When applying for or talking about official documents, people often wonder: Is it drivers license or driver’s license? The small apostrophe might seem insignificant, but it plays a crucial grammatical role.
Let’s dive into the proper usage, common misconceptions, and regional variations of this term.
Should you write driver’s license or drivers license? The apostrophe in driver’s indicates possession, making it the correct form. Learn why grammar matters and explore regional differences in terminology!
Understanding the Possessive Case in ‘Driver’s License’
The term driver’s license follows the rules of the possessive case in English. The apostrophe in driver’s indicates that the license belongs to a driver.
Since each person has their own individual license, the singular possessive form (driver’s license) is used instead of the plural (drivers’ license).
Breakdown of the Possessive Structure:
- Driver (noun) = A person who drives
- License (noun) = A legal document granting permission
- Driver’s license = A license belonging to a driver
If we were referring to licenses owned collectively by multiple drivers, we would use the plural possessive form (drivers’ licenses), but this is uncommon.
Common Misconceptions and Variations in Spelling
Many people mistakenly write drivers license without the apostrophe. This happens because the phrase is commonly spoken without emphasizing the possessive structure. However, grammatically speaking, driver’s license is correct.
Common Mistakes:
- Incorrect: I forgot my drivers license at home.
- Correct: I forgot my driver’s license at home.
The Reason Behind the Apostrophe in ‘Driver’s License’
English uses apostrophes to show possession. Since a driver’s license is a document issued to an individual driver, the singular possessive form is preferred.
In contrast, a phrase like drivers license (without an apostrophe) would suggest an adjective-noun structure rather than ownership, making it grammatically incorrect.
Acceptable Variations in Legal and Informal Contexts
While driver’s license is the grammatically correct term, legal documents and informal usage sometimes omit the apostrophe. Some official websites and signage may use drivers license for simplicity, but traditional grammar rules still favor driver’s license.
The Grammar of Ownership: Singular vs. Plural Possessives
To better understand why driver’s license is correct, let’s look at similar possessive structures:
| Singular Possessive | Meaning | Plural Possessive | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child’s toy | A toy belonging to one child | Children’s toys | Toys belonging to multiple children |
| Teacher’s desk | The desk of one teacher | Teachers’ desks | Desks used by multiple teachers |
| Driver’s license | A license belonging to one driver | Drivers’ licenses | Licenses belonging to multiple drivers |
Since each individual possesses their own license, the singular possessive form (driver’s license) is standard.
‘Drivers License’ or ‘Driver’s License’: A Historical Perspective
Historically, the term driver’s license has been in use since the early 1900s when driving regulations were formalized. As English grammar rules became standardized, the apostrophe was retained to indicate possession.
However, in modern times, some informal sources and digital platforms drop the apostrophe for simplicity.
Regional Differences in the Term ‘Driver’s License’
Different English-speaking countries use slightly different terminology when referring to this document. The biggest variations occur in spelling and phrasing.
British vs. American English: ‘License’ or ‘Licence’?
- American English: Driver’s license (spelled with “license”)
- British English: Driving licence (without an apostrophe and using “licence” for the noun)
Canada and Australia: Following the British Lead
- Canada: Uses both driver’s license and driving licence, depending on the province.
- Australia: Primarily uses driver licence, dropping both the apostrophe and the “s.”
The Impact of Legislation on the Spelling of ‘Driver’s License’
Legal documents often dictate spelling conventions. In the United States, most state-issued identification cards follow the “driver’s license” format. However, some official documents and signage simplify it as “drivers license.”
Choosing the Right Term: Practical Advice for American English Usage
If you’re writing in American English, the correct term to use is:
- Driver’s license in formal writing and official documents
- “Drivers license” may appear in informal settings, but it’s not grammatically correct
For professional, academic, or legal writing, always include the apostrophe.
Key Takeaways on Writing and Saying ‘Driver’s License’ Correctly
- Use the apostrophe because the license belongs to the driver (driver’s license).
- Avoid “drivers license” as it lacks proper possessive structure.
- Know regional differences: The UK uses driving licence, while Australia uses driver licence.
- Stick to proper grammar in formal settings, but be aware of informal variations.
Conclusion
The correct way to write this term in American English is driver’s license, as it follows the singular possessive rule. While informal usage and some regional variations may drop the apostrophe, understanding the correct grammatical structure ensures clarity in communication.
Whether applying for a new license or referring to your own, using the proper term helps maintain professionalism and accuracy.
