Permit vs. License — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
A permit grants temporary authorization for a specific activity, while a license gives long-term permission, often requiring qualifications.
Difference Between Permit and License
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Permit and License both pertain to permissions granted by an authority. A permit usually refers to a temporary or short-term authorization to do a specific activity. For instance, one might need a building permit to construct a deck. In contrast, a License often implies a more long-term or permanent permission, especially when qualifications are met.
A permit can be understood as a form of approval, allowing a person or entity to undertake an action within specified parameters. A city might issue a parade permit, restricting the route and time. A License, on the other hand, generally denotes a more official or formalized permission. For example, professionals like doctors and lawyers need licenses to practice, ensuring they meet certain standards.
It's noteworthy to mention that while permits typically have expiration dates, licenses might remain valid for longer periods, provided terms are adhered to. For instance, a fishing permit may only be valid for a day, while a driver's license lasts several years. Moreover, obtaining a license often requires passing tests or proving qualifications, while permits may be acquired with fewer requirements.
Both Permit and License serve as mechanisms to regulate activities, ensuring safety, professionalism, or adherence to specific standards. Whether it's a temporary parking permit or a permanent business license, these terms signify the permissions set forth by governing entities.
Comparison Chart
Nature of Permission
Temporary or short-term.
Long-term or permanent.
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Requirement
Might have fewer requirements.
Often requires passing tests or qualifications.
Duration
Typically has an expiration date.
Generally valid for longer periods.
Purpose
Specific activity or event.
Profession, activity, or general permissions.
Issuance
Granted by various entities, often local.
Might be issued by state or federal bodies.
Compare with Definitions
Permit
Temporary permission granted by authorities.
The construction permit is valid for six months.
License
A grant of rights to use something.
The artist gave them a license to use his song in the film.
Permit
A certificate indicating a paid fee allowing a specific activity.
She purchased a parking permit for the semester.
License
A license (American English) or licence (British English) is an official permission or permit to do, use, or own something (as well as the document of that permission or permit).A license is granted by a party to another party as an element of an agreement between those parties. In the case of a license issued by a government, the license is obtained by applying for it.
Permit
An allowance to proceed with an action.
The guard gave them a permit to enter the restricted area.
License
Official or legal permission to engage in a regulated activity
"He believed that the subcommittee gave him license to interrogate anyone about any possible links to communism" (Donald A. Ritchie).
Permit
To allow the doing of (something); consent to
Permit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
License
A document, card, plate, or tag that is issued as proof of official or legal permission
A driver's license.
Permit
To grant consent or leave to (someone); authorize
Permitted him to explain.
License
A contract allowing someone to use a proprietary product or service
Has a site license for that software.
Permit
To afford opportunity or possibility for
Weather that permits sailing.
License
Freedom of action or permission to act
"Doctors labeled many of the organs of the immune system 'functionless' ... giving surgeons license to remove them with abandon" (Andrew Weil).
Permit
To afford opportunity; allow
If circumstances permit.
License
Poetic license.
Permit
A document or certificate giving permission to do something
A building permit.
License
Lack of due restraint; excessive freedom
"It is important to preserve freedom only for people who are willing to practice self-denial, for otherwise freedom degenerates into license and irresponsibility" (Milton Friedman).
Permit
A carangid fish (Trachinotus falcatus) of the western Atlantic Ocean, having a laterally compressed silvery body and a deeply forked tail and valued as a food and game fish.
License
Heedlessness for the precepts of proper behavior, especially with regard to sex
"noir stories of the consequences of sexual license" (Foster Hirsch).
Permit
(transitive) To allow (something) to happen, to give permission for.
License
An excuse or justification to do something wrong
People who see low-fat labels as a license to eat larger amounts.
Permit
(transitive) To allow (someone) to do something; to give permission to.
License
To give or yield permission to or for
"Deep down I wondered what licensed me to speak" (Jan Clausen).
Permit
(intransitive) To allow for, to make something possible.
License
To grant a license to or for; authorize.
Permit
(intransitive) To allow, to admit (of).
License
A legal document giving official permission to do something; a permit.
Permit
To grant formal authorization for (something).
The Building Department permitted that project last week.
License
The legal terms under which a person is allowed to use a product, especially software.
Permit
To attempt to obtain or succeed in obtaining formal authorization for (something).
We've been busy permitting the State Street development.
License
Freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behaviour or speech).
Permit
To hand over, resign (something to someone).
License
Excessive freedom; lack of due restraint.
Permit
An artifact or document rendering something allowed or legal.
A construction permit can be obtained from the town offices.
Go over to the park office and get a permit for the #3 shelter.
License
To authorize officially.
I am licensed to practice law in this state.
Permit
A learner's permit.
License
(transitive) (applied to a piece of intellectual property)
Permit
(obsolete) Formal permission.
