An endorsement is a restriction or permission added to your driver's license that limits what you can legally drive or requires you to follow special rules

An endorsement is a letter code printed on your driver's license that either restricts the types of vehicles you can drive or requires you to meet extra conditions while driving. The most common endorsement is H, which means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). Others restrict you to automatic transmissions, prohibit towing, or require you to use an ignition interlock device if you have a DUI conviction.

Endorsements are different from license classes. Your class (like Class D for regular cars, or Class A for tractor-trailers) tells you what vehicle categories you can operate. An endorsement modifies that permission — it either narrows it or adds a requirement you must follow. If you drive in violation of an endorsement, you can be cited even if you are otherwise driving legally.

Each state uses its own endorsement codes, so an H in one state means the same thing as an H in another, but a state-specific code like K might mean something different depending on where you live. Your license document will list your endorsements in a dedicated section, usually near your restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Endorsements are letter codes on your license that restrict what you can drive or require you to follow special conditions while driving.
  • The most common endorsement is H, which means you must wear corrective lenses at all times while driving.
  • Endorsements are not the same as license classes; they modify or add conditions to the class you hold.
  • Violating an endorsement — for example, driving without glasses when H is on your license — can result in a traffic citation.
  • Each state defines its own endorsement codes, so check your state's DMV handbook to understand what each code on your license means.

Common endorsements and what they require

The H endorsement (corrective lenses) is the most widespread. If your vision test shows you need glasses or contacts to drive safely, the DMV will add an H to your license. You must wear your corrective lenses every time you drive, even for short trips. If you are stopped and do not have them on, you can be ticketed.

The I endorsement (automatic transmission only) appears on licenses issued to drivers who passed their road test in an automatic vehicle. If you have an I endorsement, you cannot legally drive a manual transmission car. To remove it, you must retake your road test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass.

The K endorsement (no towing) restricts you from towing any trailer, including small utility trailers. This endorsement is often issued to drivers who fail the towing portion of a commercial license test or who do not complete towing training. Some states use different codes for towing restrictions, so check your state's DMV guide.

An ignition interlock device (IID) endorsement is required after certain DUI or DWI convictions. It means your vehicle must have a breath-testing device installed, and you must blow into it before the engine will start. The device also requires rolling retests while you drive. This endorsement stays on your license for a court-ordered period, typically one to three years depending on your conviction and state law.

How endorsements appear on your license and what they cost

Endorsements are printed directly on your physical license card in a section labeled "Restrictions" or "Endorsements," depending on your state's format. They appear as single letters or short codes. When you renew your license, the DMV will carry forward any endorsements that are still active unless you have completed the steps to remove them.

Most endorsements do not cost extra when they are first issued — they are added at no charge during your initial license process or renewal. However, if you want to remove an endorsement, you may need to pay a fee to retake a test or reapply. For example, removing an I endorsement requires retaking your road test, which usually costs between $10 and $50 depending on your state.

An ignition interlock device endorsement comes with real costs beyond the license itself. Installing and maintaining an IID typically costs $60 to $150 per month, and you are responsible for that expense. Some states offer payment plans or waivers for low-income drivers, so contact your local DMV or the court that ordered the device to ask about options.

How to find out what endorsements are on your license

Your endorsements are listed on the physical license card itself. Look for a section labeled "Restrictions," "Endorsements," or "Special Conditions" — the exact label varies by state. The codes will be printed as letters or short alphanumeric strings. If you cannot read them clearly, you can request a replacement license from your state DMV.

You can also view your license information online through your state's DMV portal. Most states allow you to log in with your driver's license number and date of birth to see a digital copy of your license, including all endorsements and restrictions. This is useful if you need to show proof of your endorsements to an employer or insurance company.

If you are unsure what a specific endorsement code means, consult your state's DMV handbook or website. Each state publishes a guide that explains all endorsement codes used on licenses issued in that state. You can also call your local DMV office and ask them to explain what each code on your license means.

