

This is required by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators' design standard and has been adopted by many US states. Many driving permits and ID cards display small digits next to each data field. commercial license classes are standardized by federal regulation at 49 CFR 383.

Many states share a common system of license classes, with some exceptions, e.g. A state may also suspend an individual's driving privilege within its borders for traffic violations. Generally, a minimum age of 16 is required to apply for a non-commercial driver's license, and 18 for commercial licenses which drivers must have to operate vehicles that are too heavy for a non-commercial licensed driver (such as buses, trucks, and tractor-trailers) or vehicles with at least 16 passengers (including the driver) or containing hazardous materials that require placards. There are also licenses for motorcycle use. All states of the United States and provinces and territories of Canada recognize each other's licenses for non-resident age requirements.

Drivers are normally required to obtain a license from their state of residence. In the United States, driver's licenses are issued by each individual state, territory, and the District of Columbia rather than by the federal government due to federalism. Sample Californian, Floridian, and District of Columbia driver's licenses
