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, like driving or practicing a profession.

English → Spanish

licencia

lee-SEN-syahliˈθen.sja

nounA1official document
Use 'licencia' for official documents that prove you have permission to do something, like driving or practicing a profession.
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 antes de que expire.

I need to renew my driver's license before it expires.

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-sohpeɾˈmiso

nounA2an official document allowing an activity
Use 'permiso' when referring to an official document that grants permission for a specific activity, often temporary or for a particular purpose.
A stylized hand holds up a simple, rectangular identification card next to a small illustration of a steering wheel, symbolizing a driving permit.

Examples

Solicité un permiso para aparcar en la zona de residentes.

I applied for a permit to park in the residents' zone.

¿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

nounB2document granting rights
Use 'autorización' for a formal grant of rights or permission, often in writing, to do something or access something.

Examples

Se requiere autorización parental para menores de 18 años.

Parental authorization is required for those under 18 years old.

patente

pah-TEN-tehpaˈtente

nounB1official permission or document
Use 'patente' specifically for an official document granting exclusive rights to an invention or a unique process.
A detailed technical blueprint of a lightbulb with gears inside, resting on a wooden desk.

Examples

El inventor obtuvo una patente para su nuevo dispositivo.

The inventor obtained a patent for his new device.

La científica solicitó una patente para su nueva medicina.

The scientist applied for a patent for her new medicine.

Si inventas algo único, debes registrar la patente.

If you invent something unique, you should register the patent.

La empresa tiene la patente de esta tecnología desde hace años.

The company has held the patent for this technology for years.

Always Feminine

Even though it ends in 'e', this word is always feminine. Use 'la' or 'una' with it.

Gender Error

Mistake: “El patente de la invención.”

Correction: La patente de la invención. (The word is feminine, even if it refers to a technical topic).

Licencia vs. Permiso

Learners often confuse 'licencia' and 'permiso' because both can mean permission. Remember that 'licencia' is typically for official documents like driving or professional licenses, while 'permiso' is more general for permission to do a specific activity.

Related Translations

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