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
Choose the right form
| Context | Usual form | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| US English noun or verb | license | US English normally uses “license” for both roles. |
| UK English noun | licence | Usual UK noun spelling. |
| UK English verb | license | A standard UK verb spelling; Cambridge also records licence as a verb variant. |
Quick tests
Region-and-role test
Are you writing UK English and using the word as a noun?
If yes: Use “licence” as the usual UK noun spelling.
If no: For US English, “license” normally covers noun and verb; for a UK verb, “license” is standard, while the reviewed dictionary also records a variant.
Caveat: This is a regional and grammatical-role convention, not an absolute claim that every other recorded form is impossible.
Examples
The driver renewed her license.
US English normally uses “license” as the noun.
The driver renewed her licence.
This is the usual UK noun spelling.
The authority will license the operator.
“License” is a standard verb spelling in UK and US usage.
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