License
To give formal authorization to use.
It was decided to license Wikipedia under the GFDL.
Permit
A pompano of the species Trachinotus falcatus.
License
To acquire authorization to use, usually in exchange for compensation.
The filmmakers licensed several iconic 80's songs for the soundtrack.
Permit
To consent to; to allow or suffer to be done; to tolerate; to put up with.
What things God doth neither command nor forbid . . . he permitteth with approbation either to be done or left undone.
License
(transitive) To give permission or freedom to; accept.
Permit
To grant (one) express license or liberty to do an act; to authorize; to give leave; - followed by an infinitive.
Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.
License
To permit (as grammatically correct).
No English adverbs have mandatory complements, and most don't even license optional ones.
Permit
To give over; to resign; to leave; to commit.
Let us not aggravate our sorrows,But to the gods permit the event of things.
License
Authority or liberty given to do or forbear any act; especially, a formal permission from the proper authorities to perform certain acts or to carry on a certain business, which without such permission would be illegal; a grant of permission; as, a license to preach, to practice medicine, to sell gunpowder or intoxicating liquors.
To have a license and a leave at London to dwell.
Permit
To grant permission; to allow.
License
The document granting such permission.
Permit
Warrant; license; leave; permission; specifically, a written license or permission given to a person or persons having authority; as, a permit to land goods subject to duty.
License
Excess of liberty; freedom abused, or used in contempt of law or decorum; disregard of law or propriety.
License they mean when they cry liberty.
Permit
A large pompano (Trachinotus goodei) of the West Indies, Florida, etc. It becomes about three feet long.
License
That deviation from strict fact, form, or rule, in which an artist or writer indulges, assuming that it will be permitted for the sake of the advantage or effect gained; as, poetic license; grammatical license, etc.
Permit
A legal document giving official permission to do something
License
To permit or authorize by license; to give license to; as, to license a man to preach.
Permit
The act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
License
A legal document giving official permission to do something
Permit
Large game fish; found in waters of the West Indies
License
Freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)
Permit
Consent to, give permission;
She permitted her son to visit her estranged husband
I won't let the police search her basement
I cannot allow you to see your exam
License
Excessive freedom; lack of due restraint;
When liberty becomes license dictatorship is near
The intolerable license with which the newspapers break...the rules of decorum
Permit
Make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen;
This permits the water to rush in
This sealed door won't allow the water come into the basement
This will permit the rain to run off
License
The act of giving a formal (usually written) authorization
Permit
Allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting;
We don't allow dogs here
Children are not permitted beyond this point
We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital
License
Authorize officially;
I am licensed to practice law in this state
Permit
An official document granting authorization to do something.
They obtained a permit to host the event at the park.
License
An official document granting permission to operate or practice a profession.
After passing the exam, she received her medical license.
Permit
A document signifying adherence to regulations for specific actions.
The environmental agency issued a discharge permit to the factory.
License
A certificate of qualification or authorization.
The software came with a license for three computers.
License
Permission based on competence or attainment.
He earned his pilot's license after rigorous training.
License
A document indicating adherence to legal requirements.
Restaurants must have a license to serve alcohol.
Common Curiosities
Are "permit" and "license" synonyms?
They both relate to permissions, but a permit is often temporary, while a license is usually longer-term and may require qualifications.
Can I use "permit" and "license" interchangeably?
Not always, as they have distinct nuances, especially concerning duration and qualifications.
Do all permits have expiration dates?
Most permits are temporary and have expiration dates, but the duration can vary.
Do licenses always require a test or qualification?
Often, but not always. Some licenses are granted based on qualifications, while others might be based on other criteria.
Which is more formal, a permit or a license?
Both can be formal, but licenses often denote a more official or long-term permission, especially in professions.
Is a driver's license a permit or a license?
It's a license, indicating long-term permission to drive.
Is a fishing license a permit or a license?
It's typically called a "fishing license," but its nature is similar to a permit as it often has a limited duration.
Can a license be revoked?
Yes, if terms are violated or if the licensee is deemed unfit, licenses can be revoked.
Can permits be renewed?
Yes, depending on the nature of the permit, renewals might be possible.
Can individuals issue permits or licenses?
Typically, permits and licenses are issued by governing bodies or organizations, not individuals.
Are permits and licenses always physical documents?
Often, but with digital advancements, many are now available in electronic formats.
Which lasts longer, a permit or a license?
Generally, a license lasts longer than a permit.
Do all professions require licenses?
No, only specific professions, like doctors, lawyers, or pilots, mandate licenses.
What happens if someone operates without a permit or license?
They may face legal penalties, fines, or other repercussions.
Why are permits and licenses necessary?
They regulate activities, ensure safety, maintain standards, and protect public interests.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
