License vs. Licence
In US English, “license” is normally used for both the noun and the verb. In UK English, “licence” is the usual noun spelling, while “license” is a standard verb spelling. Cambridge also records “licence” as a UK verb variant, so a guide should explain the noun–verb convention without claiming every other recorded form is impossible.
In US English, “license” is normally used for both the noun and the verb. In UK English, “licence” is the usual noun spelling, while “license” is a standard verb spelling.
Key details
Further guidance
Core difference
In US English, “license” is normally used for both the noun and the verb. In UK English, “licence” is the usual noun spelling, while “license” is a standard verb spelling.
Fast Test
Choose the form that matches the intended meaning, grammatical role, and documented regional convention; do not treat a standard regional variant as an error.
Variant Boundary
Cambridge also records “licence” as a UK verb variant, so a guide should explain the noun–verb convention without claiming every other recorded form is impossible.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- LICENSE — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · US noun spelling and verb form; regional usage notes
- LICENCE — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · UK noun spelling and recorded verb variant