Inklingo

How to Say "license" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “license” is “licencia” — use 'licencia' for official documents that prove you have permission to do something, such as a driver's license, a professional license, or a software license..

English → Spanish

licencia

lee-SEN-syah/liˈθen.sja/

nounA1official document
Use 'licencia' for official documents that prove you have permission to do something, such as a driver's license, a professional license, or a software license.
A cartoon hand holding up a stylized, official ID card featuring a small car silhouette, representing a driving license.

Examples

Necesito renovar mi licencia de conducir el próximo mes.

I need to renew my driver's license next month.

Perdí mi licencia de conducir en el viaje.

I lost my driver's license on the trip.

Necesitas una licencia para abrir un restaurante.

You need a license to open a restaurant.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-a', 'licencia' is always feminine. Remember to use 'la licencia' or 'una licencia'.

permiso

/per-MEE-soh//peɾˈmiso/

NounA2official document
Use 'permiso' when referring to a specific authorization or permission to carry out an activity, often a temporary one, like a building permit or permission to enter.
A stylized hand holds up a simple, rectangular identification card next to a small illustration of a steering wheel, symbolizing a driving permit.

Examples

El ayuntamiento me dio permiso para construir la terraza.

The city council gave me permission to build the terrace.

¿Ya tienes tu permiso de conducir?

Do you have your driver's license yet?

Para trabajar aquí, necesitas un permiso de trabajo.

To work here, you need a work permit.

La construcción fue detenida porque no tenían el permiso necesario.

The construction was stopped because they didn't have the necessary permit.

Permit vs. License

Mistake: “Using 'permiso' for every type of license.”

Correction: 'Permiso' is perfect for official documents like work or residency permits. For driving, both 'permiso de conducir' and 'licencia de conducir' are common. 'Licencia' can sometimes sound more official or be preferred in certain regions.

autorización

nounB2official document
Use 'autorización' for a more general grant of authority or official approval, often in a written form, emphasizing the act of authorizing rather than the document itself.

Examples

Se requiere autorización escrita para retirar los documentos.

Written authorization is required to retrieve the documents.

Licencia vs. Permiso

Learners often confuse 'licencia' and 'permiso' because both can mean permission. Remember that 'licencia' usually refers to a formal, often physical, document like a driver's license, while 'permiso' can be broader and also refer to the act of giving permission.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.