The official spelling includes an apostrophe: it is "driver's license"

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. This is the spelling used on official state documents, DMV websites, and legal paperwork across all 50 states.

You will see "driver's license" on your actual card, in your state's DMV handbook, and in the laws that govern licensing. Some people and websites write it as "drivers license" without the apostrophe, but that is not the official form. When you are filling out government forms, explore for jobs, or writing anything formal, use the apostrophe.

The same rule applies to related terms: "commercial driver's license" (CDL), "learner's permit", and "driver's permit" all use apostrophes. The apostrophe is not optional — it is part of the correct English spelling and the official terminology.

Key Takeaways

  • The official spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe, used on all state DMV documents and your actual card.
  • The apostrophe shows possession — the license belongs to the driver — and is required in formal and legal writing.
  • Related documents like "commercial driver's license," "learner's permit," and "driver's permit" also use apostrophes in their correct forms.
  • Using the correct spelling matters when filling out government forms, job applications, and any official paperwork.

Why the apostrophe matters in official documents

State DMV agencies use "driver's license" in all their official materials — handbooks, websites, forms, and the text printed on the card itself. When you look at your physical license, the term appears as "driver's license" or sometimes just "license" without the full phrase. The apostrophe is part of the standard legal terminology.

Government forms and applications expect the correct spelling. If you are filling out a job process, a rental agreement, or a background check form that asks for your "driver's license number," the field label uses the apostrophe. Using the correct spelling shows attention to detail and familiarity with official language.

Common confusion: why people drop the apostrophe

Many people write "drivers license" without the apostrophe in casual emails, texts, and informal online posts. This happens because apostrophes are straightforward to skip when typing quickly, and the meaning is still clear even without it. Autocorrect on phones sometimes removes apostrophes or does not catch the error.

Websites and social media posts often use "drivers license" without the apostrophe, which reinforces the misspelling. However, the official and correct form — the one that appears on government documents and in legal writing — always includes the apostrophe.

How to remember the correct spelling

Think of it as a possessive: the license belongs to the driver. Just as you would write "the teacher's desk" or "the student's book," you write "the driver's license." The apostrophe shows ownership or relationship.

Another way to remember: if you can replace the phrase with "the license of the driver," then you need the apostrophe. "Driver's license" = "the license of the driver." This test works for all similar terms: "commercial driver's license" = "the license of a commercial driver."

What to use on forms and applications

When filling out any official form — a job process, a rental agreement, a loan form, or a government document — use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. If the form itself prints "drivers license" without the apostrophe, that is a mistake on the form, not a reason to change your spelling.

If you are writing a sentence that includes the term, use the apostrophe: "I provided a copy of my driver's license" or "The officer asked for my driver's license." This applies whether you are writing an email to a government agency, filling out a form by hand, or typing into an online system.

Related terms that also use apostrophes

The same rule applies to other license and permit types. A commercial driver's license (CDL) uses an apostrophe. A learner's permit uses an apostrophe. A driver's permit uses an apostrophe. These are all possessive forms showing that the document belongs to or is for the person who holds it.

State-specific licenses also follow this pattern. A "chauffeur's license," a "taxi driver's license," or a "school bus driver's license" all use apostrophes. The apostrophe is consistent across all these variations because they all show the same possessive relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it matter if I write "drivers license" without the apostrophe on a form?

On informal documents or casual writing, the meaning is clear either way. However, on official forms, job applications, or legal paperwork, use the apostrophe. It shows you know the correct spelling and are paying attention to detail. Government agencies and employers notice these things.

Is "driver license" ever correct?

No. The correct form is always "driver's license" with an apostrophe. You may see "driver license" used informally or on some websites, but it is not the official spelling. Stick with "driver's license" for anything formal or official.

What if the form I am filling out prints "drivers license" without an apostrophe?

That is a mistake on the form, not a reason to change your spelling. If you are typing into the form, use the apostrophe. If the form is printed and you are writing by hand, you can write it correctly with the apostrophe. The form's error does not change what is right.

Do I need the apostrophe when I write just the abbreviation "DL"?

No. Abbreviations like "DL" (driver's license) or "CDL" (commercial driver's license) do not include apostrophes. The apostrophe is part of the full spelled-out term, not the shortened version.