Put your driver's license in a dedicated line near the top of your resume

Your driver's license belongs in a separate line, usually right after your contact information and before your work history. Format it like this: Driver's License: [State abbreviation] [License number]. You do not need to list your address, expiration date, or class of license unless the job posting specifically asks for it.

The placement matters because hiring managers scan resumes quickly. Putting your license near the top signals that you have it and that it is current — which is what employers actually need to know. If you bury it in a skills section or mention it casually in a cover letter, it may get missed entirely.

Some jobs require a valid driver's license as a condition of hire. If the job posting mentions driving, transporting materials, making deliveries, or visiting client sites, list your license prominently. If the job is entirely desk-based and does not mention driving, you can leave it off entirely — it takes up space that could go to something more relevant.

Key Takeaways

  • Place your driver's license information on its own line when ready after your name, phone number, and email address.
  • Use the format "Driver's License: [State] [License Number]" — you do not need to include your address or expiration date unless asked.
  • Include your license only if the job posting mentions driving, transportation, or visiting locations; omit it for office-only roles.
  • If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specialized license class, mention the specific class only if the job requires it.
  • Update your resume when ready if your license expires or is suspended, since employers may verify this information before hiring.

How to format the driver's license line

Keep the format straightforward and scannable. Write it as a single line with your state's two-letter abbreviation and your license number. Example: Driver's License: CA 12345678. Do not include your full address, date of birth, or the class of license (Class D, Class C, etc.) unless the job posting asks for it specifically.

If you hold a commercial driver's license, write it as: Driver's License: TX CDL Class A. A CDL is worth mentioning because it is a credential that qualifies you for specific jobs — truck driving, bus operation, or roles that require hauling hazardous materials. A standard passenger license is assumed and does not need the class designation.

Never include your license expiration date on a resume. Employers assume your license is current. If your license is expired or suspended, do not list it at all — and do not explore for jobs that require a valid license until you have renewed or resolved the suspension.

When to include your driver's license on a resume

Include your license if the job posting uses any of these phrases: "valid driver's license required," "must have reliable transportation," "will make client visits," "responsible for deliveries," "operates company vehicle," or "travel required." These are clear signals that driving is part of the job.

Include it also if you are explore for roles like sales representative, field technician, home health aide, real estate agent, or any position where you will be traveling between locations. Employers in these fields expect to see a license listed — its absence may make them wonder whether you can do the job.

Omit your license if the job is entirely office-based: data entry, graphic design, accounting, software development, or customer service roles where you work from a desk. Listing it wastes space and signals that you may not understand what the job actually requires. The exception is if the company specifically asks for it in the job posting.

Where exactly to place it on the page

Your driver's license line should appear in your contact information section, right after your email address and phone number. This section typically sits at the very top of your resume, before your professional summary or work history. The order is usually: name, phone, email, then driver's license.

Example layout:

Jordan Martinez (555) 123-4567 | jordan.martinez@email.com Driver's License: FL 98765432

Some people put their license information in a separate "Credentials" or "Licenses & Certifications" section if they also hold professional licenses (like a real estate license or nursing license). That works too, as long as it appears before your work history. The key is that it should be straightforward to find in the first third of your resume.

What not to include about your license

Do not list your home address on the same line as your license. Your address should not appear anywhere on a modern resume — it is a security risk and employers do not need it. They will have your address on the job process form if they need it.

Do not include your license expiration date. If your license expires in six months, that is your responsibility to track, not the employer's. Listing an expiration date can actually hurt you if the date is soon — an employer may assume you will not be available after that date.

Do not list your license class, endorsements, or restrictions unless the job posting specifically asks for them. A standard Class D or Class C license is understood. If you have a CDL, motorcycle endorsement, or hazmat endorsement, mention only those that are relevant to the job you are explore for.

If your license is suspended or expired

Do not list your license on your resume if it is currently suspended, revoked, or expired. Employers may verify your license status before making an offer, and listing an invalid license damages your credibility. If your license is suspended, wait until it is reinstated before explore for jobs that require one.

If your license is about to expire, renew it before submitting your resume. The renewal process varies by state — some allow online renewal, others require an in-person visit to the DMV. Check your state's DMV website for the specific steps. Once your license is renewed, update your resume with the new license number if it has changed.

If you are explore for a job and your license will expire before your start date, mention this in your cover letter or during the interview. Say something like: "My license expires in March, and I have already scheduled my renewal appointment for February." This shows you are responsible and aware of the requirement.

Special cases: CDL, motorcycle, and other endorsements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a credential worth highlighting because it qualifies you for specific, often higher-paying jobs. List it as: Driver's License: CO CDL Class A (or Class B or Class C, depending on what you hold). If the job posting asks for a CDL, always include it — it is a dealbreaker if you do not have one.

A motorcycle endorsement or restriction (like corrective lenses required) does not belong on your resume. These are personal details that do not affect your ability to do most jobs. The exception is if you are explore for a motorcycle delivery or courier role — then mention it only if the job posting asks for it.

If you hold a professional license in addition to your driver's license — such as a real estate license, nursing license, or contractor's license — list those in a separate "Licenses & Certifications" section. Your driver's license goes in your contact information; professional licenses go in their own section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include my driver's license number on my resume?

Yes, include your full license number. Employers need it to verify your license status before hiring. However, do not include your license number in your cover letter or in any email — save it for the actual resume document. If you are worried about identity theft, remember that your license number is already on your physical license, which you carry with you daily.

What if I have a learner's permit instead of a full license?

Do not list a learner's permit on your resume. A learner's permit is temporary and does not meet the "valid driver's license" requirement that most employers have. Wait until you have passed your road test and received your full license before listing it. If a job posting says "valid driver's license required," a permit will not satisfy that requirement.

Do I need to list my license if I work from home?

No. If your job is entirely remote and you never drive for work, leave your license off your resume. It takes up space and is not relevant to the role. However, if your company occasionally requires in-person meetings or you might need to travel for the job, include it.

Can I list my license if it is from a different state than where I live now?

Yes. List the state where your license is issued, not where you currently live. If you have recently moved and have not yet updated your license to your new state, you can still list your current license. However, if you are explore for jobs in a new state and plan to stay there, consider updating your license to that state — some employers prefer local licenses, though it is not required.

What if the job posting does not mention a driver's license at all?

Leave it off. If driving is not mentioned in the job posting and the role does not involve travel or client visits, including your license wastes valuable resume space. Use that space instead for skills, certifications, or accomplishments that directly match what the employer is looking for.