The correct spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe

The official spelling used by every U.S. state DMV and the federal government 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 this spelling on state websites, official documents, and government forms.

"Drivers license" without an apostrophe is a common misspelling, but it is not correct in formal writing or on official paperwork. Many people write it this way by habit or because autocorrect sometimes misses it, but state agencies and legal documents always use the possessive form.

The same rule applies to related terms: "driver's permit," "driver's test," and "driver's record" all use the apostrophe because the permit, test, or record belongs to the driver.

Key Takeaways

  • The correct spelling is "driver's license" with an apostrophe, used by all U.S. state DMVs and federal agencies.
  • The apostrophe indicates possession — the license belongs to the driver.
  • Official documents, government websites, and legal forms always use the possessive spelling.
  • Related terms like "driver's permit" and "driver's record" follow the same rule.
  • Using the correct spelling matters when filling out forms or searching for official information online.

Why the apostrophe matters on official forms

When you fill out a government form or search a state DMV website, using the correct spelling helps you find what you need. State databases and search functions are built around the official spelling. If you are looking for your "driver's license record" on a state website, searching for "drivers license" might return fewer results or direct you to a help page instead of the actual form.

On applications and legal documents, spelling counts. A form that asks for your "driver's license number" is asking for the number on the document with the apostrophe. Using the wrong spelling in your own writing on a form will not cause rejection, but it signals unfamiliarity with the official terminology.

How other English-speaking countries spell it

The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all use "driving licence" or "driving license" — not "driver's license." The term refers to the license itself, not to something that belongs to a driver. In American English, however, the possessive form "driver's license" has been standard for decades and is what appears on all U.S. state documents.

If you are reading material from outside the United States or from international sources, you may see different spellings. But within the U.S. system, "driver's license" is the only correct form for official purposes.

Common places you will see the correct spelling

State DMV websites use "driver's license" in their navigation menus, form titles, and instructional pages. When you renew your license online, the confirmation email will refer to your "driver's license." Court documents, insurance forms, and police reports all use the possessive spelling.

The Social Security Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and other federal agencies also use "driver's license" with the apostrophe in their official guidance and forms. Banks and employers asking for identification will request your "driver's license" on their paperwork.

Why people misspell it

The misspelling "drivers license" is so common that many people assume it is correct. Autocorrect on phones and computers sometimes fails to catch it, especially if you type quickly. Informal writing — text messages, social media, casual emails — often skips the apostrophe, and that habit can carry over into formal contexts.

Possessive apostrophes in English are tricky in general. Many people struggle with when to use them, and "driver's license" is one of the most frequently misspelled phrases in everyday writing. But the rule is straightforward: if something belongs to someone, use the apostrophe.

What to do if you see it misspelled

If you encounter "drivers license" without an apostrophe on a state website or official form, it is likely a typo or an oversight. You can report it to the state DMV through their website feedback form. Most state agencies take these corrections seriously because official documents should model correct spelling.

For your own writing — whether on a form, in an email to a government agency, or in any formal context — use "driver's license" with the apostrophe. It is the standard, it is correct, and it shows you are familiar with the official terminology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using the wrong spelling affect my process or renewal?

No. If you write "drivers license" on a form you submit to the DMV, it will not cause your process to be rejected. The DMV is looking at the information you provide — your name, address, date of birth — not correcting your spelling. However, using the correct spelling in your own writing is a good habit for any official correspondence.

Why do some websites and apps show "drivers license" without the apostrophe?

Some websites, apps, and informal sources use the misspelling because they were built quickly or not reviewed by someone checking for accuracy. Social media, forums, and user-generated content often contain the error. But state government websites and official documents always use the possessive form.

Is "driver license" ever correct?

No. In American English, the correct form is always "driver's license" with the apostrophe. "Driver license" without the apostrophe is not a recognized variant in any official U.S. government style guide or dictionary.

What about "driver's license" vs. "drivers' license"?

The correct form is "driver's license" (singular possessive), not "drivers' license" (plural possessive). You are referring to one driver's license, not multiple drivers' licenses. Use the apostrophe after "driver" and before the "s".