Removing or changing an endorsement

Some endorsements are permanent for the life of your license (like an I endorsement for automatic transmission only), while others expire or can be removed once you meet certain conditions. An ignition interlock endorsement, for example, is removed automatically once the court-ordered period ends and you provide proof to the DMV that the device has been uninstalled.

To remove an I endorsement, you must retake your road test in a manual transmission vehicle and pass. Once you pass, you can request a license renewal or replacement, and the endorsement will be removed. Some states allow you to take the test at any time; others require you to wait until your license renewal date.

A corrective lenses (H) endorsement can be removed if your vision improves enough to meet the DMV's standard without correction. You would need to pass a new vision test at the DMV to prove this. In most cases, this is rare — if you needed glasses when you got your license, you will likely need them for the life of your license.

If you believe an endorsement was added to your license by mistake, contact your state DMV with documentation of your test results or medical records. The DMV can review your file and correct errors, though this process usually takes several weeks.

How endorsements affect insurance and employment

Insurance companies can see your endorsements when they pull your driving record. If you have an ignition interlock endorsement, your insurer will know you have a DUI or DWI conviction, and your rates will reflect that history. An H endorsement (corrective lenses) typically does not affect your rate, because it is a safety measure you are already following.

Some employers, particularly those hiring commercial drivers or drivers for delivery services, will check your license endorsements as part of the hiring process. If a job requires you to tow trailers and you have a K endorsement (no towing), you would not be able to take that position unless you first remove the endorsement by passing the required test.

If you are required to have an ignition interlock device, you must disclose this to your insurance company. Failure to do so can result in a claim denial if you are in an accident. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and will insure you with an IID endorsement, but rates will be higher than standard coverage.

Endorsements versus restrictions: what is the difference

The terms "endorsement" and "restriction" are sometimes used interchangeably on driver's licenses, but they technically mean different things. An endorsement is a permission or requirement — it tells you what you must do or what special condition applies to your driving. An restriction is a limitation — it tells you what you cannot do.

In practice, most state DMVs print both endorsements and restrictions in the same section of your license, and the distinction is not always clear to drivers. What matters is understanding what each code on your license means and following it. If you are unsure whether a code is an endorsement or a restriction, your state's DMV handbook will clarify.

For example, an H endorsement (corrective lenses) is technically an endorsement because it requires you to do something (wear glasses). A K endorsement (no towing) is technically a restriction because it prohibits you from doing something (towing). But both appear in the same section of your license, and both are legally binding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without following an endorsement on my license?

No. Endorsements are legally binding conditions of your license. If you drive in violation of an endorsement — for example, driving without glasses when you have an H endorsement — you can be cited by law enforcement. The citation is separate from any other traffic violation and can result in fines or points on your record.

Do I need to tell my insurance company about endorsements on my license?

You must disclose an ignition interlock device endorsement to your insurer. Other endorsements like H (corrective lenses) or I (automatic transmission only) do not usually need to be reported, but your insurer will see them when they pull your driving record. If you have a DUI-related endorsement, your rates will increase.

What happens if I get a new endorsement after I already have a license?

If you receive a new endorsement — for example, an ignition interlock device after a DUI conviction — the DMV will issue you a new license with the endorsement added. You do not have to wait for your renewal date. The court or DMV will notify you of the requirement and the process to obtain your updated license.

Can I remove an endorsement before my license expires?

It depends on the endorsement. An I endorsement (automatic transmission only) can be removed by retaking your road test in a manual vehicle. An H endorsement (corrective lenses) can be removed if your vision improves and you pass a new vision test. An ignition interlock endorsement is removed automatically once the court-ordered period ends. Check with your state DMV about the specific process for the endorsement you want to remove.

Will an endorsement show up on a background check for a job?

A standard background check will not show your license endorsements unless the employer specifically requests a copy of your driving record. However, if you are explore for a job that requires driving — especially commercial driving — the employer will likely pull your full driving record, which includes all endorsements and restrictions. Be honest about any endorsements during the hiring process.