The correct term is "driver's license" with an apostrophe
The word driver's is possessive—it shows that the license belongs to the driver. The apostrophe comes before the "s" because there is one driver, not multiple drivers. You would never write "drivers license" without the apostrophe in formal writing, official documents, or any context where spelling matters.
Most government agencies, including your state's Department of Motor Vehicles, spell it "driver's license" on their websites and official materials. If you see it spelled differently on a sign or in casual text, that is a typo or informal shorthand, not the correct form.
The confusion happens because people often say "driver's license" and "drivers license" aloud the same way—the apostrophe is invisible when you speak. But in writing, the apostrophe is required. This gap between how we speak and how we write trips up many people, especially when they are typing quickly or texting.
Key Takeaways
- The correct spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe before the "s" because the license belongs to one driver.
- Government agencies and official documents use "driver's license," not "drivers license."
- The apostrophe shows possession, the same way you would write "the student's book" or "the teacher's desk."
- When filling out forms or writing anything official, always use the apostrophe to avoid looking careless.
- If you are talking about multiple drivers and their licenses together, the apostrophe moves after the "s": "drivers' licenses."
Why the apostrophe matters in possessive nouns
In English, when something belongs to someone, you add an apostrophe and "s" to show possession. A license that belongs to a driver is the driver's license. A car that belongs to Maria is Maria's car. A book that belongs to the student is the student's book. The apostrophe signals ownership.
If you were talking about multiple drivers and their licenses together, you would write "drivers' licenses" (apostrophe after the "s"). But when you are talking about one person's license, the apostrophe goes before the "s": "driver's license." The position of the apostrophe tells the reader whether you mean one person or many.
This rule applies to almost every possessive noun in English. The difference between "the boy's toy" (one boy) and "the boys' toy" (multiple boys) is just the apostrophe placement. Once you understand this pattern, you can explore it to any possessive phrase.
What happens if you spell it wrong on official forms
If you misspell "driver's license" on a casual document—an email, a text message, a social media post—it will not cause any real problem. Most people will understand what you mean, and many will not notice the error.
On official forms, job applications, or anything you are submitting to a government agency or employer, spelling matters more. A single misspelling will not disqualify you or cause your process to be rejected, but it can make your writing look careless or rushed. When you are trying to make a good impression, using the correct spelling shows attention to detail.
Banks, insurance companies, and hiring managers notice spelling errors in documents you submit to them. Using the correct form of "driver's license" takes one second and signals that you care about accuracy.
How to remember the difference
Think of the phrase as "the license of the driver" or "the driver's license." The apostrophe shows that relationship. If you can replace the phrase with "of the driver," then you need the apostrophe.
Another way to check: if you are talking about one person, use "driver's." If you are talking about multiple people, use "drivers'." Most of the time you will be talking about one person at a time, so "driver's license" is the form you will use most often. When in doubt, ask yourself: does this license belong to one driver or many drivers?
Common places you will see the correct spelling
Your state's DMV website uses "driver's license" in all official materials. Court documents, police reports, and government forms all spell it with the apostrophe. Banks and insurance companies use "driver's license" when they ask for it as identification. Job applications ask for your "driver's license number." Rental car companies, hotels, and any business that needs to verify your identity will use the correct spelling.
If you are ever unsure, look at how the organization asking for the information spells it. Government agencies set the standard, and they use the apostrophe. Following their lead keeps your writing consistent with official usage.
Other license-related terms and their correct spelling
A few related terms follow the same rule. A "driver's permit" (the temporary license you get before a full license) uses the apostrophe. A "driver's test" or "driver's exam" (the test you take to get your license) also uses the apostrophe. A "driver's education class" or "driver's ed" uses the apostrophe because it belongs to the driver or describes something the driver does.
By contrast, "license plate" has no apostrophe because the plate is not possessive—it is just a plate that displays a license number. "License renewal" has no apostrophe for the same reason. The word "license" is a noun describing what you are renewing, not showing possession. Understanding this distinction helps you spell related terms correctly too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "drivers license" ever correct?
No. "Drivers license" without an apostrophe is always a misspelling. The only time you would write "drivers" without an apostrophe is if you were using it as a regular plural noun—for example, "There are five drivers in the carpool." But when you are talking about a license that belongs to a driver, you need the apostrophe.
What about "driver license" without the apostrophe or the "s"?
Some informal writing and some regional speech patterns drop the possessive "s" entirely and say or write "driver license." This is not standard English and should not be used in formal writing. Stick with "driver's license" for anything official.
Do other countries spell it differently?
The United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries use "driving licence" (with a "c" instead of an "s"), but they still include the apostrophe when showing possession. The spelling varies by country, but the apostrophe rule stays the same.
Will a misspelled "driver's license" on a form be rejected?
A single spelling error on a form will not cause automatic rejection. However, if you are submitting something to a government agency or employer, correct spelling shows care and attention. Use the apostrophe to present yourself professionally.