not match the official standard used by the Department of Motor Vehicles in any state.
The same rule applies to related terms: "driver's permit," "driver's test," and "driver's education" all use the possessive apostrophe because the permit, test, or education belongs to the driver.
Key Takeaways
- The correct spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe, showing the license belongs to the driver.
- All official government documents, state DMV websites, and laws use the possessive form with an apostrophe.
- Related terms like "driver's permit" and "driver's test" follow the same possessive rule.
- The misspelling "drivers license" without an apostrophe is common but incorrect and should not be used on official forms or documents.
Why the apostrophe matters on official paperwork
When you fill out forms for your license or permit, use the correct spelling with the apostrophe. Government agencies, insurance companies, and courts all recognize "driver's license" as the standard. Using the wrong spelling on an official document could cause confusion or delay processing, even though most people will understand what you mean.
Your state's DMV website will always show "driver's license" in its official materials, renewal notices, and legal language. If you are unsure which spelling to use on a form, check the form itself — it will show you the correct version.
How autocorrect and spell-check handle this term
Most word processors and spell-check tools will flag "drivers license" as incorrect and suggest "driver's license" instead. However, some older systems or informal platforms may not catch this error. If you are writing something official — an email to the DMV, a form, or a document for court — always use the possessive form with the apostrophe.
Autocorrect on phones sometimes removes apostrophes in text messages, so if you are texting about your license, the phone may change it to "drivers license" automatically. This is fine for casual texting, but revert to the correct spelling for anything formal.
The possessive rule in English grammar
The apostrophe in "driver's license" follows the standard English rule for possessives. When something belongs to a person or group, you add an apostrophe and "s" to show ownership. Examples include "the student's book," "the teacher's desk," and "the officer's badge." A driver's license is a license that belongs to a driver, so the possessive form is correct.
This is different from a plural. If you were talking about many drivers (not their licenses), you would write "drivers" without an apostrophe. But when you are talking about a license that belongs to a driver, the apostrophe is required.
What you will see on your actual license document
The physical card you receive from your state DMV will not have the words "driver's license" printed on it in most cases. Instead, it will say something like "Driver License" or "Operator License" depending on your state. Some states use "Chauffeur License" for commercial drivers. The official document itself may not include the apostrophe because it is a title or label, not a possessive phrase.
However, when you refer to that document in writing or speech, the correct term is still "driver's license" with the apostrophe. The document's official label and the grammatically correct way to describe it are two different things.
Common places where the wrong spelling appears
You will see "drivers license" without an apostrophe on some websites, in casual social media posts, and in informal business writing. Some companies and organizations use it incorrectly in their own materials, which can make the error seem more common than it is. However, this does not make it correct — it is straightforward a widespread mistake.
Government agencies, legal documents, and educational materials almost always use the correct possessive form. If you are ever in doubt about which spelling to use, look at official state DMV websites or your state's vehicle code — they will show you the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the apostrophe on official DMV forms?
Yes, use "driver's license" with the apostrophe on all official forms and documents. If a form has a blank where you need to write the term, write it correctly. Most forms will show you the correct spelling in their instructions or labels, so follow what the form displays.
Does it matter if I use the wrong spelling in an email to the DMV?
The DMV will understand what you mean either way, but using the correct spelling shows attention to detail and professionalism. For official communication with government agencies, always use the possessive form with the apostrophe.
Why do some states print "Driver License" without an apostrophe on the card itself?
State DMV cards use simplified titles and labels to save space and keep the design clean. A label like "Driver License" is treated as a proper noun or title, not a possessive phrase. But when you write about that document in a sentence, the grammatically correct term is still "driver's license" with the apostrophe.
Is "drivers license" ever acceptable?
It is not correct in formal or official writing. You may see it in casual online spaces or informal texts, but it should not appear on government forms, legal documents, or professional communication. When in doubt, use the possessive form with the apostrophe.